By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
The NRHEG High School volleyball team enjoyed a more-than-respectable 21-7 overall record last season under first-year head coach Ashley Tolzman.
What's in store for this fall? Hopefully, more of the same.
While the Panthers lost some outstanding athletes to graduation, Tolzman has three experienced seniors to build around: setter Hallie Schultz, outside hitter Tayler Schmidt and libero Faith Neilsen.
"Hallie is a key player because she has such a great understanding of the game of volleyball," said Tolzman. "She has the ability to read the court really well and make good decisions. She is a great leader and a positive teammate."
The Panthers will miss 2023 graduates Sidney Schultz, Erin Jacobson, Sarah George, Bailey Ihrke and Bree Ihrke. Schultz holds the school record for digs.
The rest of this year's Panthers are seniors Keira Lenort, Madison Murray, Elsie Schultz, Isabel Stadheim and Sydney Lewer, junior Aryanna Howe, and sophomores Gabrielle Schlaak, Camryn VanMaldeghem, Chloe Stork and Adalyn Stadheim.
Most of the Panthers are multi-sport athletes with varsity experience.
Tolzman expects the Panthers to work well together, help each other out as much as possible and utilize their versatility.
"This season will be a great chance for our team to help some younger athletes grow into varsity positions," said Tolzman. "We have many versatile players we can try in different positions."
The Panthers' strength, according to Tolzman, is, "Strong setting and the ability to make different plays."
Their weakness could be serving, which Tolzman hopes and expects will improve.
The key to success for the 2023 Panthers?
"Growing team chemistry," said Tolzman. "Coming together and supporting each other. Going out every match and giving our all while still remembering to have fun."
Tolzman, assisted by Corrine Schuller and Jen Hatton, sees Bethlehem Academy, Kenyon-Wanamingo and WEM as the favorites in the Gopher Conference. She looks for WEM, Belle Plain and Southwest Christian as the top squads in Section 2AA.
2023 NRHEG Volleyball
Aug. 29 vs. Alden-Conger
Sept. 5 vs. Martin Luther/GHEC
Sept. 7 at Triton
Sept. 12 vs. United South Central
Sept. 14 at WEM
Sept. 19 vs. Medford
Sept. 23 at USC Invitational
Sept. 26 vs. Tri-City United
Sept. 18 vs. Blooming Prairie
Oct. 3 at Hayfield
Oct. 5 vs. JWP
Oct. 9 at Bethlehem Academy
Oct. 10 at Kenyon-Wanamingo
Oct. 12 at Maple River
Oct. 16 at Nicollet
Oct. 17 vs. Randolph
Season so far
The NRHEG High School volleyball team hosted Alden-Conger for its season opener Aug. 29 and lost 3-0. Game scores were 25-18, 25-6 and 25-22.
"We had a tough opener against Alden," said Panthers coach Ashley Tolzman. "They have a very fast-paced offense and a great ability to swing on all plays. We fought hard and will use this to learn from and grow as a team. Overall, I am proud of how the girls played and adapted to new positions."
Individually for NRHEG: Gabby Schlaak 3 kills, 1 block, 7 digs; Camryn VanMaldeghem 2 kills, 2 blocks, 5 digs; Izzy Stadheim 1 assist, 3 digs; Tayler Schmidt 3 kills, 3 blocks, 2 digs; Hallie Schultz 9 assists, 5 blocks, 7 digs; Keira Lenort 2 kills, 4 blocks; Madi Murray 1 kill, 2 blocks, 1 dig; Faith Nielsen 1 kill, 10 digs.
The Panthers were in action Tuesday against Martin Luther/GHEC. They play Thursday, Sept. 7 at Triton and Tuesday, Sept. 12 at home against United South Central.