Bennington Badgers Show Fight Through Busy Stretch, Welcome Special Guest Coach as Season Heats Up

3–4 minutes

By Marisa Dawson

Group photo of a volleyball team with players wearing black and white uniforms, including a girl in a blue shirt, posing together on the court.

The Bennington Badgers volleyball team wrapped up a demanding stretch of competition last week with a mix of strong performances and hard lessons, capped by a hard-fought 3-1 loss to Lincoln East last Monday night while showcasing resilience and a unique community moment on the sidelines.

The Badgers opened the weekend strong at a neutral tournament, sweeping Lincoln East 2-0 on Friday (25-17, 25-14). Quinn Sanmann (below, left) led the attack with six kills at a .429 hitting percentage, while Berkeley Osborne (below, right) posted a perfect 1.000 hitting mark on her one kill. Bennington dominated the serving game with nine aces to Lincoln East’s one and edged the digs battle 50-46.

A female volleyball player in a black jersey prepares to receive the ball on the court, with teammates and spectators in the background. A coach stands nearby, observing the play.
A volleyball player in a black uniform with the number 5 sets the ball with both hands while standing on the court. The background shows various spectators in a gymnasium.

Saturday brought more action. The Badgers battled past Omaha Westside in three sets, 2-1 (22-25, 25-15, 25-22). Paige Gargano stood out with eight kills on a strong .467 hitting percentage, and Emersyn Buechler contributed two total blocks. Bennington recorded eight aces and 57 digs in the victory.

Later that day, Bennington fell to Elkhorn South 1-2 (20-25, 25-18, 23-25). Gargano (pictured below) again paced the Badgers with nine kills and five total blocks, while the team posted 34 kills and 64 digs in a competitive matchup.

A volleyball player in a black jersey leaps to spike the ball over the net during a game, with spectators in the background.

On Monday, Sept. 28, Lincoln East returned the favor in a non-conference match at Bennington, winning 3-1 (25-21, 25-17, 22-25, 25-18). Despite the loss, the Badgers out-killed the Spartans 46-39. Brynn Rasmussen (pictured below) powered the offense with 14 kills at a .314 clip, and Emersyn Buechler added four total blocks. Bennington also recorded 44 assists and 78 digs in the four-set contest.

A volleyball player jumps to spike the ball during a match, while teammates prepare for the play in the foreground. Spectators watch from the stands in the background.

Head coach Sami Hansen found positives amid the result. “I think that we fought until the end,” Hansen said. “I said last week that we need to keep working on our consistency and I think that showed a little bit more tonight. But I do think that everyone kept fighting to the end. I did see some fire from some players that I don’t always see it from. So that’s always encouraging to see. But we still need to keep working on that consistency.”

When the momentum shifted against the Badgers, Hansen emphasized staying positive. “Just trying to keep it light. So getting everyone to take a breath, keeping it light on the court, focusing on just making it fun instead of trying to overthink what’s going on in the gym and atmosphere and everything. Trying to focus on celebrating each other.”

A volleyball player in a white jersey is diving to receive the ball during a match, with teammates and a coach in the background watching attentively.
Trina Schroeder

Hansen pointed to the unusual schedule as a challenge. “It’s the only game we’ve played on a Monday up until this point. Monday games are always a different feel… and coming off a two-game tournament over the weekend. So I think it’s just trying to figure out the consistency. Showing up to play on a Monday when everything’s out of routine from a normal week.”

Looking ahead to the stretch toward playoffs and districts, Hansen stressed the competitive landscape of Class A. “It’s really dialing down to there’s a lot of really good teams in Class A. So we have to make sure that we are fighting to win every single time. Like the effort, battle and the energy and playing together.”

Adding a special touch to Monday’s match was Austin Brewer, who served as an honorary assistant coach after winning the experience at the Bennington Public Schools Foundation fundraiser gala earlier this year. Brewer sat alongside the varsity coaches, high-fived players returning to the bench, joined timeout meetings, and cheered the team on.

A volleyball team huddled together in a gymnasium, discussing strategies. The players are wearing matching uniforms, while a few coaches and additional individuals are also present. The wooden gym floor and bright lighting are visible in the background.

“Being part of the team,” Brewer said was her favorite part. She looked forward most to “watching great players talk to each other.” The experience taught her that “sometimes you don’t win and you just have to deal with it,” especially with persisting and jumping back in to the next match. She also stated she learned a lot about the hard work that goes into coaching. 

