PANORA — A young Panorama volleyball team struggled to a 5-23 overall mark last season, with the Panthers finishing just 1-7 in WCAC play.
Now a year more experience, second year head coach Renae Follmuth and her charges are in position to add considerably to their win total.
The availability of Faith Powell, who is coming off a knee injury, will be critical. The senior had 59 kills and 146 digs last year while serving 116-of-136 with 13 aces.
The squad will need to find a new setter with the graduation of Adrienne Powell, leaving Kennedy Kuta (63 assists) as the most experienced setter returning. Kuta, now a junior, had 19 aces while serving 128-of-144 last season.
Juniors Hannah Woodworth (108-127-10) and Olivia Richey (69-82-16) return, with the former making 47 digs and the latter 57.
Senior Nicole Rolges led the team with 38 aces on 153-of-189 serving. She had 49 kills and made 124 digs. Fellow senior Hope Wilderman (21 kills) should also be expected to see plenty of playing time.
Juniors Morgan Johnk and Brooke Halterman each had 29 blocks as sophomores, with Johnk adding 49 kills and Halterman 47 kills while serving 73-96-11.
The Panthers begin play Thursday with a trip to Madrid, with AC/GC to visit Panora Monday.
