Photo by Sam Thiel The 2021 Canby volleyball team includes front row (L to R): Autumn Denekamp, Aliyah Rangaard, Morgan Noyes, Kyla Rangaard, Paige Nelson and Emily Nelson. Back row (L to R): Kylinn Hulzebos, Kortney Leppke, Maya Wente, Mackenzie Janiszeski, Aidyn Bruns, Rachel Harding, Gabby Harding and Brooklyn Kindopp.

CANBY — Last season, the Canby volleyball team had a solid year, going 10-3 overall in the pandemic-shortened schedule. This year, the Lancers will look to post another strong season under coach Jenai Wright.

Canby will have plenty of experience back, led by the team’s seven seniors in Mackenzie Janiszeski, Gabby Harding, Rachel Harding, Aidyn Bruns, Kyla Rangaard, Morgan Noyes and Maya Wente. Junior Paige Nelson will also look to make an impact.

Wright said their experience will be a strength for their team this season.

“Obviously experience will be our strength. These girls have all had playing time on the floor and I think that really helps,” Wright said. “And just trusting one another and coming in with a positive attitude and being supportive of each other.”

Wright said as long as they continue to learn from their mistakes, good things will come from it.

“I think no team is perfect, volleyball is a game of mistakes, so each day I think we need to keep serving tough and pass well to target and good things will come from that,” Wright said.

During the first couple of weeks of practice, Wright said their main focus has been on working hard and preparing for each opponent.

“We just want to come and work hard and don’t take any team too lightly,” Wright said. “We need to be prepared for every match and go hard every match and I know we can do that with this group.”

Wright said they have high expectations as a team and want to compete for a conference championship.

“We have very high expectations,” Wright said. “We met for a team meeting and we want a conference championship and beyond and I think this team is capable of doing that this year.”

Canby will start its season on Friday at Murray County Central at 7:15 p.m. Going into the season, Wright said she’s looking forward to having a normal season and they’re excited to get back on the floor.

“We are just excited for a normal season and we’re keeping our fingers crossed,” Wright said. “It was sad that it was shortened last year but the girls are very motivated to play and we can’t wait.”