OHS boys volleyball has not had a winning season since 2016. However, after the ups and downs of the ‘20-’21 season, this could all change. The team entered this week with a 9-8 record.

The boys team came in hot and fast at the beginning of the season with a 4-0 record. However, that four game winning streak eventually came to an end, followed by many upsets. Their fifth and sixth matches proved to be critical moments for the season.  

On April 13, the boys lost to Lafayette in a close game that went to five games. OHS took the second and third game, but Lafayette came back strong in games four and five to take back the win. 

Their next game against Parkway South went to five games as well. The boys fought hard stealing games one and four, but with an extremely close game of 25-22 in the second. Parkway South leaving with the victory.

After these two matches the guys only won two of their next eight matches. Mr. Andrew Bersett, the Assistant Boys Volleyball coach, believes that this was due to a couple of reasons. As the season went on Bersett says the schedule got tougher, which is true. The boys have played some big teams such as Marquette whose record is 12-6-1, Kirkwood who is 14-3-1, and Parkway West who is 15-4. The guys season has not been an easy one. Bersett also mentions that there are some inexperienced players they have who are playing some big roles. 

“The only way to get out of the slump is to keep working hard in practice and games,” said Bersett. “Coach Betz and I have identified a few things to work on each practice, and we have made a few changes to the line-up.” 

Although the team has faced adversities, they could still pull out this season with the first winning season OHS has had in five years. Since their 7-8 record the guys have improved 9-8. Ethan Walters (11) with 153 kills and Michael McKinnis (12) with 94 kills are performing exceptionally well, helping propel the team along to a winning season. There are two more games left in the regular season before districts. Hopefully the effort the boys are putting in during practice will pay off.

“We are optimistic about the rest of the season,” Bersett says. “We have the parts to be successful, and hopefully we are clicking by the end of the season.”

Districts will be May 14-19, at St. Louis U. High. The guys will play their first district match on May 15 at 6:30 pm against De Smet, who they have already beaten in the regular season. The winner will continue to the District Championship on May 19 at 5:30 pm.