As the 2024 school year kicks off, so does Lakeview’s volleyball season. The Lady Bulldogs started their season on August 17th and have been competing ever since. So far this year, the Bulldogs are 8-1, standing undefeated in their conference.
This year, the team is full of seniors, having 8 in total. With it being her last year, middle hitter Reagan Price has much to say. So far her season has “been amazing” saying, “I am so grateful I get to spend my last year with my same teammates since seventh grade. I love my coaches and friends and cannot wait to see what we can accomplish.”
Price is not the only one who loves her senior season, right-side hitter Kennedy Bartlett also does! Like Price, Bartlett has loved every second of her senior season, and hopes everyone can “continue to grow as a team and win the conference for the third year in a row.” Bartlett also states that she, “hopes our team can make a run this year, especially because of the 8 seniors we’ve had together for 6 years now.” From this, it is clear their season is starting great!
This team is not only full of friendship but competitiveness as well. After a short 3 seasons, Price and senior Mallory Mailach are close to reaching their goals. Last year, Mailach achieved 1,000 assists, holding a record in the program. By the end of the season, she will have reached 1,000 more! Mailach says her achievements are “all thanks to my team, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them!” She also added, “This record has been one goal of mine for many years, so achieving it would mean the world!”
Price is also having a great season, coming close to reaching 1,000 kills. Price has been a monster at the net, and will continue being one the rest of the season. When asked about her near-achieved goal, Price says, “I am so excited to join the 1,000’s club! I have always looked up to Tara Lytle and the record she holds, so I am very proud of myself for reaching that goal.”
The Bulldogs have done a great job supporting each other and making a difference in the community! The volleyball team volunteered to help work the Cortland Street Fair in the summer, raising money for their program. Mailach, says events like this create “team bonding,” strengthening the group’s chemistry.
Each year, the Bulldogs host their annual “Pink Game,” supporting local communities struggling with breast cancer. This game will be hosted on September 26th against the South Range Raiders. The Pink Game is more than just a match, it is a chance to shop as well! Sponsors such as Kendra Scott and Vera Bradley make an appearance, advertising their newest inventory! If you want to make it to a game this season, this is the one for you!
Although it may not seem like it, these girls aren’t always business. Senior and back-row player Mara Schmader, adds to that idea, exclaiming that the team always has an “annual sleepover.” Schmader also believes it “brings our team closer because of all of the things we do like pranking our coaches’ houses and bonding with each other! It is one of my favorite parts of volleyball season!”
These girls always find a way to have fun and make memories, while staying serious on the court.
The Bulldogs have done a phenomenal job so far this season and will continue to play their hearts out. As a community, we all should support these ladies and help carry them to victory! The Lady Bulldogs schedule can be found on Instagram under, “@lakeviewbulldogsvb.” This week, the Bulldogs will face the Girard Indians on Tuesday and the Hubbard Eagles on Thursday. With enough spirit, these ladies will continue to go far in their season.
