Volleyball program heads into season

Josh Kreunen was recently hired as the new head volleyball coach, and has only had time with the Lady Outlaws during daily doubles. After just one short week he’s had to divide over 36 girls into three teams, and get ready for preseason play.

Several seniors are back for their final year, including Holly Davis, Jordyn Monaghan, Kathryn Scholl, Brooklyn Cooper, Kristen Elbek, and Sophie Rush.

Davis is a steady force as the Outlaws’ setter. Kreunen stated that Holly is a strong, smart setter who is also a great defender and server. Monaghan returns as a defensive specialist/libero and Kreunen stated that she brings both experience and leadership to the court, as well as steady passing and defense. Scholl is back as both a right side and outside hitter. Kreunen noted that Kathryn is a big blocker, a tough server, and an efficient powerful hitter from both the right and outside.

Cooper and Elbek are both outside hitters, and Rush is a libero and a defensive specialist. According to Kreunen, all three players bring ball control to the court.

Juniors Audrey Sybesma, Alexis Gibney, Haven Heuberger, and Emma Long join the varsity squad this year.

Sybesma plays as a right side hitter and middle blocker. Kreunen stated that she is a very strong right side hitter and has a big block. Gibney is a very quick, athletic player and plays as an outside hitter. Heuberger is also a strong outside hitter and has a big block in the middle. Long is a steady passer and back row defender and plays as a defensive specialist/libero.

Paityn Cotner, sophomore, also returns to the varsity squad, and is a setter and right side hitter. Kreunen noted that Cotner is a very versatile player as a strong setter, hitter, and blocker. Allison Fogarty and Brooke Lindsay (sophomores) join the squad this year. Fogarty is a setter and right side hitter. Kreunen noted that Fogarty is also a very versatile player as a setter, backrow defender, and consistent right side hitter. Lindsay is very hard working and plays at middle blocker.

After observing quite a few other high school teams in the league at the team’s camp a week ago, Kreunen told The Nugget that the Lady Outlaws’ focus will be on improving their strengths: smart offense, tenacious defense, and tough serving.

The Outlaws will swing into preseason play with a jamboree at Summit High School on Thursday, August 29.