Netters end season with style
Clint Diehl
December 21, 1999

In the past it was more like" one and done" for the East High volleyball squad, but for this year, fans were shouting "one to go!"

The Lady Trojans opened the eyes of many people as they battled their way to a spot in the class 3A regional finals with some impressive wins over Linn-Mar and Cedar Rapids Prairie.

The bid for East's first ever berth in the state tournament, however, came to an abrupt halt. The Trojans suffered the three-game loss on the home court of a talented Dubuque Wahlert squad.

"This has been the best postseason ever!" said head coach Mike Patton. "These 15 girls were the most fun to be around and coach. They really put their hearts into the game."

The excellent season was capped off with a number of players earning Mississippi Valley Conference and metro honors.

Leading the way was senior setter Erin Hirsch who captured 1st team all-conference, 1st team all-state, and 2nd team all-state honors.

Sophomore Lindsay Diehl grabbed 2nd team honors in both the conference and the metro, while juniors Michelle Ganske and Afton Kolar received honorable mention.

With only the graduation of Hirsch, Waterloo's 1999 Rotary winner, the volleyball squad schould experience much success in the years to come.

Next season

"Even though we lose an all-state setter, I hope to gain the experience of success from the 14 girls that do return," commented Patton.

The Trojans finished the season with an overall record of 18-16-8.

Updated 12/24/99 by Mike Bowser