Perry volleyball out to prove 2014 was no fluke

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PERRY VOLLEYBALL -- Seated, from left: Jo Dow, Sidney Vancil, Taylor Lathrum, Mariah Duffy, VIctoria Hegstrom, Ellie Nielsen, Sydney Guerra and Grace Marburger. Kneeling, from left: Kayla McFarland, Gabby West, Jamileth Sarceno, Zowie Strough, Adriana Eastman, Mackenzie Ayers, Amie Smith, Isabel Saemisch and Maddie West. Standing, from left: Maddie Mason, Allie Taggart, Kamryn Whelchel, Brianna Field, Adrian Thompson, Sara Weir, Zoe Gordon and Taylor Patrick.

Two years ago the Perry volleyball team struggled to a 7-31 overall record while finishing 0-7 in Raccoon River Conference play.

All that changed in 2014, as new head coach Kristel Kautzky led the Jayettes to an 18-17, 2-5 record.

Senior Ellie Nielsen returns the ball over the net during a hitting drill. Isabel Saemisch (at basket) and Gabby West (right) were also involved in the rotation.
Senior Ellie Nielsen returns the ball over the net during a hitting drill. Isabel Saemisch (at basket) and Gabby West (right) were also involved in the rotation.

The offseason saw five seniors depart — three of whom played in all 94 sets — and a wedding.

Now Kristel Schultz, the second year head coach said she saw her 2015 unit as possessing a strength missing in 2013 that returned last year — discipline.

“I think now more than ever that before they do anything they are thinking of what they are doing,” she said. “They are thinking about the placement of the ball, where the defense is, where their teammates are, that kind of thing, as opposed to just hitting the ball.

“You can worry too much, but you have to have an idea of what you are doing — you just can’t go out and hit the ball anywhere,” Schultz added. “Playing in control and playing smart is one area where we have definitely improved.”

Several holes will need to be filled, especially as Schultz used very little of her bench last year.

Victoria Hegstrom -- one of four seniors on the team -- follows through for a kill.
Victoria Hegstrom — one of four seniors on the team — follows through for a kill.

Experience returns with senior outside hitter Ellie Nielsen, who had 167 kills and 188 digs last season. Senior Victoria Hegstrom will be back after tallying 67 kills, 123 digs and 22 blocks in 2014, with junior Grace Marburger returning after posting 89 kills, 145 digs and 12 blocks.

Nielsen and Marburger, along with sophomore Jo Diw, will serve as outside hitters, with Schultz describing “a real battle” for the middle hitter spot between Hegstrom, senior Taylor Lathrum and junior Adrian Thompson.

“We are a long way from being set right now, but I can already tell we will be using many more substitutions,” the coach stated. “Only one or two girls came off the bench last year, but it won’t be that way this year.

“I can tell that a lot of these girls have worked hard this summer,” Schultz said. “We have some good battles for spots and I like seeing that. Nothing is set yet and there will be playing time for more girls this year than last, so they will need to be ready.”

One glaring need is at setter, where Nielsen (41 assists) and Marburger (27) are the top returners.

“Sidney Vancil will set for us and I have full confidence in her,” Schultz said. “Sid plays club ball year round and really loves volleyball and I am sure she will do a good job for us.”

Assistant coach Ali Tibbles (left) and head coach Kristel Schultz (right) look on as senior Taylor Lathrum swings for a kill.
Assistant coach Ali Tibbles (left) and head coach Kristel Schultz (right) look on as senior Taylor Lathrum swings for a kill.

Perry frustrated opponents last year with an uncanny ability to chase down balls and cover the court. The Jayette defense should be strong again this year, with Schultz singling out senior defensive specialist Mariah Duffy and freshman defender Sydney Guerra as potential back row stalwarts. One of two will serve as the libero — a position Schultz confessed she wished had existed when she was a prep — with the other still seeing plenty of playing time.

“I think one of the dynamics this team has over last year’s is that they get along so well with each other and really enjoy being together,” Schultz said. “I got here at 4:15 today and they were all already here. That says something.”

Asked to point to a particular strength of the team, Schultz did not hesitate, “Passing.”

“We move the ball around well and know what we are doing with it and where to go with it,” she explained. “A big part of that is your on-court communication and that has been real strong so far and I think it will be all year.”

Schultz said the squad had spent little time “working on our play sets, and we need to get to that soon.” She noted the team would have a chance to do just that, as Perry will host Ogden Tuesday at 6 p.m. for a scrimmage. The season opens for Perry August 27 with a trip to Fort Dodge St. Edmond.

Junior Grace Marburger tips the ball at the net.
Junior Grace Marburger tips the ball at the net.

Marburger is the top returning server, having finished 259-of-285 (.909) with 26 aces last year. Nielsen was 238-of-283 (.841) with 39 aces, with Hegstrom 194-of-225 (.862) with 26 aces.

“Grace has a good jump serve and Ellie has a good floater, but all three did a good job of placing their serve,” Schultz said. “Coach (Carol) VanKirk calls out the spot and they usually hit it. It is true we don’t have a lot of depth as far as serving in varsity games but I think we will be OK.”

Schultz said the leadership role among the players had not been clearly defined, but said she believed the lack of one strong, vocal leader is working in the favor of this season’s team.

“None of them are afraid to be that leader, it is just that one of them will sense when something needs to done or be said and does it,” the coach said. “It fits in with their personality — they are comfortable with each other and that is something that could really work in our favor.”

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