Eagles eager to make the leap

LQPV’s Ayanna Gipson drops to the floor to keep the ball alive during a Camden Conference match against CMCS on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021 at Prinsburg.

LQPV returns a trio from 11-12 team in ‘21

BY JOE BROWN | West Central Tribune

MADISON — The Lac qui Parle Valley Eagles nearly went .500 for the first time since 2008 with an 11-12 record in ‘21.

Looking to break through that glass ceiling, LQPV will try to do that with three returning starters and a new head coach.

At the head of the bench this season is Brooklyn Gould, who takes over for Molly Hennen. Along with the 11-12 overall record, the Eagles were 2-9 in the Camden Conference.

“LQPV is ready to compete this year,” Gould said. “We have a great group of athletes and we want our community and teams to have the LQPV volleyball team on their radar. Our team has put in a lot of work this summer and has learned so much before the season even started.”

LQPV’s Paige Meyer gets ready to serve the ball during a Camden Conference match against CMCS on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021 at Prinsburg.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

One of LQPV’s top attackers returns this fall in senior 5-foot-11 middle hitter Paige Meyer. She was an All-Camden honorable mention and an Academic All- Conference pick. She finished with 112 kills and 36 blocks.

“Paige is our strongest hitter on the team and very adjustable to sets,” Gould said.

Quarterbacking the offense is another returner in senior setter Ayanna Gipson. Gipson finished with 240 set assists and 22 ace serves.

“She’s a great setter and is scrappy in the back row,” Gould said of Gipson.

The final returning starter is junior libero Isabel Gerdes. She had a teamhigh 263 digs in ‘21.

“She’s a scrappy libero,” Gould said. “She’s quick and a great passer.”

Also returning to the mix is senior setter Rylee Lund. She is back on the floor after missing last season due to injury.

“She’s an all-around athlete that can pass, set and hit,” Gould said of Lund.

The Eagles opened the season at home against Benson on Aug. 25. Their first conference match was Monday, Aug. 29 at home against Ortonville.