Setting the Tone - by Drew Schock

One Heart. One Team. One Goal. That is the saying that the Richland Bombers volleyball girls live by. This is a saying that has been instilled into the minds of these girls by their head coach, Valarie Anderson. 

Photo: Jason Aardal

Entering her 3rd year as the Richland Bombers volleyball head coach, Coach Anderson is extremely excited for this upcoming season. I sat down with Coach Anderson and she stated, “The culture that these seniors bring to the table is exactly what this team needs this year.” After a somewhat disappointing season last year, it is extremely important for the team to get off on the right foot. The Bombers kick off their regular season against the Kamiakin Braves who they ended up losing both games last year to. When I asked her how important it is to go out and set the tone against such a prestigious program early she replied with,“It is absolutely vital that we go out and get this win. This is going to set the tempo and momentum for the season. I would go as far to say this is going to be the biggest regular season game of the year. It is key that the girls show up mentally strong as well as physically strong.” However, before the gates open on September 12, the team will be competing in the annual jamboree this weekend. When asked what the primary focuses are for this jamboree, Coach Anderson stated, Trying out different lineups to see what is working and solidifying final starting spots is definitely our primary focus. We really want to find out what is and isn't working for us early on so we aren't scrambling to fix things when the big games come around.” Last year's team had a lot of graduating seniors who really left their mark on the team here. Coach Anderson was quoted as saying, “The seniors from last year left a very big imprint on Bomber volleyball, and it is going to be very big shoes to fill, but I am 100 percent positive that the great leadership of this year's seniors are going to be the perfect fit for the team.” 

Photo: Jason Aardal

We were able to sit down with a few players to see how they are feeling about this upcoming season. Anna Hansen was singled out by multiple players as an excellent teammate that is going to be a huge piece to this team this year. Julia Saueressig said, “Anna is the most upbeat person that will always pick people up. She's an incredible athlete and excellent volleyball player who is the perfect teammate that everyone wants on their team.” Cara Harrington was also quoted as saying, “She is an excellent role model with a great mindset. Very talented and consistent. Consistency is extremely important especially at this level.” We got to talk to Anna a little bit about how she feels about the graduating seniors from last year and their impact on her. “Gracie Moss had a big impact on me and how I go about myself every day. I learned a lot from her playing in the same position. It is an extreme honor and responsibility to help the underclassmen to learn how to be a Bomber. We want everyone to succeed in their own way. Last year's seniors really set the standard to how we should behave not only as an athlete but also as a person.” We also asked Cara Harrington how important it is to have players step into the spotlight for the team. She was quoted as saying, “I believe Makiyah will definitely step into a big role this year. She has had captain experience and is very analytical and good at making people understand the little details. She has an incredible knack for bringing the team back in big moments.” 

Photo: Jason Aardal

This year's jamboree featured teams from the MCC, such as Kennewick, Kamiakin, Chiawana, Pasco, Hanford, Walla Walla, and Southridge. The only non-MCC team that participated this year was the Prosser Mustangs. Kamiakin came into the jamboree as the clear powerhouse after an incredible season, going 24-1 last year which included a district and conference championship, a second place finish in the state tournament, and the honor of being recognized as the 4A Academic State Champions. 

The Bombers kicked off the jamboree with a set against Prosser. Prosser last year had a fairly lackluster season, going 9-14; however, they do have a fairly bright future. Only one senior that graduated last year, and only 3 seniors this year, leaves the Mustangs a fairly young program. The Bombers were very prepared going into this first set and it showed. They jumped to an early lead and didn't give it up easily, besting the Mustangs. This match really set the tone for the rest of the jamboree as the Bombers went on to go 5-1 only losing to Walla Walla. 

Photo: Jason Aardal

The Bombers didn't play Kamiakin or Kennewick in the jamboree. Kamiakin is going to be their season opener and there is a lot of buzz around that game. We talked to Anna Hansen about how she is looking forward to that monstrous game, "It is extremely important for us to get the first win to build off of that confidence. There are gonna be harder teams later on in the postseason that Kamiakin will definitely prepare us for. The one thing that we need to fix from last year is a lack of confidence that definitely caused some cracks."

With an incredible roster, a brilliant and passionate coach, and the dedication from everyone a part of this program, there is no telling what the Bombers are going to do this year.

Photo: Jason Aardal