(Oakland, IA) — Sometimes it easy to get to the top but the hard part is staying there. That is what is facing the Riverside Volleyball team this season. The Bulldogs went 39-4 last season and went to the state tournament for the first time in school history. Over 700 kills have graduated, however, with Elly Henderson, Ayla Richardson and Sophia Taylor off to college. Riverside has All Stater Bentley Rone to lead the team thanks to her versatility — 263 kills, 533 assists, 163 digs, 65 blocks, and 73 aces. Head Coach Brooke Flathers says she could play at any position to give the team flexibility
Sophomore Ashley Kelley can help at the setter position with 474 assists last year. Junior Sydney Somers will get more offensive chances after 207 kills last season. Senior Madison Kelley and Junior Lilli Reed provide a lot of offense in the middle for the Bulldogs
Junior Sophia Fenner will lead the defense with 251 digs and Flathers says there is plenty of young talent to step up and move into the rotation. Overall, Flathers does not expect too many changes to her approach to the season because if ain’t broke, why fix it?
Riverside opens the season on Saturday, August 30 with a tournament hosted by AHSTW. The Bulldogs have a scrimmage August 19 against Sidney and August 22 at Clarinda.
Complete Interview with Head Coach Brooke Flathers
