Bruin fall sports are just getting started, with exciting seasons in store.
A team that looks very promising this year is girls volleyball. After graduating only two seniors and a lot of interested incoming freshman, there are a record number of players out for the team this year. Returning coach Lois Mast is looking forward to the progress the team can make this year. There are nine returning letterwinners: five seniors, three juniors, and one sophomore. With three games already underway, the varsity stands with a 2-1 record. Excited about the season, senior Brooke Hershberger (‘14) says, “This should be a good year for us if we continue to play as a team and communicate.” It should be an exciting season for the girls. Their next game is this Saturday the 31st at home in a triway with Blackhawk and Hamilton.
With a new coach this year, Benji Hurst, cross country is still down in numbers but excited about the future. This year, with four runners, but only three that compete in meets, the team will not get scored as a team but individual times are still important and runners can advance individually. Returning letterwinners are Lena Yeakey (‘15) and Austin Hooley (‘15), with incoming freshmen Hannah Yeakey (‘16) and Carissa Hostetler (‘16). Runners are already showing improvement from their previous seasons, in the Goshen invite and Hokum Karem, meets that have already happened. Next cross country meet is this Saturday, the Northwood Invite at Stauffer Park.
Girls soccer is excited about their season, albeit being low on numbers again. With 14 players, but one injury, it will be another building year for the team. However they are excited and looking forward to another fun season. After graduating two strong seniors, there are still ten returning letterwinners and only one new freshman, Carissa Woolace (‘16). Team captains Sammy Kauffman (‘14) and Lana Smucker (‘14) are looking forward to growing as a team and having fun, “We all know each other better and can communicate well after most of us have played together for a year,” they agree. Their next game is Tuesday, September 3 at West Noble.
Boys tennis is another team that looks very strong this year. With five returning letterwinners, they are excited for the season. The team this year is deep, and coach Matt Miller is looking forward to developing the nine freshmen that came out this season. They have already played five matches, with a 4-1 varsity record and a 3-0-2 JV record. Senior Joel Gerig (‘14) plays number one doubles with Hans Miller (‘15.) He loves the team, saying, “It’s more like a brotherhood…everything we do we do together, win or lose. On and off the court we know that we will be supporting each other.” Come support Bruin tennis September 3rd, at home.
With their strong past seasons in the forefront in everyone’s minds, Bethany boys soccer may be taking a back burner to some other sports this year. Graduating the strongest, and winningest class of soccer players in Bethany history makes this more of a growing year for soccer. With those nine players gone, it makes way for younger and also very strong players to develop. Sophomore Matthew Smucker (‘16) is excited for the season, saying “We are just focusing on getting better for sectionals. So as long as we are improving, the score doesn’t matter.” Although it is a growing year, boys soccer is still looking forward to a strong season. Their next game is September 3rd against Elkhart Memorial.
With exciting seasons coming up for all Bruin sports, make sure you come out and support our student athletes!
~Katie Hurst