Falcon Volleyball bringing back last year's kill leaders
The Aplington-Parkersburg volleyball team is beginning the preseason with heightened expectations for the upcoming year.
While the Falcons graduated six valuable seniors from last year’s team, several key pieces, including last year’s top three kill leaders, are back. Junior Peyton Klooster was last year’s kill leader with 315. Seniors Avery Meyer, Kinsey Mohwinkle and Olyvia Bellows were all among the top five kill leaders in a fairly balanced offense. Head Coach Candace Kleespies attacking will be a strength of this year’s team.
"Hitting-wise, I feel like we're pretty strong this year," Kleespies says. "With Kinsey, Olyvia, and Peyton back, then you add Avery in there, that's one area of our game we feel pretty confident in. A lot of those girls all have experience, so that definitely helps too."
While the offensive firepower will be a strength, the Falcons will play with a new primary setter. Junior Bella Buseman is expected to assume that role, taking over for her sister Halle Buseman, who graduated last year.
Meyer says with an experienced team, discipline and accountability will be keys to taking a big step forward.
"All of us as players have grown a lot," Meyer says. "The environment has been amazing so far. Everything has been so much fun, and I'm super excited for the season. What will make us do well this year is a lot of discipline. We hold ourselves and the girls next to us accountable in a healthy, confident, and competitive way."
The Falcons will begin their season on Saturday, August 26 at the St. Edmond Invitational in Fort Dodge.
