Cyclones volleyball looks to serve opponents

The HCHS Cyclones volleyball team finished their 2023 season going 9-24, including losing their final eight matches. However, with a new year and roster in front of them, they are ready to get back to work and play hard.
“I’m excited to start this upcoming volleyball season to see what we can, do as a team, on the volleyball court,” said Sophomore Avery Manz.
The Cyclones have been practicing for the upcoming season with many students out, but limited room on the varsity roster. Head coach Elle Crees and her coaching staff have been working with the girls doing numerous drills.
“The coaches have done a great job of pushing us in practice while keeping the energy high and allowing us to build that team chemistry that is crucial throughout the season,” said Junior Carly Torneten. “We’ve been working hard on playing scrappy defense and being aggressive at the net to make it more difficult for other teams to put the ball on the floor. We’re hoping that we continue to build the mindset that nothing hits the floor and that we need to give 100% effort on every point.”
During the 2023 season, the Cyclones were led by Macy Mueller with 538 assists and  Aubrey Schwieso with 139 kills. Mueller and Schwieso will be the two seniors this season and plan to be leaders and good teammates for the underclassmen.
“There will be a ton of new roles being filled on the court,” said Cyclone Head Coach Elle Crees. “A lot of younger athletes are going to have to step up. For example, Kenzley Bruck. You'll still see Macy Mueller and Aubrey Schwieso up there running the show.”
With only nine wins last season, and her first varsity action during her sophomore season, Torneten feels improvements could be made amongst herself.
“As an underclassman getting my first varsity action, I felt very nervous and I had difficulty being confident on the court,” she said. “That being said, I hope to step into more of leadership role this season as well as bringing a higher level of play from last year. I’d like to improve my serving and work on make the opposing team move for the ball. I’d also like to work on being scrappy on defense and making an effort for every single ball.”
Some of the Cyclones losses last season came against ADM, Treynor, Winterset, Stanton, Des Moines Christian, and some Hawkeye Ten opponents including, Glenwood, Red Oak, Shenandoah, and St. Albert. The Cyclones are hoping for wins this time around against some of these opponents.
“Historically, Red Oak and Kuemper Catholic have good programs,” Manz said. “We not only want to compete, we want to beat these programs.”
The Cyclones will begin their regular season Aug. 29 at ADM High School at 4:30 p.m., where they will be one of four schools competing along with ADM, Des Moines Christian, and Woodward-Granger.
“I'm really looking forward to this year's opportunities with lots of girls stepping up to varsity,” said Junior Ellerie Nelson. “We have pretty good team chemistry this year, which I think will really help us start the season off strong.”