The Lady Reds 2023-2024 Volleyball season began with the Northern Colorado Slam tournament, consisting of four games against teams of all divisions. With two wins to Mead High School and Palmer Ridge High School, the Reds also ended with two defeats to Alamosa High School and Windsor High School.
Following the tournament, the Reds played an away game against Berthoud High School on Aug. 31, 2023, winning 3-1. Eaton won the first set 25 to 16, but the Berthoud Spartans took the next with 25 to 21. The third set was dominated by Eaton with a score of 25-5, followed by a fourth set of 25 to 13, where Eaton took the victory.
The next two home games the Reds lost to Holy Family High School 3-2 and Platte Valley High School 3-0. The defeats only gave the Lady Reds more encouragement as they have won their past nine games 3-0, since the double defeat. Sep. 12, 2023, the Lady Reds played three sets against Liberty Common, away in Fort Collins, Colorado. In the first set, the Reds won 25-23, the second set was 25-14, and the final set was 25-15. Senior Madison Crider (11), the Varsity right-side hitter, won player of the match, with four kills and a hitting percentage of .667. Crider said, “The team has done amazing this season. Although we had a rougher start we have managed to change things and do good. This year we are all so close and love each other that it is just so fun to be around and play the game we love.” Following Crider, senior Bella Baessler (1) also had four kills with a hitting percentage of .375.
In the subsequent match, the Reds played rivals, University High School, an away game in Greeley, Colorado. The 3-0 streak continued on as Eaton won the first match 25-17, the second 25-20, and the final 25-21. Sophomore Madeline Smith (4), an outside hitter, won player of the match with 15 kills and a hitting percentage of .235. The most kills she has ever had in a game was 17, which was against Windsor in the Northern Colorado Slam tournament. “We started off the season with a couple tough losses but we have improved in both the mental and physical parts of our game. We have continued to get better every game and are ready for regionals. Being one of the younger girls on the team, I am grateful I have been able to contribute to the team’s success. The girls have been so encouraging and supportive which has made this season so much fun,” said Smith.
The first game in October took place at home against Resurrection Christian, where the Lady Reds continued to keep their 3-0 streak alive. Eaton won the first set 25-15, the second set 25-15 as well, and the third was 25-14. Senior Tayla Wiedeman (13), a middle hitter, had the highest hitting percentage of .714 for the game, with five kills. Additionally, Wiedeman won the player of the match. “For my final season, my goals are to make as many connections with underclassmen as I can and be a positive voice on and off the court,” said Wiedeman.
The Reds’ 3-0 streak, unfortunately, came to an end when the girls played Valley High School. Oct. 12, 2023, the Lady Reds played away in Gilcrest, when they won 3-1. In the first set the Reds won 25-18, the second was their first loss of a set in nine games with the set score of 25-20. In the third and fourth sets, the Reds won 25-20 and 25-19. Baessler accumulated 14 kills and Wiedeman had the highest hitting percentage of .480 for the game. Wiedeman also holds the most blocks, totaling 37 for her senior season.
