PREVIEW: Wildcats hope to continue their climb


The Maquoketa Valley varsity volleyball team, first row from left: Payton Ries, Abby Holtz and Macy Hoeger. Second row: manager Rylie Aldrich, Allison Knipper, Ella Imler, Madison Imler, Maddy Anderegg, Maci Freiburger and manager McKenzie Lansing. Third row: head coach Brandi Whittenbaugh, Emerson Whittenbaugh, Lydia Helle, Brooke Wilson, Olivia Hoeger and assistant coach Melissa Dutra. (Photos by Pete Temple)
VOLLEYBALL

     Last year’s Maquoketa Valley volleyball team demonstrated a rise in the program by getting 14 wins for the first time since 1998, and posting its second winning record since 2000. That squad went 14-13, including 1-1 in the post-season.

     This year, with a new coach, good numbers and five returning letter-winners, the Wildcats are optimistic about another good season.

     “We want to be contenders for our division,” said Brandy Whittenbaugh, who takes over the team this year.

     Whittenbaugh, who previously was head coach at Oelwein and Clarion-Goldfield for a combined total of eight years, is counting on the team’s offense to help it improve on last year’s 2-4 record in the Tri-Rivers Conference, West Division.

     “We are strong with hitters,” she said.

     She also knows the team faces tough competition in the conference, with West Division defending champion Springville and East Division favorite Calamus-Wheatland standing in the way.

     Returning to help MV’s cause are two all-conference players, Maci Freiburger (second team) and Macy Heger (honorable mention). Also back are Payton Ries, Abby Holtz and Brooke Wilson.

     MV will be less experienced on defense this season, the coach said.

     “The team will need to work on speed and defense,” Whittenbaugh said.

     She is assisted by Melissa Dutra.

 

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