Reflecting later, Brewer shared a personal connection that made the night extra special: “Seeing why my sister loves to be a part of the team. It was fun to see them laugh together, and fight hard to play. Now I know why Allie does it.”

The Badgers (11-12) will look to build on their recent effort when they host Millard North on Tuesday, Oct. 6. With districts approaching and plenty of strong Class A competition remaining, Bennington will continue focusing on consistency, energy, and playing together as a unit.

Three female volleyball players celebrating in a gym, wearing black jerseys with the number 17, 13, and 8. They are enthusiastically raising their arms and smiling.
Two female volleyball players training on the court, one preparing to receive a serve while the other is in position. A crowd of spectators can be seen in the background.
A female volleyball player jumping to serve a ball during a game, wearing a black jersey with the number 12, black shorts, and pink shoes, with blue wall banners in the background.
A volleyball player jumps to hit a ball during a match, with spectators visible in the background.
A volleyball player jumps to set the ball during a game, wearing a black jersey with the number 2, black shorts, and white knee pads in a gym with blue walls.
A volleyball player jumps to spike the ball over a net during a match, with spectators watching in the background.
A volleyball player leaps to spike the ball over the net during a match, with teammates and opponents nearby. Spectators are visible in the background.
A volleyball game in progress, featuring a player diving to receive the ball while teammates and spectators watch from the sidelines.
A volleyball player in a black jersey jumps to hit the ball over the net while other players and spectators watch in the background.
A volleyball player jumps to block a ball at the net, with spectators in the background and team members on the court.
A female volleyball player preparing to serve the ball during a game in a gymnasium, with spectators in the background.
A female volleyball player wearing a black jersey with the number 6 is jumping to serve a volleyball in a gym. In the background, there are banners of teammates on the wall and other players sitting on the bench.
A dynamic volleyball match in progress, featuring a player in a black jersey jumping to spike the ball over the net, while another player in a blue jersey prepares to block. Spectators are visible in the background, watching intently.
A volleyball player crouches to receive the ball during a match, with teammates and spectators in the background.
A group of cheerleaders performing energetically while holding pom-poms, wearing matching uniforms with 'BHS' lettering, in a gymnasium setting.
A volleyball team in action, with players preparing for a serve. Two players are positioned low, ready to receive the ball, while a third teammate is in the background throwing the ball into play. Spectators can be seen in the stands, watching the game.
A volleyball player jumps to hit the ball over the net during a match, while teammates and opposing players are in action in the background.
A group of cheerleaders performing in a gymnasium, wearing blue and white uniforms and holding pom-poms, with an energetic expression.
A volleyball player leaps to hit the ball over the net during a game, with spectators in the background watching intently.
Volleyball player jumping to set the ball over the net during a game, while teammates and spectators watch from the sidelines.
Two volleyball players block at the net during a match, while teammates and spectators are visible in the background.
Two volleyball players in black uniforms attempting to block a spike at the net, while a player in a blue uniform prepares to hit the ball.
A volleyball player wearing a black jersey with the number 18 jumps to hit a volleyball, with teammates in black and white jerseys watching from below. The audience is visible in the background.
A volleyball player in a black jersey is preparing to set the ball during a game, raising both hands above her head. The background shows spectators on bleachers.
A female volleyball player in a black uniform jumps to hit the ball over the net during a match, while teammates are positioned nearby.
A female volleyball player prepares to receive a serve, focusing on the ball, while another teammate is positioned behind her. The court has a polished wooden floor and lines marking the boundaries.
A volleyball player in a black uniform and pink shoes prepares to set the ball during a game, with teammates in the background looking on.
Two volleyball players jumping at the net to block an incoming ball during a match, with spectators in the background.
A volleyball player jumping to strike the ball at a net during a match, with the referee observing and spectators in the background.
A volleyball player jumping to block a ball at the net during a match, with spectators visible in the background.
Two volleyball players jumping to block a ball at the net during a game, with an official observing and spectators in the background.
A volleyball player from the Bennington team jumps to hit the ball over the net during a game, with spectators watching in the background.
A volleyball player jumps to set the ball during a game, surrounded by teammates in black uniforms. The scene captures the action on a wooden court.
A volleyball match in progress, featuring two teams with players jumping to block a volleyball at the net. The players in black uniforms appear to be defending against an incoming hit from a player in a blue uniform.
A volleyball match in action with players jumping to block a ball at the net. One player in a blue jersey is attempting to hit the ball, while two players in black jerseys are positioned to block. Another player is in a ready stance at the back.
Two volleyball players on a court, one diving to play the ball while the other watches closely.

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