MACCRAY Wolverines

MACCRAY junior outside hitter Elsie Sumner (9) and sophomore outside hitter Jordan Thein (8) just miss a block attempt during a Camden Conference match against Central Minnesota Christian on Nov. 19, 2020 from the Central Minnesota Christian School gymnasium in Prinsburg. Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

MACCRAY hopes to continue where it left off

Wolverines won their last six matches to end ‘20 season

BY MATTHEW CURRY | West Central Tribune

CLARA CITY — The MACCRAY Wolverines seemed to be heading in the right direction. Then, the end of last season was called off due to the pandemic.

Despite losing three starters from last year, MACCRAY hopes to continue its success this fall.

After losing three straight matches to start last season, MACCRAY bounced back to win six straight. Sadly, the Wolverines would never see how long the streak would continue with the season being ended shortly after by COVID-19.

Now, with coach Terese Bourne returning for her 19th year of coaching, and the team having six starters returning, MACCRAY hopes to continue where it left off. “We are looking forward to a normal season,” Bourne said. “We have versatile players that will make for an aggressive front attack.”

MACCRAY will be without players Joanna Johnson, Kaisa Jaenisch and Alison Koenen.

MACCRAY junior defensive specialist JoAnna Johnson collects a dig during a Camden Conference match against Central Minnesota Christian on Nov. 19, 2020 from the Central Minnesota Christian School gymnasium in Prinsburg.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

However, senior starters Kylee Kimpling, Ella Bourne, Elise Sumner and Gabby Randt return. Junior starters Jordan and Sydney Thein also return.

Aside from the starters, Bourne believes seniors Olivia Naatjes, Lizzie Koenen and Hallye Foster, sophomore setter Annie Bourne and eighth-grader Brielle Janssen will be key contributors to the Wolverines.

MACCRAY opens the season at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26 against Buffalo Lake-Hector- Stewart in Clara City. The Wolverines then get a tough test on Thursday, Sept. 2, when they travel to Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa.