Returning starters include seniors Ellie Welch (Setter/Middle Hitter), Marie Backstrom (Outside Hitter) and Claudia Gurath (Right Side), juniors Anna Roisum (Setter/Middle Hitter), Grace Backstrom (Outside Hitter) and Hazel Haugrud (Defensive Specialist), and sophomore Morgan Korf (Libero).  Other letter winners back from last season are Zayla Arrow, Zayli Arrow and Allie Thompson.

“Zayla and Zayli got a few varsity minutes last year, but we look for big things from these sisters and we are still trying to fill a position on our right side,” reported Coach Isaman.  “Both girls are strong blockers and are improving each day as offensive threats. Allie also got some good varsity minutes last year and we look for big things for Allie helping us on the defensive end.  Freshman Arianna Hovland is a very athletic outside hitter who is new to varsity, but making great gains each day.  Senior Torie Jugovich is a very versatile player and we look to her to help us out at many different positions this season.”

As far as team strengths go, Isaman says, “We have several 2 to 4 year returning starters which means more experience and more confidence.  We play a very solid defense and we are focused on continuing to build a more powerful and complex front row offense this year.  We have a little more size this year, so we are focused on improving our blocking percentage from last year as well.  Our two setters, Ann and Ellie, were new to setting last year, but with another year of experience have made huge gains and will be able to run a more consistent and complex offense this year, which we are excited about.  Most important is the team chemistry and work ethic in this group, which is very high.  We are working hard on building trust and communication on and off the court with our veteran and new varsity players which is crucial in the game of volleyball.”

Isaman says Hawley and Perham are the teams to look out for in the Heart O’ Lakes Conference and Section 8AA.