The Superior Express -

In the smaller schools of Nebraska, each sports season is usually a question mark at the beginning. Last year's seniors moving on need to be replaced by younger and maybe more inexperienced players.

The 2021 L-N Lady Raiders can look ahead with some confidence that comes before any games are played. They will play in Class D-2 this year and they return players that were team leaders in some statistics last year. Last year's record showed six wins and 14 losses with the girls that played the most listed at 57 sets. Four girls played 57 sets last year and three of them return to this year's squad.

As for contributions on the 2020 squad, leaders in major categories return as follows:

Kills: Emma Epley was 2nd and Aleah Heikkinen was 3rd on last year's squad.

Ace Serves: Elsa Jorgensen led with Aleah 2nd and Emma 3rd.

Digs: Elsa 1st, Katelyn Mazour 2nd (tied), Emma 3rd, Aleah 4th.

Assists: Katelyn 1st, Emma 2nd.

Schools do not print players' heights any more so it's hard to predict this aspect of the game.

The team does not play on opening night for the 2021 season, rather they will play two games on Saturday at the Axtell tournament.

The new head coach is Mr. Nolan Kawata, assisted by Dina Hoelting and Jaycee Schroer.

All home volleyball games will be played Nelson this year.

The 2021 Schedule:

Aug. 28 – Axtell tournament

Aug. 31 – Palmer, home

Sept. 2 – at Superior

Sept. 7 – Friend, home

Sept. 9 – Deshler, home

Sept. 11 – Friend tournament

Sept. 14 - at Harvard triangular

Sept. 16 – Shelton, home

Sept. 21 – Triangular, home

Sept. 23 – Silver Lake, home

Sept. 28 – St. Cecilia Tourney

Oct. 5 – Triangular, home

Oct. 12 – at Blue Hill

Oct. 14 – at BDS triangular

Oct. 16 – TVC tournament

Oct. 21 – Franklin, home