Renville County West Jaguars

Renville County West junior middle blocker Hannah Pharr elevates on a block attempt against MACCRAY junior middle hitter Kylee Kimpling during a Camden Conference match on Nov. 5, 2020 from MACCRAY High School. Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Senior-laden Jaguars look to improve

Renville County West has 11 seniors on its roster

BY TOM ELLIOTT | West Central Tribune

RENVILLE — Optimism abounds at Renville County West.

That’s what happens when you have a roster that includes 11 seniors and five returning starters. The Jaguars went through some tough times in 2020, finishing 0-12. But head coach Richard Schrupp likes what he has seen going into the season.

“The girls have put in many hours during the offseason and continue to get better,” said Schrupp, who begins his third season with a 27-16 career record. “We look forward to a competitive season and look to be playing our best volleyball at the end of the season. “This will allow us to make a run in the playoffs.” Seniors Hannah Pharr, Addyson Tanner and Alice Hanson lead the way. Pharr is a 6-foot-1 middle blocker who led RCW with 87 kills and 24 solo blocks. She earned All-Camden Conference honors.

Tanner is a 5-6 setter who had 179 set assists, 103 digs and a 91.97% serve percentage.

Hanson, a 5-6 outside hitter, was second on the team with 56 kills. She also had 38 digs and four solo blocks.

Renville County West junior defensive specialist Bethany Bratsch serves during a Camden Conference match against MACCRAY on Nov. 5, 2020 from MACCRAY High School.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Other starters back are junior outside hitter Ellie Wulf and Holly Bratsch, a 5-9 right-side hitter. Wulf had 39 kills and Bratsch had six. Bratsch also had 61 set assists and 65 digs

The Jaguars must replace graduated starters Reilly Elfering and Abi Gasca.

RCW opens the season Thursday, Sept. 2 against Red Rock Central in Lamberton.