Veteran players return to volleyball squad

Veteran players will provide experience and leadership to navigate the Lady Outlaws through the upcoming volleyball season.

Sam Stoneback will fill the role of setter. Rachel Tenneson will play middle, and both Aria Garau and Brook Goins will take on the role of defensive specialist. Haylee Schaab will return at the front row. Also back for another year are Felicia Pledger and Lanie Milroy.

Coach Diane Bremer told The Nugget that Stoneback will be the mechanism that will allow the Lady Outlaws to run at its full potential.

"She is level-headed and will quarterback this team with experience and poise," said Bremer.

Tenneson is the team cheerleader and will use her enthusiasm as well as her tenacity to dominate the middle. Bremer stated that Rachael has been on fire in the middle throughout the last week of practice.

Kali Ulmer is a third year varsity player and will play specifically at outside hitter but will also be able to play any number of positions on the court.

"Her athleticism and experience will prove to be invaluable," said Bremer. "She is a competitor and puts her heart into every practice. Kali's quickness and agility make her a difficult hitter to defend."

Aria Garau and Brook Goins return to the back row as defensive specialists, and Bremer said both the girls are ready to own it. Garau, Goins and new addition, sophomore Jessie Snow, will give the Outlaws a rock-solid defense.

"I don't think I could dream of better back row athletes," Bremer said.

Two juniors, Fe Pledger (outside hitter) and Lanie Milroy (middle) are also returnee players.

Bremer told The Nugget that Pledger will be moving to the left side this year where the team will be able to capitalize on her outstanding abilities.

"This kid (Pledger) will strike fear in many opponents," said Bremer. "She is big, strong and unstoppable."

Milroy returns at middle and according to Bremer is one of the most efficient blockers on the team. Haylee Schaab is back for another year and will play in the front row.

"Haylee is an extremely talented athlete. Her 23-inch jump reach, coupled with her natural ability in this sport, make her exciting to watch," said Bremer.

Junior players, Emily Douglass and Shea Kotal, will bring added balance to the Outlaws team with their versatility in hitting and serving. Sophomore Dani Thompson will join the team this year and provide help in the setting role. She will also be a front row option because of her blocking skills.

Bremer is excited about the enthusiasm her team has displayed the past two weeks of practice and can't wait for the girls to hit the court.

"The enthusiasm that has been rocking our gym this entire first week of daily doubles is contagious," said Bremer. "We can't wait to get to Cottage Grove on Friday and go to work in our league jamboree."

The Lady Outlaws will open league play at home on Tuesday, September 11.