Volleyball look-ahead: Cardinal

CARDINAL — The 2021 season was a bit of a bumpy road for a Cardinal volleyball team that replaced much of its talent from the year before.

The Comets struggled early last season. A tough Southeast Iowa Super Conference South Division was hard to navigate, and although the Comets won at least one set in six of their first nine matches, it took till match 10 to pull out a victory.

The Comets pulled out a three-set win over Twin Cedars, beating the Sabres 21-17, 17-21 and 16-14 on September 18. That was one of just four wins on the year.

The Comets had a young team in 2021, as the majority of players on the squad were underclassmen, including three of their top four hitters.

Cardinal will, however, need to replace its top hitter and setter. Leading killer Sydney Pickrell (140 kills, 10 blocks) and setter Riley Bears (147 assists, 11 blocks).

The Comets will likely be a junior-led team in 2022. Last year’s sophomore class was big for Cardinal at the net, as Emma Becker finished the year with 91 kills. Cynthia Albert had 42, and Kaylyn Chapin finished the year with 40.

Becker was huge all around for the Comets. She led the team in digs, with 264, the only non-senior in the top four of that category.

Cardinal opens up its 2022 season against new South Central Conference rival Clarke of Osceola. The Comets will be making their inaugural run through the SCC this year.

Aug. 30 vs. Clarke

Sept. 3 at English Valleys Tournament

Sept 6. at Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont

Sept. 13 vs. Chariton

Sept. 17 home tournament

Sept. 19 at Pekin quad

Sept. 20 at Centerville

Sept. 22 at PCM

Sept. 27 vs. Knoxville

Oct. 3 at New London

Oct. 4 at Albia

Oct. 8 at Mutchler Recreation Center

Oct. 11 vs. Davis County