Molalla volleyball hopeful to turn its fortunes in 2024

After a rough campaign in 2023, Molalla volleyball understands a change is needed.

“The girls expressed their goals and desires to have this year be vastly different than the last one,” Molalla head coach Lauree Nelzen said. “They are understanding the commitment level it takes to win at a varsity level. We set goals (Thursday morning), and the energy is tangible. They are focused and ready to work hard and understand they will be asked to do things differently, and to have a different mentality than last year.”

Molalla finished 0-17 overall last year, winning one set all season. It was a stark dropoff from the 2022 season, where the team finished .500 and fell just a game short from a state playoff appearance.

Driven by a desire to improve, Molalla’s seven returners, along with a decent amount of newcomers, will be on the forefront of the program’s attempt to return to the postseason.

“They are a hungry group of talented young ladies who have the potential to make a big impact on the league this year,” Nelzen said. “It’s always exciting to see them gel as a family and a team, and make memories together.”

Leading the storm will be senior setter Jenna Sandberg and senior defensive specialist Ella Ward, as the pair hold the most varsity experience among the group and will surely be looked toward for guidance and leadership.

“Both are team leaders, vocally on the floor and on the bench,” Nelzen said. “They are great students and wonderful teammates. They are starting to step into those (leadership) roles nicely.”

Sophomore Emma Reiman should provide an additional boost — the middle blocker provides size, aggressive front-row play and had an instant effect on the team after moving up from junior varsity halfway through the season last year.

A club season last winter further developed her game, and she’s pegged by Nelzen as a special talent that will leave a positive legacy on the program.

A new face to the team will be junior setter Emma Aguas, a transfer from Canby High School that Nelzen dubbed “a nice surprise.” Anchoring the back row is sophomore Cadence Holmes and McKenzee Alcantara, as well as junior Sydni Yehle, while sophomore Hadley Ellis and junior Keyla Serrano provide height on the front row.

Mixed with seniors Ashley LaPlante, Eleana Strader and A’Rian Bond, Molalla is shaping up to possibly possess the needed personnel to turn its fortunes this year.

“We are hopeful for a solid season this year for all three teams in our program,” Nelzen said. “With 40-plus girls wearing the Molalla uniform — well over half of them freshmen and sophomores — we are excited for the future of Molalla volleyball. They are talented, willing to work and hungry for success.”

Molalla officially opens its season against Cottage Grove at home on Thursday, Sept. 5.