The Crusaders stared into the eyes of a team who has captured eight state championships in the last 10 years. But the Bellevue West T-Birds were no match for "the beasts" of Marian. The Crusaders won the state championship 15-10, 15-6. "I knew it was going to take every single one of us to make our dream come true," said a beaming senior defensive specialist Sallie Delgado. This Was 'Next Year' for Varsity Volleyball
by Katie Beller
Ten seniors, one junior, and three sophomores made up this volleyball powerhouse. The state competition kicked off with a game against Millard North on Friday, Nov. 12. If students wanted to go to the game they were dismissed at noon with a note from their parents. The spirit club organized six busses for underclassmen and carpools were formed for others. So with more than 500 student fans watching in amazement, the Crusaders sent the Mustangs galloping home. The scores were 16-14, 15-9. The heat was on Friday night when Marian faced Norfolk. A state championship trophy was within reach during this semifinal game. The Crusaders battled the Panthers for a solid hour of intense volleyball. Marian swept the first game, 15-10, but Norfolk stirred things up when they took the second game, 14-16. Nothing could stop the "mighty Marian" Crusaders, they came back to win 15-3.
Four years ago, seniors Kylie Lebeda, Nicole Mausbach, and Amy Sibbernsen walked on to the court of Pershing Auditorium. They, then meek freshmen, were suiting up to play with the Varsity team at the State competition. It was then and there they decided that someday they would rule that court. "I wanted the State title all my life but especially since I went to State as a freshman. It's always been in our hearts," Lebeda said. Throughout the next three years there were ups, downs, additions and many changes, but these girls hung on. There was something each and every one of them wanted, a State championship medal. They knew 1999 was their year. "This year I never doubted it, I knew we'd win. We just took it one game at a time," senior Michaela Wuebben said.
The girls returned Saturday to meet their destiny. They walked into Pershing with high hopes and a bond beaming between them that could never be broken. A bond that started three years ago on the same court, where three of the 14 girls promised themselves they would have their victory. These 14 State champions represent a victorious season for the Marian volleyball program. Of all five teams, Varsity, Junior Varsity, Reserve, Freshman A and B, only five games were lost. Mr. Jim Miller points out that this must be some kind of record.
And to top it all off, for the first time ever, Marian volleyball is ranked nationally. It was announced Nov. 23 that these amazing girls, led by an amazing coaching staff, are ranked sixth in the nation. "It's unbelievable to be ranked nationally being we're from Omaha, more unreal because weUre from Marian. We owe it to the coaches, they made winning fun." said senior Lindsay Kelly.
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