By Matt Browning

The Ell-Saline volleyball team was chosen the Visit Wichita Team of the Month. The Cardinals have been one of the top teams in Class 2A this season.

“We have definitely performed to our expectations,” said head coach Doug Wilson. “From the first day we have said ‘expect more’ and I have challenged our players to do so. We have several very talented girls, and several very good volleyball players and I have wanted to make sure we maximize our potential.”

Ell-Saline’s best player has been Kaela Wilson, who leads the team in kills and hitting percentage. But the Cardinals also have potential all-league selections in Brin Hecker and Meryn Came.

“There are several things that I look at in defining success,” Wilson said. “First, for us was having 38 girls participate in our summer program and 35 of those finishing the season. When athletes want to be a part of your program I think it says a lot about your program.”

There have been several defining moments for Ell-Saline this season, including tough losses against some of the best teams in the state.

“We beat Little River who is the number one team in 1A,” Wilson said. “They are very good and it gave the girls a lot of confidence knowing they can compete at that high of a level.  We had some very good moments against Sedgwick, who is undefeated and we played and fought them really well. That was a really good measuring stick for us to know where we need to get to be a top team in 2A.”