WOODWARD — Three key players have graduated, but recovering from such departures is par for the course for almost every high school team in most sports.
Such is certainly the case for the Woodward-Granger volleyball team, but new head coach Virginia Polich has enough returning talent that the Hawks should not suffer much — if any — of a drop-off.
The Hawks were 22-11 overall in 2019 and raced to an 8-2 WCAC record. Emma Drake, Katelyn Scharlau and Katelyn Bandstra are gone, but four important pieces return to buoy W-G expectations.
Senior Natalie Weaver had 247 kills last year while also making 174 digs. She was effective while serving as well, finishing 186-of-203 with 25 aces from behind the line.
She will be joined by fellow senior Elly Polich, who pounded 242 kills and had 10 blocks. Polich recorded 243 digs, distributed 167 assists and was 280-316-54 serving.
Junior Darby Nixon had 325 digs and made 46 assists while serving 192-231-31, with fellow junior Brayton Ashman tallying 37 kills and 24 blocks.
The roster is rounded out by seniors Faith Kuehl, Gena Tague, and Emily Trewet along with junior Samantha Volz. Sophomores Grace Deputy, Lindsey Mescher and Audrey Simmons will also dress for the varsity.
W-G plays Saturday at the Skip Anderson Tournament in Bondurant. The Hawks will then join Des Moines Christian for a WCAC double-dual at AC/GC Monday before playing in the ADM tourney Sept. 3.
