The girls’ varsity volleyball team has had their fair share of upsets so far this season.
Head Volleyball Coach Nate Novotny attributes their 5-17 losing record to the girls being their own worst enemy.

“Mentality is the biggest problem for the girls,” Novotny said.

As of Sept. 26 the girls’ only wins came against Omaha South on Sept. 14 and Omaha North on Sept. 20.

“I felt really happy and accomplished,” sophomore Jordan Wattles said. “Happy because we won, and accomplished because we worked hard for those wins.”

Going forward after the wins, the girls got in their heads and went on a four-game losing streak.

“Going up against teams that I know are good, I feel a little down because there is a slight chance of winning, but we fight and play hard for a chance to stay in the game,” Wattles said.

Despite losses to Elkhorn South, Benson, Omaha North, Omaha Northwest, Burke, Central, Bellevue East, Lincoln High and Omaha South the team has seen improvement from last season and continues to focus on bettering their game little by little.

“Everyone has improved in the team in their own way since last year, so has team bonding, and individuals themselves,” Novotny said.

Players such as junior Olivia Rickley and senior Amy Lewis have had over 11 kills combined. Rickley has 35 attempts, 9 aces and only 4 errors out of her serves.

“I realize that I can play different spots and it is beneficial for the team,” Rickley said.

On offense both Rickley and Lewis have 72 attempts for attacks. They also have 11 kills on their attempts, which is still less than senior Keite Mure, who has 57 attempts, and has 13 kills. The team has individuals improving and growing.

“We are more comfortable now and we all understand that we have different needs and we all help improve one another in different ways,” Mure said.

Weaknesses such as not being warmed up both physically and mentally is something that is blocking the team from success.

“The girls are great on the court,” Novotny said. “The toughest thing about coaching at Bryan High is the mentality that we are not good enough.”