VOLLEYBALL 2021
2 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021
INDEX:
Willmar’s Sydney Schnichels (2) goes up to take a swing at the ball during the first set of a Central Lakes Conference match against Fergus Falls on Monday, Nov. 22, 2020 at the Big Red Gym at Willmar High School.
Here’s where to find your season previews: R2-3................................Willmar Cardinals R4...........New London-Spicer Wildcats R5................................... Litchfield Dragons R6...........................................Benson Braves R7............................................BOLD Warriors R8................................Minnewaska Lakers R9.............Montevideo Thunder Hawks R10............................................ACGC Falcons R10...............................................BBE Jaguars R11.............................Paynesville Bulldogs R12.........................................CMCS Bluejays R13..................Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks R14.............................KMS Fighting Saints R15..............Lac qui Parle Valley Eagles R16.......................... MACCRAY Wolverines R17........Renville County West Jaguars R18..............Yellow Medicine East Sting R19........................................... Area Sections
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
ON THE COVER:
Willmar sophomore outside hitter Sydney Schnichels collects a dig during a Central Lakes Conference match against Alexandria on Oct. 27, 2020 from Willmar High School. Willmar is ranked third in the state in Class AAA and Schnichels is one of the state's top players. Patrick Bernadeau West Central Tribune
Good Luck to all the ACGC students!
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Cards have high expectations Willmar, ranked third in the state in Class AAA, is led by new coach Leah Ruter, a ‘15 grad BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
WILLMAR — After winning the Central Lakes Conference for the third time in four years, the Willmar Cardinals will look to keep up their recent success under new head coach Leah Ruter. Ruter, a 2015 Willmar High School graduate, takes over for Traci Grussing. Grussing coached the Cardinals from 2012-20 and was Ruter’s highschool coach when she was an All-CLC selection in 2014. “All of the girls have worked really hard this week and are having fun,” Ruter said at the end of the team’s first week
of practice. “I am excited to be coaching at my alma mater and excited for the future of the program.” In her first season, Ruter will try to replace five key players from last season’s 13-1 team (12-0 CLC): Abby Stark, Bailey Olson, Madelyn Gregory, Sophie Kobienia and Callie Slagter. Stark, a libero, was a Class AAA All-State selection, an All-CLC selection and an All-Area first teamer. Olson was also picked All-CLC and was an All-Area honorable mention. With three starters back from 2020, the Cardinals will have
WILLMAR: Page 3
Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune
Willmar junior middle hitter Mackenzie Knofczynski tips a free ball over the net during Tuesday's Central Lakes Conference match against Alexandria from Willmar High School.
