Some key pieces will be missed on the court for Wayne State College volleyball but with open spots, returning players are filling that void with a more balanced role.
Just one senior, Taylor Bunjer will make up the younger team of 15 on the roster.
Now in year number 21, head coach Scott Kneifl has seen the team grow each practice from each drill the staff throws their way.
The Wildcats reported back the first week of June and worked with strength and conditioning staff members four days a week while incoming freshman joined their summer workouts. The team lifted and conditioned three days a week and played one day led by the players.
Starting with meetings on August 12 followed by two-a-days the next three days the first practices showcased 'turbo-speed'.
"To get everybody feeling uncomfortable," said Kneifl. "We have five new players, three freshman and two transfers. The transfers were here in the spring but the tempo of beach and indoor volleyball practices are two different animals."
Coaches are trying to make their practices harder than any match could be.
Wayne State College will look to compete for another NSIC title which will lead to a chance in the NCAA DII tournament.
Last year, WSC finished 23-7 overall and 14-4 in the NSIC.
The goals and high expectations don't change for WSC volleyball.
"We lost two, three-time All-American middles," said Kneifl. "When you do that, we're going to look different. It's going to be much more balanced."
Sophomore Chloe Hanel and junior Laney Katkol along with junior transfer Bella Hedke (Johnson County CC) have been battling to fill the middle roles.
Sophomore setter Molly Romano has also looked great in practice and will enter year two being the quarterback of the team.
The libero position is down to redshirt junior transfer (Northern State) Reese Johnson and sophomore Anna Borner (DS last year). Both will be needed.
"I think we might be a lot harder to stop," said Kneifl. "Just simply because they (opponent) have no idea where the ball is going to go. Last year, everyone in the gym knew where the ball was going to go."
Junior Channatee Robles on the outside is another experienced All-NSIC player who won't leave the court (six-rotation). True freshman Mattie Kamery has shown promise in fall camp giving the coaching staff options where to place her while freshman Delaney Miller and junior Ella Myler are in the mix.
Robles was selected as the NSIC Player to Watch for WSC this season.
The team continued to train with weights while building strength and improving their communication skills and overall chemistry ahead of the season.
'Stay anchored' is this year's team motto.
"By staying steady and focused no matter what challenges come our way," said Robles. "We want to put ourselves in the position to host the NSIC tournament, which means competing hard every match and showing consistency throughout the season. Defending our home court is another major goal, making it tough for any team to come in and beat us in our gym. Along with that, we are aiming to have a winning record in preseason to build confidence and momentum moving forward."
The goals are about holding their teammates accountable, staying connected while also building the habits that will carry them throughout the season.
Romano, who also added a goal of maintaining a serving average of 1.9 aces per set as a team each match, highlighted what she took away from the first week of practices.
"We focused on maintaining intensity and getting lots of quality, game like reps so we can be prepared when it comes to game time," said Romano. "This is the time that we have as a team to focus on the connection between pass, set and attack as well as perfecting the other important aspects of volleyball like serving and ball control."
Robles is also excited to see how the team will come together and compete while Romano is looking forward to see the team put together all of their reps and plays during practice into a match.
Monday, August 25 at 6 p.m. will feature a Black vs. Gold scrimmage open to the public with free admission at Rice Auditorium.
WSC will open non-conference play in early September.
Nashville, Tennessee will be a new area with new opponents opening the season September 4 - 5 during the Ray Thrasher Classic hosted by Trevecca Nazarene.
The Colorado Premier Challenge in Denver, Colorado is an invitational only tournament of top 25 teams. Matches will be played September 12 - 13.
Wayne State College volleyball will be under a new era.
"We're super pumped," said Kneifl. "Hopefully you'll come out and support this new team and this young team. I think it's going to be an exciting brand of volleyball. It's going to look a little different in our gym, but an exciting different."
NSIC play will open at Minnesota Crookston on September 19 with first WSC home match set for September 23 against Augustana at 6 p.m.
Rolbes and Romano appreciate the support they receive at home and on the road.
"We’re looking forward to showing the work we’ve put in and competing hard every match," said Robles. "Also super excited to see the energy during our home games."
"I want to say a huge thank you to my family, all of my teammates’ families and all of our Wildcat volleyball fans for showing up for us and bringing us the energy to compete," said Romano. "We love playing and showing off our hard work in front of you guys so thank you for continuously supporting all that we do."
