Lewis, Hozeska and Reuter all out indefinitely
By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
Two Division I state championships.
Four Southern Lakes Conference titles.
A program that has become second to none in state volleyball.
Burlington volleyball is the New York Yankees of the state, the standard bearer, the top dog. But that supremacy could be in jeopardy this season.
With Morganne Longoria (Valparaiso), Ciara Capezio (Iowa State) and Kaysie Shebeneck (Texas A&M) all gone and now playing Division I college volleyball, plus the injury bug having reared its ugly head for the squad – the Demons are focusing on improvement.
Three starters from last year, Tay Lewis, Phoebe Hozeska and Ali Reuter, are all out indefinitely right now. Burlington coach Dan Lynch, now in his 25th season, said Tuesday that Lewis, who suffered a broken ankle, could be out four weeks along with Hozeska. He couldn’t provide a timetable on Reuter.
Though Lynch said the team is deep and will step up, he can’t deny the impact of the injuries.
“It’s by far our biggest challenge,” Lynch said. “I’m not sure about our lineup right now. Our girls must be flexible. They are confident, they work hard and they’re hungry.”
The Lady Demons are young but return 10 varsity players. Senior Erika Krause and juniors Robyn Robers, Sarra Webb, Tegan Taylor and Leah Hofer should see plenty of playing time. But the underclassmen could have just as big of a role.
Quinn Spieker and Emma Fettig join Lewis, Hozeska and Reuter to form a very solid sophomore class.
“Spieker has been showing good leadership,” Lynch said. “She is vocal and is playing hard.”
New to varsity this fall will be juniors Sadie Tenhagen, Lauren Pesick and Sam Lahodik along with sophomore Arden Peterson and freshman Turzinski.
Lynch said the team is “very young,” and the focus may not be on winning right away. Burlington travels to the Joust this weekend at Thomas More High School.
“It will be a good gauge for where we’re at,” Lynch said. “It’s not about winning it.”
The Lady Demons will battle for their fifth consecutive conference title this season, but perennial power Westosha Central will provide the strongest competition.
Lynch said Union Grove should be solid as well.
For now, he isn’t even thinking about a return trip to the Resch Center in Green Bay.
“We are just trying to get better every day,” Lynch said.
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