‘We need to be that team again’

RITZVILLE — A year ago this time, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague volleyball team was preparing for a season in which the Broncos finished second in Division 2B; now, they’re using last year’s finish as motivation heading into the 2024 season.

“We try to accept that we have success and not rest on our laurels, but let that push us to work harder and get stronger so we can achieve even more success,” said Head Coach Carl Galbreath.

Another factor helping matters is the Broncos’ five returning starters; five of the six will be back in 2024.

“We have to work, we have to be that team again,” senior Addy Colbert said. “You go out there and you have a target on your back.”

Senior Madisyn Cameron said bringing back a significant portion of the 2023 starters and depth will rekindle familiarity on the field.

“It really helps our chemistry because we’ve been playing together for three, four years and then having freshmen coming in gives us a breath of fresh air to find something new and what they can bring to the table,” he said.

The only starter not with the Broncos this fall is Megan Melcher, who earned first-team all-league honors last fall and graduated in the spring.

“He had a big role, so we’re going to have to continue to function without him, because he was so consistent; he was so reliable; he made very few (mistakes),” Carl Galbreath said. “Hopefully we can fill that void and continue in our rhythm.”

Galbreath said sophomore Allesandra Mendez is one of the Bronco players he thinks will be in the starting lineup this season, having had a strong season with the junior varsity as a freshman.

“I think he’s improved his game and his confidence has improved,” he said. “I hope he feels more comfortable playing more varsity games. It’s a big change from JV to varsity.”

Along with Colbert, Zoe Galbreath and Saige Galbreath make up three returning players who are receiving league-wide recognition in 2023. Zoe was named the Northeast 2B co-MVP.

“That was the first thing that surprised me last year,” Zoe Galbreath said. “I was really excited and it made me realize what I can do as an actress. Hopefully I can carry that into this year.”

The Broncos’ offseason efforts included open gyms, hosting a tournament with teams from Okanogan, Tonasket, Warden and Onalaska, and traveling to camps and tournaments in Onalaska and Lewiston, Idaho.

“It makes them feel connected to the game,” Carl Galbreath said. “I think that’s much more valuable than starting cold (at the beginning of practice). I think it helps them feel more comfortable and confident in their game.”

LRS posted a 20-3 record last season, including a 13-0 start to the year before losing to Davenport in mid-October. The Broncos, seeded No. 5 in the state tournament, swept their first three games with 3-0 victories over No. 12 Coupeville, No. 13 Liberty (Spangle) and No. 9 Rainier before falling 3-0 to No. 2 Manson in the state championship game.

“Last year we said, ‘We’re gonna climb that mountain.’ That was our motto last year and we made it to the top. Of course, second place is still great, but we’re still trying to get better and get that state championship,” Colbert said.

The 2024 season will begin with a home match against Reardan on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

“I think it’s going to take the hunger out of every single one of them — the girls on the field and the girls on the bench,” Carl Galbreath said. “Every day, we push each other to continue to get better and perfect our game.”