“We had a great playoff run last season,” recalled Noon.  “We took the seventh seed in our section and took on Staples-Motley in our first playoff match.  We came into the gym ready to play and we never let down as we beat them in three and then headed to Perham to take on the Yellowjackets.  That was a hard fought battle that we took in four sets.  That meant we had to face the number one seed, Pequot Lakes in Wadena.  They were definitely the team to beat in the section.  We played hard and gave it our all, but took the loss in that one.  Our girls ended their season playing hard and having fun, and that was all we could have asked for.  We peaked at the right time!”

The Otters lost two strong outside hitters, Jade Zierden and Sabrina Fronning, along with setter Kaia Strom to graduation.  All three will continue playing sports in college with Strom playing volleyball at M State in Fergus Falls, Fronning playing basketball at M State and Zierden playing both volleyball and hockey at St. Olaf.

Returning starters include seniors Hannah Prody (MH), Katie Strommen (MH). Logan Strom (Libero) and Paige Pearson (OH).  Junior Tori Ratz (OH) also returns.

Other seniors returning and expected to see more court time this season are Laci Strom (Setter), Lexi Ouren (RH), Alaina Anderson (Utility), Makayla Huus (DS), Maddie Longtin (DS) and Amelia Buckmeier (DS).

“Our team is really focused,” said Coach Noon.  “Our girls have been itching to get back in the gym and they are ready to work hard.  We are learning to be more aggressive on the court.  We have a really strong bench this year as well.  We have players that will be ready to step on the court at any given moment and still keep our team chemistry up!  We have big hitters this year across the net.  We should be able to spread out our offense and keep the defense on their toes.  We sometimes struggle with our serve receive and reading the ball.  We have been focusing our practices on that and hopefully we will see the change on the court.”

Noon says Brainerd and Sartell will be the top teams in the tough Central Lakes Conference, with Pequot Lakes and Perham being the teams to beat in Section 8AA.