Looking ahead: 2022 Pekin volleyball

PACKWOOD — The season has already begun for the Pekin volleyball team, which competed in the WACO tournament on Monday, but there is plenty of action ahead for Panther fans in 2022.

Pekin had a tough time in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division last year. The Panthers finished 6-16 overall and 1-8 in league play.

Pekin had a balanced hitting attack last season, and much of that returns to the team in 2022. The Panthers return four hitters who had over 60 kills.

Emma Phillips returns after leading the Panthers with 78 kills last season. Fellow senior Kyli Fitzsimmons had 77. Now-sophomore Kayse Miller tallied 75, and Claire Roth, another senior, finished with 64.

On the defensive side, Roth led the team with 134 digs last season. Alex Parsons enters her junior year after collecting 125 digs as a sophomore.

Pekin does lose its leading setter, Taylor Gambell (148 assists).

The Panthers will begin North Division play at Highland on Sept. 1.

2022 Pekin volleyball schedule

Sept. 1 at Highland

Sept. 6 vs. Hillcrest Academy

Sept. 8 at Lone Tree

Sept. 13 vs. Louisa-Muscatine

Sept. 15 at WACO

Sept. 22 at SEISC pool play

Sept. 24 at SEISC Finals

Oct. 4 vs. Wapello

Oct. 6 at Winfield-Mount Union

Oct. 11 vs. Columbus

Oct. 17 Regionals