RETURNING LETTER WINNERS - Front from left: Sidney Schultz, Erin Jacobson, Hallie Schultz. Back row: Bree Ihrke, Sophie Stork, Rhys Martin.
Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak
By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
Playing against Gopher Conference power house teams like Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, Medford, and Faribault Bethlehem Academy, the Panther’s ‘never give up’ attitude will be tested.
Four extra teams are joining the conference this year, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, Kenyon Wanamingo, Triton, and Randolph. With the addition, the standings may look a little different at the end of the season.
“With four extra teams joining the Gopher Conference, it will be exciting to see where we finish at the end of the season,” said ninth year returning coach Onika Peterson.
Expectations
“I am excited,” Coach Peterson says. “This group of girls have a “never give up” attitude, and love to compete. They want to be successful and are going to work hard for every single point.”
The Panthers have a difficult schedule ahead of them, but Coach Peterson says the girls are ready to compete and anxious to get underway. The Panthers began the season on the right foot Aug. 26, with a three game sweep against Alden-Conger, at home.
Returning Athletes
The Panthers graduated five seniors in 2020: Anna Jacobson, Grace Tufte, Cambria Nissen, Elli Baker, and Kendall Johnson. Filling the senior’s shoes will be returning seniors: Sophie Stork and Rhys Martin.
“I am excited about the athletes that we have coming back,” says coach Peterson.
The returning varsity athletes include: Stork, Senior, Outside Hitter; Martin, Senior, Right Hitter; Sidney Schultz, Junior, Libero; Bree Ihrke, Junior, Middle Hitter; Erin Jacobson, Junior, Outside Hitter; Sarah George, Junior, Middle Hitter; Hallie Schultz, Sophomore, Setter.
Vying for Varsity spots this fall include returning upperclassmen: Bailey Ihrke, Junior, Outside Hitter; Grace Wilkenson, Junior, Back row; Mayla Soulisak, Junior, Back row; Tatum Smith Vulcan, Junior, Right Hitter; Andy Briggs, Junior, Outside Hitter; Faith Nielsen, Sophomore, Setter.
Strengths, Weaknesses
Almost every athlete competing on the court this year will have had some varsity experience from last year. This team is battle tested, Coach Peterson emphasises. “This group is tough. They want to be successful and will battle for every point.”
Peterson knows the Panthers will have to hustle to compensate for an overall lack of height.
“That’s our weakness,” she said. “The average height of our team is around 5-6. We are not going to be a big blocking team. We are going to have to rely on our defense to be quick and scrappy.”
Key to success
What is the key to success for this year's squad? “Not giving up, competing for every single point,” answers Coach Peterson.
2020-21
Last year the Panthers finished the year 3-9, bringing Peterson’s career record to 81-114-6. The Panthers are coached by ninth year head coach Peterson, assisted by Corrine Schuller (JV) and Jen Hatton (C-squad).
Peterson says WEM and Medford are Conference favorites. Section or district favorites include WEM and Belle Plaine.