The Mora Volleyball team will be looking to improve after last year's 11-16 season saw an early playoff exit. The girls lost the first round match to Duluth Marshall in the section playoffs. Many of those same girls are back this year and after a lot of offseason improvements they are ready to win more games this year.
The 2018 Mora Volleyball Season Preview with Lisa Gustafson:
What are you most excited for this year?
We have a lot of talent returning and are gelling well at preseason practices. We have height and are attacking the ball aggressively. Our defense has improved as well as our court transitions and consistency. We are excited to see where our off-season improvements take us - we aim to win many more games than last season.
How is the roster shaping up? Do you have a lot of new players? Are you returning a lot of players? Younger? Older? Etc.
New Setters - Hannah Bos (11th), Mikala Peterson (9th), Lauren Berry (9th).
Returning Middles - Molly Lukenbill (senior captain) Hailyn Bos (11th).
Outside and Right Side Hitters - Abby Szoka (11th), Emma Rasmusson (senior captain), Sage Lukenbill (9th), Ellian Schritz (9th).
Defensive Specialists - Alyssa Pasillas (11th), Grace Anderson (11th), Anna Athey (10th).
(all 9th graders are new to varsity)
Who are a couple athletes that will stand out?
Senior Captains, Molly Lukenbill and Emma Rasmusson, will stand out as court leaders. Strong hitting from Sage Lukenbill, Abby Szoka, and Hailyn Bos will compliment our net play.
Any upcoming milestones for your team?
We added a new tourney this year, Aug. 25, at Howard Lake - Waverly. We hope this gives us a jump on the regular season.
We have our annual tourney Sept. 29 and hope to place in the top 4.
What are your goals?
We aim to have a winning season and contend for a top place in the Granite Ridge Conference. We want to make a strong section appearance, hoping to make the final rounds.
Favorite upcoming games, matches, or meets?
Parent’s Night - Tuesday, Sept. 11 vs. Zimmerman
Senior Night - Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Becker
Anything else you want people to know about your team?
We are solid in every position; our height should enable a stronger offense and defensive blocking. The girls seem hungry to win!
