Originally Appeared on Vype 

It’s practically déjà vu for Seven Lakes.

During the preseason non-district slate last year, the Spartans went 11-5. It was a respectable mark, but one that belied the plethora of talent on the roster. Injuries and the lengthy absence of coach Amy Cataline, then on maternity leave, had significant influence; however, Seven Lakes went 17-3 the rest of the way before falling to Hebron in the Class 6A state final.

This year is falling in line similarly.

Heading into the start of District 19-6A play Friday with a showdown against Tompkins, Seven Lakes is 15-12. Injuries and the lengthy absence of sophomore star hitter Ally Batenhorst have contributed; the Spartans have played just one set at full health in 27 matches.

So Seven Lakes is relishing a fresh start, now that the games mean something, and with that comes a full lineup. Batenhorst returned to the Spartans on Tuesday after helping the USA Girls Youth National Team to the gold medal in the NORCECA Girls’ U18 Continental Championships in Honduras. Program stalwarts Natalie Winter and Morgan Janda are fully recovered from nagging injuries.

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