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Burgess highlights area returners in SICL
Kupka returns for HLV-TC as top setter
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Of area volleyball returners this season in the South Iowa Cedar League, it’s hard to argue that anyone was more productive last season than Montezuma’s Sydnee Burgess.
The Bravettes’ junior, who was a first team SICL selection, totaled 246 kills last season, the most of any area returner, but what most stands out is Burgess’ defensive abilities.
Her 98 blocks were 30 more than the next closest player last season in the SICL.
“I’d say its definitely something I take pride in,” Burgess said. “It’s also a part of the teamwork I have. I think we’re a really close-knit group, and I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them.”
Burgess looks to improve her game in several areas this season.
“Definitely hitting my zones and trying to hit side-to-side and not just hitting to hit,” Burgess said of how she wants to improve. “Also in serving, I wasn’t exactly the strongest server, and it’s something I want to get better at.”
The team also returns other starters, including Chloe Snook.
As the team’s primary setter, Snook totaled 321 assists last season to go along with a team-high 27 aces.
The Bravettes hope to improve on their 13-15 campaign last season.
“Our saying is ‘As one’,“ Burgess said. We’ve gotten really close through different sports together and its helped with our communication and togetherness.”
Here is a look at other key returners from area teams.
- Kylie Arment, sr., BGM — Had 345 of the team’s 403 assists last season to go with a team-high 36 aces.
- Ana Coleman, jr., BGM — Had a team-high 85 kills last season.
- Ava Gehrking, jr., English Valleys— Two year starter and SICL second team all-conference last season. Led team in kills (209), aces (36), blocks (68) and digs (205).
- Hadyn Bender, jr., English Valleys — Team’s top setter last season with 447 assists and added a 96.4% serve percentage.
- Erilea Kupka, soph., HLV-TC — First team SICL selection last season and was the top setter in the SICL last with 523 assists. Added 36 aces.
- Nicole Gensley, sr., HLV-TC — Started all 29 matches last season with a team-high 34 blocks to go along with 107 kills.
- Maeci Marshall, jr., Iowa Valley — Started all 32 matches last season and recorded 157 assists, 103 kills and 53 aces.
- Clara Fry, sr., Iowa Valley — Played in all 32 matches last season with 89 kills and 23 blocks.
- Averi Nielsen, sr., Williamsburg— Team-high 280 assists last season and one of key senior leaders on this year’s team.
- Clarissa Suhr, jr., Williamsburg— First team WaMaC West selection last season. Led team in kills last season with 180.
(Not all coaches responded to questions before press time.)
