Jaguars start fresh in 2022

RCW junior Ellie Wulf (5) goes for a cross shot during a Camden Conference match against KMS on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 at Kerkhoven.

With 10 seniors graduated, Renville County West will have lots of new faces in the lineup

BY TOM ELLIOTT | West Central Tribune

RENVILLE — The Renville County West Jaguars are starting with a clean slate in 2022.

Most of the talent that took up varsity time in 2021 is gone.

“We graduated 10 seniors from last year’s team, so there are many openings in the lineup this year,” said head coach Richard Schrupp, who has a 49-31 career record in three seasons. “This should make for a competitive season as we look to improve on the 13-15 record from last year.”

Five starters graduated, including middle blocker Hannah Pharr (275 kills), Alice Hanson (234 kills) and Addison Tanner (691 set assists.

RCW’s Ellie Wulf (5) goes up for a block against KMS’ Katie Klaphake (9) during a Camden Conference match on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 at Kerkhoven.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

One starter is back: Ellie Wulf. She’s a 5-foot-7 senior outside hitter who had 75 kills and 259 digs last season. Wulf is one of two seniors on the roster.

The other is Alexis Navarro, a 5-6 defensive specialist.

A player to watch is Rachel Jakel. The 5-9 junior outside hitter had 51 kills in limited playing time as a sophomore and will be counted on for bigger things in 2022. She is one of five juniors on the roster, including Hannah Savig (5-3), Laila Ridler (5-8), Emily Lippert (5-7) and Coraley Bryan.

Sophomores are Heidi Beckendorf, Johanna Braun (5-8) and Avery Roxberg (6-2).

“A strength of this team is we have many different players that can attack the volleyball,” Schrupp said. “A key for us this season will be serve-receive and defense.”

The Jaguars opened the season Aug. 30 when it played host to Red Rock Central. RCW opens Camden Conference play Sept. 6 against Kerkhoven- Murdock-Sunburg in Renville. Then, the Jaguars get one of the Camden powers in Canby on Sept. 8, playing the Lancers on their home court, before heading to the Montevideo Tournament on Sept. 10.