NLS hopes more experience means more wins

New London-Spicer junior Avery Rich (4) and the Wildcats react after scoring a point during a non-conference match against Willmar Tuesday at New London.

Wildcats return four starters, led by Ellary Peterson

BY MICHAEL LYNE | West Central Tribune

NEW LONDON — A year removed from a 2-5 record in the Wright County West Conference and a 17-13 overall, the Wildcats have four returning starters under head coach Tina Peterson in ‘22.

Leading the four starters is Ellary Peterson. The senior was an allconference honor mention. A 5-9 middle hitter, she led New London-Spicer in almost all statistical categories in ‘21, achieving a team-high 190 kills (.229 hitting percentage) and 85 total blocks. She missed just five serves for a serve percentage of 98%, adding 205 digs.

“Last year Ellary took a huge step up,” Tina said. “She keeps the team together. She knows the game and recognizes the things going on — on the court. … She’s just an all-around great leader, both on and off the court.”

Outside hitter Avery Rich joins Ellary to make it a pair of senior starting returnees. She held a team-high 316 digs in ‘21 and will be a key leader in the Wildcats’ back row in ‘22.

A key loss in New London-Spicer’s starting lineup is setter Nyla Johnson. Johnson was a member of the 2021 All- Wright County Conference team.

New London-Spicer junior Ellary Peterson (7) takes a swing at the ball during a non-conference match against Willmar Tuesday at New London.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

With Johnson graduated and no longer a part of the Wildcats’ lineup, who will take over as the team’s starting setter?

“Kendra Gerhardson will take over as the starting setter after being a backup to Johnson last year,” Tina said of the junior setter and right side hitter. “Her blocking and hitting on the right side will be a huge asset to the Wildcats.”

Injured in the end of the ‘21 season due to a torn rotator cuff, sophomore outside hitter Grace Truscinski is a player to watch in her return this season for New Londson-Spicer.

New London-Spicer freshman Grace Truscinski (6) goes up for the attack against a pair of Willmar blockers during a non-conference match Tuesday at New London.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

The Wildcats began their ‘22 campaign on Aug. 26, at the Albany tournament.

“We want to vie for a conference title and to go farther in section play,” Tina said. “It’s going to take a lot of hard work, talking and team camaraderie.”

New London-Spicer sophomore Kendra Gerhardson keeps the ball alive during the first set of a non-conference match against Willmar Tuesday in New London.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune