Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Howard Lake, Lester Prairie, Winsted, Watertown, Mayer, New Germany, Waverly, MN and the surrounding area

FUEL TO THE FIRE: Royals eager for return trip after taste of state tournament


ST. PAUL – A trip to the state tournament leaves endless memories for a team. Even though the results didn’t go in favor of the Watertown-Mayer volleyball team on the big stage, this was a season to build on.

The season ultimately came to an end for the Royals with a 3-0 (25-17, 27-25, 25-16) loss to Roseau in the Class AA consolation bracket Friday night. Despite the loss, the Royals showed their willingness to continue to fight like they have all season long.

The Royals failed to win a set in their first state tournament appearance since 2000, but that doesn’t mean the season was a failure. In 2016, the Royals saw their season end in disappointing fashion against rival Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted. After taking a 2-0 lead against the Lakers, the Royals let things slip away as HLWW won three-straight sets to knock off the Royals and end their season. From a team that blew a 2-0 lead in the section playoffs last season, to a team that made it to the Class AA state tournament, is a jump that head coach Andrea Raser hasn’t seen in her time on the sidelines.

“This group of juniors,” Raser said about the jump this team made this season. ‘I’ve had a hand in them since seventh grade, so I’ve got to watch them grow and know that they’re not done growing. More is to come. Having the group of seniors we had this year to say, this is how to do it and this is what teamwork looks like, is a lesson these girls will not lose. They’ll hold onto it and pass it on to others.”

No senior had more of an impact on this team than Ellie Ernhart. Ernhart, who played one of her best matches of the season in her final career game as Royal, finished with 16 digs in the loss.

“She’s the heart and soul of this team,” Raser said. “You could tell how much tonight Ellie wanted this game. She probably had one of her best games of the season defensively. She was on. She just kept fighting through no matter what. That’s our captain.”

It’s not only what Ernhart does on the court that will be a big loss for the Royals. It’s the person and teammate she is.

“No,” junior setter Nikki McDonald said when asked if there’s any way to put into words how much Ernhart meant to this team. “Not at all. She has saved me on digging so many balls so many times. It’s been on fun season. I’m really proud of this team.”

Despite losing the heart of the team in Ernhart along with fellow seniors Monika Czinano and Madison Haag, the future is bright for Watertown-Mayer.

“The goal is to come back,” Raser said. “Dynamics are going to change. We’re losing three seniors. Two of who got a lot of playing time. One who was still so much spunk and heart on this team that didn’t get a lot of playing time, but behind the scenes, she kept us moving. Team dynamic does change. We want to adjust and adapt. Now we have something to fight for.”

Just minutes after having their season came to an end, McDonald was already confident in her team that they can get back to this spot again next season.

“Oh yeah we’re coming back,” McDonald said. “I’m planning on coming back.”

 

 

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