Youthful Lancers Ready for Conference Play

BY SCOTT MORRISON

Despite losing four quality starters to graduation, Mount Marty College Volleyball head coach Tracy Grontenhuis believes that her team is taking the necessary steps to point the program back in the right direction.

The Lancers ((1-2 overall), (0-1 Conference)), will look towards their ten girl freshman class to utilize team strengths and learn on the fly as they progress through the season.

“This year’s class of freshman is one of the biggest classes we have had since I have been here,” Grotenhuis said. “We are looking forward to strong contributions from a number of our younger girls.”

Leading the way for Grotenhuis’s stellar recruiting class will be Krista Hohn (MH) from Sioux Falls, SD, Kerry McDonald (S) from Parker, SD, and Megan Goree (OH) from Fremont, Neb.

The Lancers will also hope for solid performances from incoming players Tara Adamson (Jr., OH), and Carley Benson (Fr., DS). Both played volleyball in high school, but we’re recruited to come Mount Marty College to participate in different sports.

After the first three games, the Lancers have received a majority of their leadership and outstanding play from their most experienced returners Abby Haiar (Jr., S), and Emily Rasmussen (Jr., RS).

Haiar, who finished eighth in the Great Plains Athletic Conference in total assists a year ago, has made another profound impact for her team as she is the current team leader in kills (30) and assists (98).

The Lancers are hoping that the return of lone senior Laura Starman will help give them an edge as they head deeper into conference play.

Starman, who was selected as a GPAC Honorable Mention middle hitter last season, is currently recovering from an ankle injury and is expected to return to action soon.

Once Starman returns, the Lancers will have a considerable one-two punch as she will be able to work with Haiar to produce a quick paced offense centered around ball movement.

As they advance throughout conference play, the Lancers should be able to fill spots with some of their younger players.

This experience should be beneficial as it will help them to understand what it takes to compete in the GPAC conference.

The Lancers continue their season in Sioux City, Ia against Briar Cliff University at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday Sept. 5th.

The Lancers will also participate in an upcoming weekend tournament at the University of Sioux Falls.

The Lancers will start the tournament Sept. 7th at 4:30 p.m. against Dana College and Bethany College at 6:30 p.m.

They will also have matches Sept 8th against Grandview College and Dakota State University.