Pair of Wildcats reach milestones

HARTINGTON — Hard work has paid off for two area volleyball players.

Hartington-Newcastle seniors Olivia Grutsch and Mani Lange both reached huge career milestones last week in their high school volleyball careers. Grutsch (assists) and Lange (digs) both hit the 1,000 mark in their own individual categories.

The impressive stats didn’t surprise Lady Wildcats coach Sarah Edwards.

“Mani is always ready to play hard,” Edwards said. “She is determined to do what it takes to make herself the best she can be for her team. She is a sixrotation player who works hard to grow in all parts of the game. Mani is a team player. Not only does she want to be the best she can, she is right next to her teammates celebrating their successes and helping them when they are struggling. She is the first one to offer help.”

Grutsch has been very versatile for Hartington-Newcastle. She has only been a setter for two years and previously was the libero. Last year, she shared the setting job with Alivia Morten (Class of 2023) and hit her 1,000th kill.

“She runs our offense and gives our hitters opportunities to make the best swings they can,” Edwards said. “She has a high volleyball IQ and is always trying to understand the why behind the mechanics and expectations of the coaches.”

Grutsch achieved her milestone against Tri County Northeast, and Lange recorded hers against Winside only a match earlier for the 15-12 Lady Wildcats. Lange is currently an outside hitter after focusing more on being a defensive specialist her first few years.

“Obviously, this is a real big eye-opener to me,” Lange said. “I really have been playing for a long time, since I was little. I never really thought I would be an outside hitter playing this much. But it just goes to show how much work I’ve put in.”

Solid teamwork has made her a better player, Lange said.

“All my other teammates have helped me along the way. I love playing in the front and back row — both sides are so different yet both are the same because when you’re in the back row, you’re still going to hit, When you’re in the front row, you still have to pass — they both connect. Being able to be out there with my team the whole time is a lot of fun.”

Lange said digging gives her an adrenaline rush.

“I feel I am always there for my team and I’m putting forth all my effort,” she said. “It feels like everything you’ve ever worked for is worth it. Whether you get it up or not, laying out for those balls, even the ones you missed getting — the two out of 10, those two are what make everything worth it.”

Lange has enjoyed being a part of the Lady Wildcats’ renaissance.

“Every time we go out, win or lose, we’re always having a good time,” she said. “It’s just a really good feeling this year, being able to go out and (knowing) that you’re capable of so much.”

Grutsch said the switch to offense instead of defense has been smooth.

“Coach entrusted me to be able to run my own offense and control what everyone’s hitting,” she said. “I mean, it all really goes to my teammates because without them, I would not have any of this. It was kind of hard in the beginning because it was different. With a lot of practice, my coach really believed that I could do it and worked with me a lot. Once I got the gist of it, it just went up from there.”

Playing with a core of players who have been key in the rotation for the past four years has also helped, especially Lange’s passing ability.

“Her defense and even serve-receive is really (vital),” Grutsch said. “I thank her all the time. It’s way easier to get a good set for someone to kill after a good pass. She’s had a big part in this. Probably 60 percent of my assists (come from Lange’s passing).”