(Anita) CAM finished as the runner-up in the Rolling Valley Conference volleyball standings a year ago. The Cougars were one game back of RVC champ Coon Rapids-Bayard.
They’ll be looking to compete towards the top once again. Coach Jenna Maiers says, “From what I remember from last year coming back in our conference Boyer Valley has a pretty strong team. I think they are going to see a lot of good play this year. Woodbine has a pretty decent middle that could give us some trouble. We are really hoping to be at the top of the conference.”
CAM returns three of their top five hitters and their leader in digs. “The one that’s made the biggest impact to me through camp and these last couple days is definitely Marissa Spieker. She’s a senior. This is her third year in that libero position and she’s stepping up taking over that role and leading the team and pumping everybody up. She’s just kind of the definition of what commitment is. She spent the summer in the gym and the weight room. She played softball too and was at open gyms for volleyball and basketball. She’s just there. She makes her presence known when she’s there and gives everybody that comfort feel of her being that solid rock for us.”
Among those top hitters returning are Eva Steffensen, Mady McKee, and Mallory Behnken. Breeanna Bower will replace Taylor Bower as the starting setter. “I’m really excited to see what she’s going to be able to do this year. We have Mady McKee and Mallory Behnken back. They are going to see a lot of playing time this year too. I also have a junior defensive specialist Reese Snyder that will see a lot of action. We also have Eva back from last year when she was just a freshman and getting used to the style of volleyball in high school. I’m seeing a lot of really good things out of her.”
Coach Maiers identifies some of the areas she wants to improve on this year. “A lot of passing. My girls would probably roll their eyes if you asked them that question. It’s just such a fundamental, basic part of our game and that’s where everything starts.”
The Cougars start the year August 28th at the AHSTW tournament.
