Colfax netters aim for conference crown
Colfax — After finishing as the runner up to neighboring Elk Mound in the conference last year with an 8-1 record, then losing to the same Mounder team in a second round regional game, the Colfax volleyball team wants to contend for a conference rown this season and advance further into the playoffs this year, according to head coach Pam Meredith and her five senior players. In order to reach the top, Meredith, in her seventh year leading her troops, knows Elk Mound will be the main obstacle in their way again this year.
“Elk Mound has such good numbers and the majority of them play competitively in the off season,” she said. “They also have a coach with a lot of experience. Mondovi could be another strong team but I believe we can finish near the top of the conference because of our experienced players,” she added.
Losing three players from last year’s team, including All Conference player Ryleigh Prochnow along with Heather Tweed and Melanie Billon, several juniors and seniors with varsity experience will step up. Seniors Taylor Shipman, Braanna Steen, Emily Halpin and Emily Tuschl are returning letter winners and Georgette Wendt will join them on the varsity team this year. Kori Buchanan, after leading the team in kills last year, leads a strong group of juniors including setter Dannielle Dachel, back row specialist Alexis Rudi, hitters Chey Olson, Courtney Ottinger and Faith LaNou and setter Katie Christoffel.
With about 30 girls out for the team, Meredith is assisted by Linda Billodeau and Lori Buchanan.
“This is probably one of the most talented group of players I have coached since I began here,” Meredith said. “And I mean from top to bottom. That talent and experience should help us a lot this year. We will work on getting players in the right spot at our scrimmage on Saturday and the two tournaments in the upcoming week. The girls are ready to play!”
After a quadrangular meet in Colfax Aug. 27, the Vikings will play against several top teams in the state at the Menomonie Sprawl Aug. 30-31. They will begin duel matches at Bloomer Sept. 3.