Looking ahead: Southeast Conference volleyball

A year ago, Burlington and Fairfield ruled on the Southeast Conference volleyball court as both the Grayhounds and Trojans finished atop the league with an 8-2 overall record.

Keokuk followed with a 6-11, while Mt. Pleasant, Washington and Fort Madison all went 3-7.

With some pieces returning from all six squads, look for the conference to get even tighter in 2023.

When it comes to SEC kills, seven of the top 10 will be back this season.

Burlington brings back last years kills leader in Annalise Buxton, who finished with 404 kills, nearly 200 more than the next highest.

Fairfield also loses its leading player from a year ago in Macy Rayburn. Rayburn ended with 199 kills a year ago.

The Trojans second leader in the category makes a comeback, now junior Lilly Bergren. Bergren tallied 121 kills.

As for Mt. Pleasant, Washington, Keokuk and Fort Madison, all kills leaders are back.

For the Panthers, Emma Starr returns. Starr was eighth last season with 138 total.

Washington was led by freshman Leighton Messinger in 2022.

Messinger came in at number four on last season’s list with 194 kills. Teammate Ella Greiner came in tied at eighth with 138 kills as well.

Makenna Altgilbers and Taylor Johnson come back for Keokuk and Fort Madison.

Leading the conference in assists a year ago was Fairfield’s Maddie Jones with 516 total. Jones will be on the court once again.

She is one of five that are in the top 10 from 2022.

Mt. Pleasant will be without Tristian Shull, who was third last season with 355 assists.

Washington brings back Lauren Hinrichsen who followed in fourth with 270 assists.

Keokuk will have its leading setter as well.

Meanwhile Burlington and Fort Madison will all have new leaders come the 2023 season.

Just five return from the top 10 in digs.

Washington, Burlington and Fort Madison are the only three who bring back its leaders from 2022.

Leighton Messinger led the Demons with 301 digs last year.

Fairfield will be without Kiya Robertson, who had the fifth most last season at 312. Bergren finished 10th in the league with 274.

The Panthers will have a new leader as Shull tallied 291.

Second most Avery Levins (424 digs) returns for Burlington. Amy Yasenchok (290 digs) is back for Fort Madison.

Kayleigh Zanger, last year’s leader in digs (447) graduated for Keokuk.

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2022 Southeast Conference standings

1. Burlington 8-2

2. Fairfield 8-2

3. Keokuk 6-11

4. Mt. Pleasant 3-7

4. Washington 3-7

6. Fort Madison 3-7

2022 SEC KILLS LEADERS

1. Annalise Buxton (10), Burlington 404

2. Ayla Cannon (12), Burlington 210

3. Macy Rayburn (12), Fairfield 199

4. Leighton Messinger (9), Washington 194

5. Makenna Altgilbers (11), Keokuk 155

6. Anna Hinton (12), Keokuk 152

7. Taylor Johnson (11), Fort Madison 149

8. Emma Starr (11), Mt. Pleasant 138

8. Ella Greiner (10), Washington 138

10. Lilly Bergren (10), Fairfield 121

2022 SEC ASSISTS LEADERS

1. Maddie Jones (11), Fairfield 516

2. Marissa Huff (12), Burlington 408

3. Tristian Shull (12), Mt. Pleasant 355

4. Lauren Hinrichsen (10), Washington 270

5. Molly Knipe (12), Fort Madison 251

6. Sophie Brown (10), Burlington 243

7. Haley Mitchell (12), Washington 212

8. Kendra Boatman (9), Keokuk 193

9. Brittney Kelly (12), Keokuk 187

10. Mara Smith (9), Fort Madison 133

2022 SEC DIGS LEADERS

1. Kayleigh Zanger (12), Keokuk 447

2. Avery Levins (10), Burlington 424

3. Kayde Martin (12), Keokuk 360

4. Macy McGinity (12), Burlington 333

5. Kiya Robertson (12), Fairfield 312

6. Annalise Buxton (10), Burlington 310

7. Leighton Messinger (9), Washington 301

8. Tristian Shull (12), Mt. Pleasant 291

9. Amy Yasenchok (11), Fort Madison 290

10. Lilly Bergren (10), Fairfield 274

Bold = Eligible Returner