Last season, the Deerfield volleyball team dealt with the negatives of having a young team.
The Demons, who had just two seniors on their roster, struggled and had a 7-29 record after earning an 11-22 record in 2022.
The positives of having only two seniors graduate from their roster though is that the Demons bring back many players and much experience from last year’s team.
“All athletes have developed better skill sets in the offseason, and are determined to show the improvements they’ve made,” Deerfield head coach Taylor Bloyer said. “The team already has great chemistry, and I’m expecting them to accomplish a lot this year.”
For their returning players, Deerfield brings back all three of its all-conference selections from last year.
Senior middle hitter Cora Nelson was a unanimous first team all-conference selection as a junior. Nelson was second on the team with 151 kills and 13 solo blocks. Nelson also led the team with a 97% attack rate.
Junior outside hitter Riley Fisher, a two-time all-conference selection, returns after earning second team honors as a sophomore. Fisher also earned honorable mention as a freshman.
Last year, Fisher led the team with 65 aces and was second on the team with 356 digs.
Along with Fisher and Nelson, junior defensive specialist Lily Betthauser returns after earning honorable mention all-conference as a sophomore. Betthauser led the team with 381 digs, while serving 38 aces and had 59 assists.
“My expectations are for them to continue being strong players on the team as well as leaders on the court,” Bloyer said. “I am hoping for them to have another successful season and earn more all-conference honors.”
Along with the key returning all-conference players, Deerfield brings back junior middle blocker Rowan Lasack, who led the team with 21 solo blocks and was fourth on the team with 91 kills.
Senior setter Makayla Waack was top-five on the team in service aces (32), digs (169) and assists (209). The team leader in assists, sophomore setter Nevaeh Schears, returns after recording 277 assists last year.
“Nevaeh has a very special skill set to have as a sophomore, and has learned so much from just one year on varsity,” Bloyer said. “I expect her to continue improving and working with our hitters to give them sets they know how to use.”
Senior defensive specialist Maddie Kimmel, senior outside hitter Saige LaChance, senior right side hitter Rylee Betthauser and sophomore middle blocker Mia Haberkorn also return after spending time on varsity last year.
In addition to those returners, Bloyer anticipates some freshmen stepping in and seeing varsity action.
“They will be great additions to the team as their level of playing is exceptional,” Bloyer said. “I’m hoping the rest of the team will continue to be mentors to them. The team is ready to work hard and have a successful season.”
Deerfield opens the season at the Central Wisconsin Christian School Invite on Friday, Aug. 30 and Saturday, Aug. 31.
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