BRODHEAD — This past spring in the Alternate Fall season, the Cardinals found a groove on the volleyball court at the perfect time: Playoffs. Brodhead made it all the way to the Alternate Fall Division 2 state championship, only to fall to Washburn and finish the season with a 12-4 overall record.

After graduating three seniors — including both outside hitters — the Cardinals are hoping an experienced roster has what it takes to repeat the success from the short-lived spring season to a full slate this fall.

“The experience of state on our side, we will continue to buckle down and push to get better at every opportunity,” said Brodhead coach Erin Kammerer. “Our team strength this season will be based on our team’s persistent mind frame to grow. Our eleven returners have the ability to play multiple positions.  Team chemistry and playing for each other will be the key.”

Seven seniors return this fall, plus a slew of juniors that not only have experience — but recognition from both conference and state coaches.

In the middle resides junior Abbie Dix, a 6-foot hitter that was first-team all-conference, Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association All-Tournament team and second-team all-state. At setter is another junior, Alexis Kammerer, who was also first-team all-conference, all-tournament and honorable mention all-state. McKenna Young, an outside hitter, was second-team all-conference last season.

“The returning juniors are no strangers to the court,” which also includes Kirsten Fish and Kaidynce Bevars, Erin Kammerer said. “Dix and (Alexis) Kammerer will continue to perfect fast tempo routes and keep the defense guessing as they advance. Young, Fish, and returning sophomore Addison Yates will contribute to some front row fun with their attacking and blocking.”

Senior Onnikah Oliver was the team’s Most Improved Player last spring and played an integral part on defense and at the service line during the run to state. Madisyn Kail, a senior, can set, hit and play as a defensive specialist. Last season she was honorable mention all-conference, and this season will act as a team captain along with Alexis Kammerer. 

“Kail has taken on the leadership role and continues to be versatile as she can fill any position,” said Erin Kammerer. “(Kiarra) Moe, Oliver and Ellie Yates find pride in digging and stopping setter dumps. (Daisy) Nelson will continue to perfect her outside swing.”

One of the biggest challenges for the Cardinals will be how they handle pushing to the next level, Erin Kammerer said. 

“Mental toughness, persistence, team chemistry will be a focus to achieve long-term success,” Erin Kammerer said. “Our team goal is to be ‘gritty’ and competitive 100% of the time. Our eleven returners are packed with experience, but will need to perform under pressure and maintain a high level of persistence. Our team will be senior led and their push to make their last year the best will drive determination.”

McFarland and Whitewater are top teams in the Rock Valley Conference this year, according to coach Kammerer. Both finished in the top two in league play last season, and both return “outstanding players”. Another team that could be in the mix will be East Troy, which played in the normal fall slate. 

“They always run a consistent program,” Erin Kammerer said of East Troy. “The Rock Valley Conference is mainly division 2 teams, therefore, speeding up our tempo and multiple threats will be highly important to our success.”