Looking ahead: 2022 Winfield-Mount Union volleyball

WINFIELD — The 2021 Winfield-Mount Union volleyball team was one of the top teams in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference. WMU finished 22-11 overall and 7-1 in the North Division, pitting the Wolves in second place in the final standings.

Heading into the 2022 season, there was plenty of hype for the Wolves, and for good reason. WMU returns a wealth of talent, enough in fact that the Wolves were ranked No. 15 in the Class 1A preseason poll, put out by the Iowa Girls High School Athetic Union.

Included in the returners are the Top-2 hitters on the squad. Bradie Buffington led the team with 192 kills and 46 blocks last season, and Melina Oepping collected 157 kills. Both are now in their senior year.

Fellow seniors Kelly Malone and Keetyn Townsley also will return. Malone was the team’s setter last season, and she dished out 526 assists. Townsley finished with 458 digs.

Other returners for the Wolves include Lily Freeman, Audrie Gipple and Aurey Meeker, all juniors. Coach David Pieart says he plans on getting a boost from juniors Tessa Huston, Mariana Hagmeier and Kailey Neil as well.

The Wolves have already swept Keokuk and competed at the West Branch tournament. They will open September at the English Valleys tournament this weekend.

2022 Winfield-Mount Union volleyball schedule

Aug. 25 at Keokuk

Aug. 27 at West Branch tournament

Sept. 3 at English Valleys tournament

Sept. 6 vs. Columbus

Sept. 8 at Highland

Sept. 10 at Wilton

Sept. 13 vs. Hillcrest Academy

Sept. 15 at Lone Tree

Sept. 29 vs. Louisa-Muscatine

Oct. 1 at New London tournament

Oct. 4 at WACO

Oct. 6 vs. Pekin

Oct. 11 at Wapello