After overcoming a few bumps and bruises along the way, the Lady Raider Volleyball team said they are fighting to keep the tradition of competing at state alive. With a current record of 26-4, having six returning starters and being 2009 state champions, Coach Jason Culpepper said the chemistry on this year’s team is coming together.
In 2009 the volleyball team was ranked 2nd in state and 18th nationally. They led the state division as No. 1 and their overall record was 42-1-0, an almost undefeated season. In 2010, they were ranked 9th in the state division but lost at regional finals. Culpepper and players said this year is full of high expectations and exhilarated spirits.
This marks Culpepper’s fifth year at Randall and with one state championship under his belt, he said the team is ready to compete for another.
“Senior leadership is a strong point this year,” Culpepper said. “We have a lot of experience in big games, which will help in district and playoffs.”
Culpepper said the team’s biggest competitor this year is the Dumas Demons. The Raiders defeated the Demons in a nail biting five set match up Sept. 20, narrowly pulling off the win but the two teams will face off again Oct. 16.
“The team is working on getting a new rhythm that comes with having a new setter for the hitters, but (setter) Whitney Hunt is doing a great job at that,” Culpepper said. “The girls have played together for a long time, so we are all having a great time playing together (this year).”
Middle blocker junior Hunter Lenz said her goal, along with her teammates, is to be competing at the state tournament.
“We have a good team this year,” Lenz said “Yes, we’ve hit some bumps, but we are a strong team and can go through anything together.”
