The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows volleyball team will look to bounce back from a 5-25 record last season, and will return a smaller but more experienced roster as the 2025 season arrives. The Cowgirls took the court with 15 players last year and will start with 10 this season. Head Coach Jessica Nail.
“I’m going to hand out uniforms to girls who have earned it. They know they’ve earned that position on that squad. We might look to bring a few more up midseason. Right now, those are the girls that we see that have earned it and have the potential of playing at that level,” says Nail. “Again, a lot of them coming in already with that varsity experience. Hoping to get them some more time on the court this year. They continue to have a positive attitude. They really work well together. We have great team chemistry with that small group of girls. Those upperclassman have been the ones really showing up all summer long. I think they’re just excited to get started.”
Claire Kirstein is the top returning attacker with 81 kills last season. Blaire Askelsen returns to provide an additional boost along the net with 65 kills. Setter Harper Nerlein kept the team on schedule with 293 assists and 133 digs. Nail on the need for tenacious play on their side of the net.
“We are not the tallest group of girls. I think defense has to be a strong point of emphasis for us, that effort in making those hustle plays and not letting balls drop. That tenacity on defense, is going to be huge for us. We are pretty good if we can get that first pass going. We’ve got some good offensive threats at the net. With our lack of height, it’s mind over matter alittle bit to, with how we enter each game and each match. That is where we are emphasizing right now and where we hope to gain some within some matches.”
The Cowgirls will open the season by hosting a six-team tournament on Saturday, August 30.
