For its 2021 campaign, SLUH’s freshman volleyball team went 4-0 in its individual matches, and participated in four tournaments, with its most recent result being a first place trophy at the SLUH Volleyball Round Robin. The team won its most recent match against Lindbergh 2-1 to finish its season with a win. 

Although playing a regular season that spanned from late March to early May, the team had a full schedule, including four tournaments, three of which the Jr. Bills hosted, and four other matches against individual opponents.

“We had our most exciting matches at the MCC Round Robins where all the MCC schools got their freshmen teams together to just play each team once—not a tournament style, but each team got a matchup against every school,” said head coach Julie Anderson. “We did those on two separate Saturdays to account for a "home" and "away" match, although we really lucked out because SLUH hosted it both times due to the size and availability of our Field House.”

The team’s rival this year, the Vianney Griffins provided for great matchups in the tournaments that SLUH hosted. Unfortunately, the Jr. Bills fell to the Griffins in both of its appearances against them, with each game coming down to the wire in full three-set matches. 

“That program rivalry meant a lot to our freshman guys and they really gave it their all,” said Anderson.

In its final regular season matchup and victory against the Lindbergh Flyers, SLUH won in three sets. The team recovered from an early 10-2 deficit behind great serving and use of momentum on the court. 

“We closed the gap with a great serving run by Gabe Sullivan but then it was just a back and forth finish and we lost the first set 26-24. Our next two sets were outstanding—we took control from the beginning and the guys rallied to win the next two sets easily,” said Anderson. “Wrapping up our season with a fun comeback win to prove ourselves was a great way to end.”

The 2021 freshman volleyball team was a very versatile squad because of the mix of players. Adam Westhoff, who was the team’s captain and main setter, only left the court for three rotations (a rotation equates to a point being scored in a set) and was the team’s primary workhorse. 

“Having his leadership and balanced demeanor on the court was vital to our success,” said Anderson. “He was a clear captain from day one.”

Miles Rittenhouse, who played outside this year, was a source of athleticism as he tried volleyball right after finishing his first year playing for SLUH’s basketball team. 

“He picked up on volleyball techniques quickly and just has a heck of swing,” said Anderson.

Daniel Mehan, one of the teams’ most crucial defensive players, was also a major factor this year. 

“He came in as a scrappy, shorter back row player and that made him an ideal fit for libero,” said Anderson. “His defense really allowed us to keep rallies going and have our offense stay so aggressive throughout our season.”

The last major player of note is Gabe Sullivan, who was a major force on the team because of his great ability to serve and set the pace and tone of a game in SLUH’s favor. 

“He had a jump serve that other freshman level teams just couldn't defend,” said Anderson. “He was a crucial player for us and had some great swings on the right side at the net.”

A big but more behind the scenes factor this year for the freshman squad was volunteer assistant coach David Corely, ’16, a member of SLUH volleyball’s 2015 and 2016 State Championship teams. 

“It was a huge benefit to have him around to help out with the SLUH volleyball program this year. He was instrumental in the development of our freshman team,” said Anderson. “Having him be able to play and scrimmage with our guys as well as coach the freshmen as they learn the game was just invaluable.”

Although the season was played in a short period of time, the team gained invaluable experience and brandished an impressive record of 4-0 with quality tournament play. 

“I'm sad we aren't able to play more matches, but I was just so proud of how the team improved consistently throughout the season,” said Anderson. “As our assistant coach said in our final huddle, if our team today scrimmaged against the team we were at the start of March, we'd crush them 25-2.”