Photo by Jake Przytarski The 2021 Lakeview Lakers volleyball team includes front row (L to R): Grace Rausch, Carmen Aguirre, Katelyn Matthys, Kenzie Herrick and Kenadi Walberg. Middle Row (L to R): Korysa Herrick, Abigail Butterfield, Caitlyn Tusberg, Aleeya Louwagie, Whitney Lundberg, Aubreigh Rausch and Rachel Timm. Back Row (L to R): Mallory Ebnet, Mari, Becky Errington, Bradlyn Gniffke, Erin Meyer, Olivia Hinz, Carmen Varpness, Megan Schwartz, Audrey Listel, Aleia Rosenau.

COTTONWOOD — Opportunities to build momentum were all but impossible for the Lakeview volleyball team during the unprecedented 2020 season. With COVID protocols keeping the team in quarantine for 21 days, the Lakers were only able to complete seven matches–the fewest of any team in the Camden Conference.

In spite of the difficult circumstances surrounding this past season, the Lakers came away with a 3-4 record that they will look to build on this coming season. Leading the way in that pursuit is senior Bradlyn Gniffke, who boasts the most varsity experience of any player on the roster. Grace Rausch, Erin Meyer and Oliva Hinz also received experience at the varsity level during last year’s shortened season.

The four returners are expected to make a large impact on the team’s offense, according to third-year head coach Stephanie Hennen.

“I think one of our strengths should be our serving and if we’re able to get a good pass up to Grace (Rausch). I think we’ve got girls in all positions that are able to score,” said Hennen.

“We’re looking to Erin Meyer (to be) swinging hard on the outside for us and playing solid defense for us as well as Olivia Hinz.”

With large shoes to fill from last year’s six departing seniors, new players will be called upon to contribute throughout the season, including Korysa Herrick, who is expected to solidify the team’s back row.

“Korysa Herrick is going to be our libero at this point, and we’re hoping that she can anchor our back row,” said Hennen.

The Lakers will open their season on Thursday, Sept. 2 when they host Redwood Valley for a 7:30 p.m. matchup. In the meantime, the team has been working hard in practice with an emphasis on improving passing and defense. Coach Hennen hopes to see gradual improvement from her young team throughout the season, in addition to avoiding COVID and injuries that plagued her team in 2020.

“Staying healthy (and) staying away from COVID and other injuries (will be key),” said Hennen. “Working together and getting better each and every day (are our goals).”