By Con Marshall
The Chadron State College volleyball team will give a preview of coming attractions at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 during the Maroon and Black intra-squad scrimmage in the Chicoine Center. It will be open to the public without charge.
Coach Jennifer Stadler expects the action to be competitive, because the Eagles’ practices have been competitive, she said
There are about 20 players on the roster. Stadler said they will be divided into two units that she anticipates will be well-matched.
Stadler is excited about her team’s potential. The Eagles had their best season in two decades last fall, when they finished with a 15-13 record and advanced to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference’s post-season tournament.
Although three of last season’s top players graduated, the coach believes this year’s team has the potential to be at least as good.
Returning regulars include middle hitters Bella Adams, Aiyana Fuijyama and Kally Kirkwood along with setter Kendyl Kirkwood and libero Alondra Hernandez.
Nearly 10 more players who also were on last year’s roster have returned with hopes of earning more playing time this season. In addition, Stadler added four newcomers who are challenging to break into the regular rotations at their positions.
The Eagles will have another scrimmage at South Dakota Mines in Rapid City on Saturday, Aug. 31 before heading to San Diego to take on four California teams in the Point Loma University Classic on Sept. 5-7.
Chadron State’s first matches at home will be Sept. 20-21 against Colorado Mines and Metro State.