Volleyball opener Thursday

After a long first week, with 80 girls trying out for 51 spots, the Raider volleyball team will kick off the 2010 season Thursday night with a nonconference home opener against Ellsworth beginning at 7:15 p.m.

Head coach Dennis Saathoff will field a varsity team consisting of 12 players; eight seniors and four juniors, led by five returning letterwinners.

Saathoff said he is optimistic about the upcoming season.

“We have already has some great practices, and I think we are ahead of where we were at this early point in the season last year,” he said. “This group of girls really seems to like to compete and play hard and have fun. I am looking forward to a great season.”

Leading the group of returning veterans is senior Amber Saathoff, an All-Big Rivers Conference second team selection a year ago. Seniors Britni Eberlin and Jamie Lindstrom, along with juniors Stephanie Little and Elle Schwartz, are also back.

They will be joined by first-year varsity players Alexa Beauclaire, Alexa Belanger, Ashley Fall, Emily Phillips and Torrie Traynor, all seniors, and juniors Maddie Drewiske and Katrina Zenz on the Raider varsity to start the season.

Raider fans will get plenty of chances to see the team early in the year. In addition to Thursday’s home opener against Ellsworth, the Raiders will host a quad tournament Tuesday, Aug. 31, beginning at 5 p.m. and open BRC play at home against Eau Claire Memorial Thursday, Sept. 2, at 7:15 p.m.

The Raider junior varsity will host Ellsworth this Thursday and Eau Claire Memorial next Thursday, Sept. 2, both at 5:45 p.m.

Tags: sports, volleyball, raiders, prep