The Purdy volleyball team, under a new coach this year, exceeded its combined win total over the last two years and is building a culture for future success.

Barry Wheeler, Purdy volleyball coach, said the team was a win short of its main team goal, reaching the district semifinals. In Class 1, District 10, the No. 4 Lady Eagles were upset in five sets by No. 5 Verona, 30-28, 19-25, 25-21, 23-25 and 13-15.

Purdy went 7-21-2 overall this season, with a standout Senior Night win over Blue Eye, 3-2 (25-19, 25-16, 23-25, 24-26, 20-18), on Oct. 12. The win snapped an eight-game skid and as the final victory of the season.

“We saw improvement across the board by every player in every category,” Wheeler said. “[Our biggest overall improvement was to] create a culture where effort and selflessness is expected.”

Most of the Lady Eagles will return next season, as the team is saying goodbye to only one senior, Rylee Stanford.

“Rylee was the catalysis for the energy on the floor,” Wheeler said. “She had to bring it every match, which is a daunting task, and she did that very well.”

Wheeler said next season with more experience, he hopes the team can reverse scores in some matches that were close.

“There were a few matches that we lost that I would have liked to do over again,” he said. “But, sometimes the ball just doesn’t bounce your way.”

Ultimately, continuing to grow the program is the long-term goal.

“[We want to] continue to develop the culture that has been set in place by this 2023 team,” Wheeler said.

Other wins for Purdy this season came against Verona on Sept. 7, Sheldon and Exeter on Sept. 16, Wheaton on Sept. 22 and Wheaton again on Sept. 30