Ottumwa, IA – A new year has arrived for the Indian Hills Volleyball team as the Warriors are set to open up the 2021 season Friday afternoon in Council Bluffs, IA. The Warriors open up with four matches this weekend at the Reiver Classic Tournament hosted by Iowa Western Community College.
The Warriors are coming off of the unique spring season where the team made a thrilling run to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) DI Midwest District B Championship match, falling in five sets to eventual national tournament participant Missouri State-West Plains. Indian Hills completed the season with a 14-9 overall record.
Head coach Lyndsey Michel, entering her 10th season at the helm of the Warriors sees a group of contributors on this year's roster that has potential for something greater than a runner-up finish. "We've got a lot of high level players that are consistent in what they do," Michel stated. "We're tall and long blocking wise. Our front and back rows are both solid. They're going to make my job hard this year."
With a strong group of returners, Michel's squad has plenty of experience in multiple areas. Libero Anja Vranic returns after a strong freshman where she led the team in digs. "Defensively, Anja will make a huge impact for us. She did a great job for us last year. With a year under her belt now, we'll be stronger defensively than we have been in many years."
The Warriors bring back a strong offensive presence in Precious Daley, a first-team NJCAA All-Region XI selection, and Jarolin de los Santos. The two combined for 374 kills on the year. "Jarolin and Precious bring solid offensive power to the front row. We're looking forward to both of them having big years for us."
Along with the team's loaded sophomore class, a series of newcomers, both freshmen and transfers, are set to make an impact for the Warriors. "Our freshman class has meshed well all preseason," Michel added. "They bring ball control to the team and they look to have that chemistry in play."
The Warriors add three transfers in Brooke Amann (South Dakota State University), Haleigh Hadley (Iowa State University), and Melodee Schulte (Southeastern Community College) who look to make solid contributions on the year.
One year removed from a national tournament appearance, the Warriors have added key pieces to their puzzle for the upcoming year. Indian Hills has been selected by conference coaches to finish second in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) for this year behind defending NJCAA DI National Champion Iowa Western. The two teams will play twice this year, but the Warriors make three trips to Council Bluffs overall that includes a pair of in-season tournaments.
ICCAC DIVISION I VOLLEYBALL CONFERENCE PREVIEW
The Warriors will open up this season at Reiver Classic against No. 11 Northeastern Junior College (CO) and No. 4 Utah State University Eastern on Friday followed by matches against Jefferson College (MO) and No. 8 Western Nebraska Community College on Saturday. The Warriors' first three matches will be streamed via the Reiver Sports Network.
The team's first home match is set for August 24 at the Hellyer Center vs. DMACC.
2021 INDIAN HILLS VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
To hear more from this year's team, see the team's Media Day Press Conference below.