By MIKE KEMMETER
of The Gazette
The term "rebuilding season" is something the Amherst High School girls volleyball team must not comprehend.
Despite losing four all-conference players to graduation, the Falcons reloaded instead and on Tuesday, they clinched their third straight Central Wisconsin Conference large school division championship.
The road to Amherst's three-peat wasn't easy, though. After consecutive losses to Bonduel and Weyauwega-Fremont, the Falcons' reign at the top of the conference was in serious jeopardy. Undefeated Wittenberg-Birnamwood had a two-game lead and was scheduled to face Amherst in the conference duals.
The Falcons regrouped following the Thursday night loss to W-F and then took care of the competition at the CWC duals two days later, finishing with a 3-0 record, including a huge 15-13, 4-15, 15-9 victory over the first place Chargers.
"I think the key was to beat Wittenberg because then we can say 'Hey, we can win this thing'," Amherst coach Gregg Jensen said. "If we wouldn't have beaten them, it would've been over."
But even after knocking off the conference leader, the Falcons had more work to do. While the Chargers faltered down the stretch with losses to Shiocton and W-F, Amherst kept winning and now has a one game lead entering a Thursday night rematch with Wittenberg-Birnamwood.
The Falcons are guaranteed at least a share of the CWC title, but they can win it outright with another win over the Chargers. The team clinched at least a tie with a win over Manawa Tuesday (15-1, 15-0, 16-14).
A big part of Amherst's streak to the top of the conference was a change in scheme after their two straight losses. The Falcons had used two setters all season, but Jensen decided to move to a 5-1 alignment with Becca Konkol as the lone setter.
"Some people would consider that a major adjustment," Jensen said. "I'd say it was only a minor adjustment. We practiced it on Friday and used it in the conference duals. They responded well.
"I think that solidified us and gave us more consistent setting. I think it made us a stronger team overall."
Konkol, who Jensen says is the best setter in the conference, sets the table for Amherst's Meghan Simkins and Melissa Kayon. The pair, who are the only returnees with significant varsity experience, control the nets for the Falcons.
"Melissa Kayon is still getting better as a hitter. It's no secret, we need Simkins and Kayon to carry us. The net play, which is critical, they've really helped us," Jensen said.
Jensen also cites Jenny Orsund, Jaime Krutza, Erin Jensen and Betsy Hoffman as big contributors. And he says the team's depth is a big help with net play at practice.
"Our second crew doesn't play a lot in games, but if don't see strong net play everyday, it can hurt you when you play games," Jensen said.
"To be there consistently year in and year out, it's critical that your kids are pushed daily."