Willmar Cardinals volleyball preview

COACH

Terrin DeBoer, first year

ASSISTANT COACHES

Amanda Norby, varsity, JV1; Heather Ridler, sophomore, JV2; Jana Peterson, freshmen A; Kristian Rosendahl, freshmen B

LAST YEAR

8-4 in Central Lakes Conference; 16-13 overall

KEY DATES

Opener: today, vs. Minnetonka, 7 p.m.

Central Lakes opener: Thursday at Sartell

Willmar Invitational: Oct. 3

Sections: Start Oct. 28

ROSTER

(Returning letterwinners in bold)

Seniors

Sara Banks, 5-7, right-side hitter

Karlee Johnson, 5-5, libero

Alex Lippert, 6-4, right-side hitter

Jennie Mattison, 5-7, setter

Hannah Smith, 5-7, outside hitter

Jena Thompson, 5-11, middle hitter

Juniors

Shae Breuss 5-4, defensive specialist

Taylor Flegel 5-7, outside hitter

Sophomores

Lindsey Atchison, 5-6, outside hitter

Katie Lippert, 5-10, middle hitter

Addy Nelsen, 5-9, setter

Laura Swartz, 5-7, middle hitter

Hailey Vreeman, 5-9, setter

OVERVIEW

n The team scrimmaged Central Minnesota Christian, Benson and Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa in Week 1 and Dassel-Cokato, Buffalo Lake-Hector and Litchfield in Week 2.

n New head coach Terrin DeBoer was as assistant coach last year, but took the second half of season off after giving birth on Sept. 30. The former Terrin Post played on four state tournament teams and two that won state championships at Central Minnesota Christian in Prinsburg. She was the Bluejays head coach in 2007.

n Six letterwinners, all seniors. Hannah Smith and Jena Thompson are co-captains. Smith and Jennie Mattison earned 2008 All-CLC honorable mention.

n The CLC team to beat is Alexandria, which went 12-0 last year and 24-5 overall.

n Willmar must replace six graduated letterwinners, including All-CLC picks Emily Nelsen and Kelsey Evans.

n DeBoer said Willmar will be defensive-minded, unlike the Bluejay teams at CMCS, which were "all about offense, all the time."

n The starters for today's match will be Smith, who will make the full rotation; Lindsey Atchison front row rotating with Shae Breuss in back; Thompson and Laura Swart in the middle; Johnson at libero; and Alex Lippert and Sara Banks in the front row for setters Mattison and Abby Nelsen in the 6-2 set. Starting on JV but with the opportunity for varsity time will be Hailey Vreeman, Katie Lippert and Taylor Flegal.

n A year ago in Minnetonka, the Cardinals beat the Skippers in five games.