Congratulations to the Galena High School Varsity Volleyball team for their amazing accomplishments in the 2022 season! The girls had a phenomenal season and ended the season with a record of 38-2, which holds the all-time record for wins in GHS history. The team also won the Conference Championship, and on top of that, recorded their eighth consecutive Regional Championship win. 

The GHS Varsity Volleyball team earned a couple big victories against Scales Mound on Tuesday October 18, and against West Carroll on Thursday October 20. These wins were very important to the team because they helped the girls receive the title of Conference Champions. Addie Hefel ‘24 played a vital role in the Pirates’ wins against Scales Mound and West Carroll. Hefel had 13 Kills, 20/20 with 3 aces on serves, 4 assists, 4 blocks, and 17 digs, which helped lead the team to the conference title. “Addie is such a great, well rounded athlete,” said Coach Dennis Wills. “We know when we need it that we can depend on her to come through for us and she has done that all year long.”

On Monday October 24, the Pirates Varsity Volleyball team played their first regional game against East Dubuque, where they won the first game 25-8, and the second game 25-13. On Wednesday October 26, the girls beat Pecatonica in the first game with a score of 25-16, and in the second game with a score of 25-17. The varsity team then moved on to play Lena-Winslow on Thursday October 27, where they played three games. The scores were 21-25, 25-17, and 25-17. 

Taylor Hilby ‘23 and Maia Kropp ‘23 were both very important parts of winning these games. Hilby had 23 kills, 23 digs, 30/31 serves with 2 aces, and 3 blocks, which was very impressive coming off of a foot injury. “Taylor has been working her way through a foot injury and just recently has returned to the front row for us and just in time,” said Coach Dennis Wills. “She played great in the front row but also was a huge contributor in the back row as she has been one of our most consistent passers all season.” Kropp contributed a lot to the team, with 30 digs and 43/43 serves with 2 aces. Coach Wills said, “Her serving was awesome and she is very consistent with hitting her targets. Maia has worked really hard to improve her game and it shows.”

The varsity girls played Des Plaines at Pecatonica on Monday October 31, where they scored 25-3 in the first game, and 25-7 in the second game. On Wednesday November 2, the team competed against Freeport at Pecatonica, where they lost the first game 14-25, and the second game 19-25. The varsity girls had a truly impressive and unforgettable season. “My senior season is something I will never forget,” said Julia Townsend ‘23. “Regardless of how it ended, we played every game to our best ability. I am so thankful for the incredible team I was able to finish my career with and I am so proud of everything we accomplished.”