DARLINGTON — The Redbirds finished the 2021 season with a 7-5 record in the SWAL, but were swept by Brodhead in the regional semifinals and graduated four starters, including all-conference libero Kaylee Schwartz. However, this fall Darlington brings back eight letter winners, including some of the top hitters from the conference.

Senior hitter Jaylyn Schwartz finished in the SWAL Top 20 in kills, hitting percentage and aces last year. Jada Ruf was 16th in blocks and hitting percentage, and 23rd in kills. Aubry McCarthy was third in assists and 14th in blocks, while Mady Wedig was 13th in assists. Jaidyn Evenstad was also Top 20 in hitting percentage, aces, digs and assists, and Zoie Zuberbuhler finished 15th in digs and 18th in aces.

Also back are Catie Blosch and Ava Hendrickson, two hitters that third-year head coach Danielle Duerst sees as ready to turn the corner.

“We have a strong team this season returning eight letter winners and we are looking to be in the top half of our SWAL conference as well as get a home game for first round post-season. I expect to see a well-rounded team that can play a fast-paced offense and utilizes all of our hitting options,” Duerst said. “We have a team that almost every player has seen varsity court time over the past two seasons, they have that depth of experience on the court that will help keep our errors to a minimum this fall.”

Height and depth may be a challenge the Redbirds will have to overcome, especially compared to other members of the SWAL. Duerst also said Mineral Point and Cuba City should be set up nicely to have another big year.

“We still have a fairly small roster when compared to other teams in the conference, so we don’t have a lot of players to pull from if someone is having an off night. We are not the tallest team in the conference so will need to work on being big at the net as our first line of defense,” Duerst said. “Mineral Point and Cuba City led the conference last season and are returning a lot of all-conference players again this season. They have deep rosters and usually put up solid teams led by excellent coaches. I expect them to lead the SWAL again in 2022.”