MONTICELLO — A second place finish in the Six Rivers East last fall — along with two losses to nemesis Black Hawk, including in the regional final — fueled the fire for the Ponies in the offseason.

Returning six key players from 2020, including three all-conference honorees, Monticello is ready to claim its first league title since 2014.

“There is a lot of talent in the conference and some very athletic girls returning. No one should be overlooked,” said coach Rebecca Gustafson. “Our goal is to stay healthy, take one day at a time, and play smart, aggressive volleyball. When it all comes together, we hope to be battling at the top.”

Senior Hannah Clark is the most experienced on the Ponies home court and is looked at as a leader in the locker room. A second-team all-conference pick last year, Clark was second on the team in kills and first in blocks.

Also back is junior hitter Ellie Gustafson, a full-rotation player that can pass from everywhere on the court and led the team in kills, aces and serve receive. Last fall she was named first-team all-conference and honorable mention all-state.

Rebecca Gustafson also has juniors Katelyn Eyler, Macie Grant, Delenn Gillaspie and sophomore Jayden Zuber returning.

“Katelyn played back row last year but is looking to see some time in the front row this year,” Rebecca Gustafson said, adding that Eyler is a hard worker with a solid skillset. 

Grant was a second-team all-conference defensive specialist that has the ability to play in the front row. Last season she led the team in digs and with an aggressive approach as setter could help the offense even more this fall. Gillaspie took turns setting a year ago with since-departed Alexa Siegenthaler and will also get an opportunity to play in the front row some this season. Zuber is an outside hitter that quick and athletic. Rebecca Gustafson also likes Zuber’s aggressiveness at the service line.

Newcomers to the rotation this year will include seniors Sarah Brokopp, Addi DiCristina and Jaydan Hummel. Freshman Kelsey Grant will also be in the mix for court time.

“Sarah is a defensive specialist and will contribute in the back row. She’s another aggressive server and a vocal leader,” Rebecca Gustafson said. “Addi is a defensive specialist who lifts her team with her positive energy and lightheartedness. Jaydan is looking to contribute after sitting out a season due to injury. Kelsey is a setter and a hitter — a versatile player who can contribute anywhere her team needs her.”

All-in-all, Rebecca Gustafson simply has a team of volleyball players that love the sport, and that is a strength in itself.

“We have girls that love to play volleyball and spend many hours outside the season improving. This equates to players who have a high volleyball IQ and have solid skills,” she said. “We have girls that can pass, set, and find ways to score. This is a group of kids who want to be pushed and are working really hard to reach their goals. Another plus is that they are a really positive and fun group to be around.”

While skills and optimism blanket the locker room, the coaching staff knows the season — and each match — can be a rollercoaster ride.

“We need to work on being more consistent, which should come as we gain trust and confidence in each other. Being more vocal will also be key to our success,” Rebecca Gustafson said.