NEW GLARUS — While the Glarner Knights graduated all-conference outside hitter Alexah Mellenberger, who is now playing at Central College in Iowa, eight others from last season’s varsity roster return this fall.

Grace Nommensen, a junior, is a first-team all-conference player at setter and hitter, bringing a versatile range of skills to the lineup. Also back are senior hitters Ellie Eichelkraut on the outside, and Emma Marty in the middle. Junior middle hitter Amber Horn and defensive specialist Izzy Zimmeman return, as does a trio of sophomores: Lindsey Schadewalt, Veronica Tollakson and Carrah Bainbridge.

The coaching staff understands the level of experience that returns, and the kind of impact it can have on not just this year’s varsity roster, but the program as a whole.

“We are on a mission to compete for the top of the conference,” said head coach Kayla Zimmerman. “Many of the girls have been two or three year starters, and have played through tough seasons. They have goals to keep elevating New Glarus volleyball.”

Replacing Mellenberger will be a challenge, coach Zimmerman said. “Alexah was a major part of our team for the past four years. She filled both an outside and setter role, so finding the right rotation and personnel will be a priority,” Zimmerman said.

The Knights played in the Alternate Fall season this past spring, and needed to constantly change its lineup do to various health reasons. That meant a lot of younger players seeing bonus court time for multiple matches in a row. Throw in a “more normal” offseason compared to a year ago — with multiple opportunities to play together this past summer — the Glarner Knights are ready to hit the ground running this fall.

In their path to a possible Capitol South championship is perennial contender Waterloo, plus rival Belleville and Wisconsin Heights.

“In recent years, Waterloo has been the team to beat. However, there are multiple teams that are going to force us to compete every night: Belleville and Wisconsin Heights. We hope to be right in the mix for the top spot,” Zimmerman said.