Photo by Jake McNeill: The 2025 volleyball team includes (back row, left to right) Sydney Foster, Hadley Jenniges, Leah Carter, Myah Maznio, Carlie Ross, (front row) Sage Bents, Natasha Wahl, Leah VanDeWiele. Not pictured: Ambrosa Yang.

WESTBROOK — After the deepest postseason run in program history, Westbrook-Walnut Grove has high hopes for a strong 2025 season. Led by returners Carlie Ross, Hadley Jenniges and Leah Carter, the Chargers will look to be among the Red Rock Conference’s top teams once again.

“I think we can make it to the same point that we did last year, the championship. Or at least make it to Marshall [for the 3A South subsection semifinals],” Ross said.

The Chargers went 21-4 last season, but exceeded expectations even further in the postseason. Entering the Section 3A tournament as the No. 2 seed in the South bracket, WWG swept No. 7S Edgerton, took down No. 3S Southwest Minnesota Christian in four sets in the second, and upset the top-seeded reigning state champion Russell-Tyler-Ruthton Knights to advance to the section final for the first time in program history. There, the Chargers’ run came to an end in four sets against eventual state runner-up Minneota.

“They got a taste of what it’s like to be successful,” WWG head coach Meghann Westover said. “We’ve got a group of very determined girls, so they’re ready.”

WWG brings back several well-rounded returners who know what it takes to win. Ross balances play in the front and back row with 178 kills, 265 digs and 35 service aces, each of which ranked second on the team last year. Hadley Jenniges brings some stability at setter after totaling 576 set assists with 167 digs as a sophomore, while Leah Mathiowetz leads the team defensively at the net after finishing with 31 total blocks as a junior, along with 139 kills.

Ross, Carter, Ambrosa Yang and Sage Bents comprise the team’s senior core.

“[We’re] just making sure everyone is always doing okay, working together and being happy for each other,” Ross said of the seniors’ leadership responsibilities. “Just pushing them [the underclassmen] to be the best that they can be.”

While the Chargers brought back a strong core of contributors, they weren’t without losses from last season’s roster. Natalie Wahl was an All-State outside hitter, with her 252 kills, 272 digs and 44 service aces all being team-highs. The Chargers also graduated Liv Locke, who contributed 246 digs and 30 service aces, and Riley Parker, who tallied 121 kills with 26 total blocks.

“[Wahl’s production] isn’t something we can replace; we just hope to do the best we can,” Westover said. “Sydney Foster is up for the challenge, though. She’s very powerful, she’s strong, she’s smart and we still have Carlie Ross and Leah Carter.”

Natalie’s sister, Natasha, will also be brought up to the varsity level this year, Westover said, adding that she feels like the younger Wahl also had plenty of potential as a right side hitter or setter, depending on whether the team goes with a 5-1, 6-2 or 4-2 rotation. Myah Maznio also got setting work last season with 125 assists.

In terms of the back row, Leah VanDeWiele is currently the favorite to take over Locke’s role as defensive specialist, Westover said. As a sophomore, VanDeWiele didn’t see much playing time until defensive specialist Yang tore her ACL, but contributed 14 digs and five service aces over 12 sets once she got an opportunity.

“[VanDeWiele] wants the spot, and she’s working really hard to get it,” Westover said. “There’s been a lot of growth there, and hoping it’s going to be her, fingers crossed.”

WWG has been a well-rounded team in recent years, something that Westover attributes to the team’s chemistry and hard work.

“They have so much fun together in everything they do. Even when they’re down, there are a lot of smiles and they’re just really good to each other,” Westover said. “I feel like that is going to take them as far as skill on the court.”

WWG will kick off its season on Tuesday when it hosts Springfield at 7 p.m. After a long summer of doing team camps and working on refining players’ skillsets, Westover said she’s excited to see the girls put the talents they’ve developed to work on the court and watch them support each other.