Minnesota North College - Itasca Volleyball is back on the court ready to take their next step forward as a mix of youth and experience is generating a lot of excitement in anticipation of the season opener.
Itasca finished 9-11 and fifth in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) in 2023, and ended on a high note, winning their final two matchups. Itasca’s head coach Leslie Reed returns for her 24th year at the head of the program. She has 30+ years of experience in the game, along with the presence of fourth year assistant and former player Mandi McNeil, offers a lot of credibility and wisdom to what should be a young and exciting team in 2024.
In comes freshman Claire Clusiau, Alice Irvine, and Lily Petersen as new hitters on the team - players Coach Reed feels will make an impact immediately.
“They’re all freshmen that should make an impact right away. They are all very skilled and knowledgeable athletes.”
These young, new Viking hitters will be set-up offensively by the returning Harley Lahr, who transitions from hitter to the team’s new setter in 2024.
But offense takes a backseat to defense on a Reed-coached team. Her philosophy is that good defense leads to offense, and that’s the approach she expects her team to take every game this year.
“I have always played a defense-first philosophy,” Reed says. “If you can't pass, you cannot generate an offense. My scrappy teams have always had the most success.”
The team has 12 players this year, a luxury they are not always afforded, but an opportunity to improve the entire team that can’t be wasted.
“Having the depth is nice,” said McNeil. “It adds a more competitive side to the season,” implying the players are making eachother better each practice.
The Vikings welcomed fellow Minnesota North College volleyball teams to Grand Rapids this week, hosting hybrid practices and scrimmages on their home court as the MCAC North Division looks to be competitive once again. Itasca intends to be right there in the mix this year, says Reed.
“My hopes are to finish in the top four of the MCAC Northern Division and represent well at the Region 13 VB Tournament. The ultimate goal is to make it to Nationals!”
Minnesota North College Itasca opens the regular season on the road, facing-off against Gogebic next Wednesday, Aug. 28.
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