Montevideo Thunder Hawks

Montevideo sophomore middle hitter Avery Koenen delivers an attack during a West Central Conference match against Melrose on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 from Montevideo High School. Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Thunder Hawks have hope for strong season

Dominant middle hitter Avery Koenen leads Montevideo

BY JOE BROWN | West Central Tribune

MONTEVIDEO — Looking for the school’s first winning season since 2017, the Montevideo volleyball team hopes to take a leap this fall.

Going 2-4 in the COVID-19 shortened season, the Thunder Hawks return a key offensive weapon in junior Avery Koenen.

Koenen is a 6-foot2 middle hitter. She’ll look to replace outside hitters Livia Gades, Lexi Brockmoller and Cali Molde along with middle hitter Meg Anderson and right-side hitter Jaysa Herfendal. The Thunder Hawks will also look to replace a pair of defensive specialists in Megan Stueck and Alondra Villareal.

“After graduating a large starting class from 2020, we hope to build a strong squad around Avery Koenen, who had a standout year last year and got even better in the off-season,” said Montevideo head coach Ashley Palmer. “(Koenen’s) height, volleyball knowledge, attitude and strength will help guide our team on and off the court.”

Facilitating the offense is another returning starter in 5-9 setter Tenley Epema.

Hoping to fill other spots on the offense, Montevideo is looking at a pair of sophomores to give the team a boost. In the middle is 5-9 Jenessa Berg. At outside hitter, 5-7 Avery Williams will be in the mix.

“Avery (Williams) comes off an ACL injury but has a lot of competitive JO experience, has a high volleyball IQ and will help this year’s varsity squad,” Palmer said. “Jenessa Berg will hopefully fill one of the many hitting holes left by the graduating class.”

Montevideo opens the season with a nonconference game at home on Aug. 26 against Redwood Valley.

Montevideo sophomore setter Tenley Epema serves during a West Central Conference match against Melrose on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 from Montevideo High School.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune