JUDA — Last fall, Maren Huntsman was trying to get to know her players while also navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The second-year coach and her team are now on the same page after a full offseason, and the Panthers look to improve on an 0-11 campaign from 2020.

“We have four pretty strong seniors playing this season,” Huntsman said. “All the girls are working hard this summer to prepare and are ready to start strong for the season.”

Juda graduated setter Maddie Smith and middle hitter Jocelyn Rufer, two Six Rivers East All-Stars. However, the Panthers return eight letterwinners from last season from all across the court. Jackie Nusbaum looks to take over the setter role along with Briliey Swedlund. Lavinia Rufer, Jerzie Lerch, Libby Jordan, Susan Farias and Morgan Schneeberger all bring experience at the net. Ciarrah Davis returns at libero, and could split time with Schneeberger in that role. Josie Simpson is new to the varsity roster, and brings depth to the setter position.

“Some of our goals are to develop a quicker offense and to be even better at hustling,” Huntsman said. 

Overall, the Panthers just want to be able to score some more wins no matter how hard they have to grind. 

In the Six Rivers East, Huntsman sees Monticello as the top contender for the league title give the top-end talent. “They kept some of their stronger players from last year and were the most competitive with Black Hawk — and this season Black Hawk will have lost many strong seniors.”