By Skip Hunter –

A new season brings a new hope. This is true for the Southwest Minnesota Christian Eagle volleyball team. Coach Meghan Zylstra mentioned how they had improved last year and when the high school league pulled the plug, they were playing some of their best volleyball. She hopes that carries over into the new season.

The team has 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores, and a freshman on the roster. That should be enough experience to get through the beginning part of the season and weather any storms that arise. Emma Nibbelink is a defensive specialist while Morgan Pap will play in both the back and front row. Riley Fey will lend her lanky frame to the front row. Tyra Snyder will be one of the setters, and Whitney Pap will play along the front row.

Makenna Moss will be another hitter while Makenna Brands is a defensive specialist. Paris Van Dyke and Lindsie Fick are the other juniors. Sophomore Myah Vander Maten will play the back row while the other sophomore, Ana Veldkamp, will set and play in the back row. The lone freshman on the team, Madyson Fey, is another hitter.

The team looks tall and athletic. Now it is up to Coaches Zylstra, Crystal Vis, and Darci Pap to turn that athleticism into volleyball acumen in the new season. It appears that Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda, Red Rock Central, and Adrian/Ellsworth will be teams to beat in the conference. Murray County Central may also give teams a tussle.

The Eagles start out their season tomorrow in Windom. The 2A school will be a tough opponent and will give SWC a good test.