2022 WASECA VOLLEYBALL — Front, from left: Ellie Hoehn, Haylee Sommers, Erika Bowers, Takara Slattery, Shanece Brown. Back row, from left: Coach Jolene Hauger, Avery Madsen, Megan Kanewischer, Aliyah Taylor, Kloe Wadd, McKyla Hasselquist, Riley Ruedy, and Siri Kuhns. Not pictured: Tricia Cox.
Pieces are in place for WHS volleyball team
Fri, 12/30/2022 - 12:33am
“We are striving to be toward the top of the conference." — Jolene Hauger
The pieces appear to be in place for the Waseca High School volleyball team to have a breakthrough season.
The Bluejays, guided by a knowledgable, veteran coaching staff, return six letterwinners from a squad that finished 5-5 in the Big South Conference and 8-16 overall.
"We are striving to be towards the top of the conference, and push ourselves to be on the winning side for the season," said sixth-year head coach Jolene Hauger. "We have a lot of returning players."
The Bluejays, of course, graduated some talent from last year's crew, including team MVP and all-conference libero player Jadyn Olsem. Also graduated is Sophie Potter, who shared the Bluejays' setting duties a year ago.
Returning letterwinners are seniors Haylee Sommers, Kloe Wadd, Megan Kanewischer and Avery Madsen, and sophomores Siri Kuhns and Aliyah Taylor.
Sommers earned all-conference honors last year while Madsen received honorable mention. Wadd received her second varsity letter.
Hauger feels good about the Bluejays' varsity experience and the way they approach the game.
"We have a lot of veteran players," she said. "We have competitive, scrappy defensive players."
The coach's biggest concern?
"Being consistent and effective communicators on the court," she stated.
That's the No. 1 key to success for the 2022 Bluejays, according to Hauger.
"Communication, trusting your teammates," she said. "Winning first contact. When we pass, good things happen."
The Bluejays will have a new look on offense, switching to a 5-1 after employing a 6-2 with Potter and Kuhns setting. This year, Kuhns will assume full-time setting duties. Another big change is transitioning Sommers to take over in the back row as libero.
"Last year Haylee played all-around as an outside hitter," said Hauger. "We have some new hitters and (defensive specialist) players being added to the lineup, but we are a ream with lots of experience."
Hauger, who has a career 49-56 win-loss record with Waseca, is assisted by Nicole Sommers, Jalea Spies and Catherine Miller.
Hauger sees St. Peter and New Ulm as the teams to beat in the Big South, with Waterville-Elysian-Morristown expected to lead Section 2AA.