NEW GLARUS — The last time the Glarner Knights stepped onto the volleyball court, they were playing in just their fifth regional semifinal in 20 seasons.
New Glarus wound up losing to eventual regional champion Brodhead in straight sets Oct. 24, but the five-set win over Deerfield two days prior was just the fifth postseason win for the Knights dating back to the 2001 season. In those five wins, the Knights have lost each of its next match. They are hoping that changes this season.
“This team finished over .500 after a 1-20 record the previous season,” head coach Kayla Zimmerman said, adding that two players were named all-conference for a team that finished 14-13 overall and 3-7 in the Capitol South.
Four starters return this year, including senior Alexah Mellenberger, an outside hitter. Mellenberger averaged 12 kills and 8 digs per match, and had just 16 passing errors in 27 contests. She had a 95% service rate as a junior and will serve as a team captain. She recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Central College in Pella, Iowa, this upcoming fall.
Sophomore setter Grace Nommensen is back as well. Nommensen has the ability to serve as both a setter and a hitter, as she averaged 8 kills and 25 assists per match as a freshman. She also had 18 solo blocks and a 97% success rate on her serves. Juniors Ellie Eichelkraut and Emma Marty are also back, each serving at 88%.
“I’m hoping to have many new contributors at the varsity level. We are looking for some players to step into the middle and possibly the right side for us,” Zimmerman said. “We are excited to get on the court and continue with the momentum that we were building last season. We have our eyes on many athletically talented student athletes coming into the season.”
Zimmerman said her goals for the team are to develop technical skills as well as build confidence. The players got the “taste of success” last season, and Zimmerman hopes that carries over this year.
She also said that the spring start has made for some challenges to the season, and that the players will have to find a way to mesh on the court quicker than usual.
“Typically, we come into our fall season after spending the summer playing together in leagues, contact days, open gyms, clinics, etc. This season will look and feel differently,” Zimmerman said.
The Capitol Conference will change its scheduling this season, because while some teams like Belleville, Wisconsin Heights and New Glarus opted for the alternative fall taking place this spring, others, like Cambridge and Waterloo, played in the fall of 2020.
“This will change the dynamic within the newly created conference schedule for us. We will meet teams that typically play on the other side (North) of the conference. Belleville and Wisconsin Heights remain on our schedule and always bring competitive teams to the floor,” Zimmerman said.
