Setter Spotlight: Jenna Braaten

<p>They can only go up! After last year, going 3-19 overall, Austin players and fans have 2 big reasons to be hopeful for a better season.</p> <p>   Senior setter <strong>Jenna Braaten</strong> leads the way for the Packers.  She has gained a strong reputation in the area making our own prep list for the top players in the state.  As a three sport athlete, she brings athleticism, experience and determination to her team.  At 5’8’’, she is able to cover the court well on defense and at the net, allowing her team to run a 6-2 with teammate AJ Richard.  Braaten has an aggressive serving style that her team will need in the competitive Big 9 conference. </p> <p>   Thursday they lost to Mankato East but showed grit and improved each set (9-25, 17-25, 20-25).  The perseverance Braaten showed on every point guided the play of her teammates.  The Austin team looked to be in strong physical condition and that will serve them well this season as they try to take teams to 4 or 5 sets.  They seemed more polished and didn't struggle as much on serve receive.  These improvements can be attributed to the other person looking to make things happen for Austin volleyball.</p> <p>  New coach, <strong>Lauren Cost</strong>, has taken over as head coach.  Cost has a lot to offer the program.  She coached at Lyle-Pacelli before and now will be able to offer her knowledge in a bigger setting.  Cost is from Texas and dominated as a middle hitter at Kansas State.  She moved here with her family; Austin and Minnesota volleyball are lucky to have her.  She had the players working all summer and we anticipate a strong program to be established this year and to come.</p> <p>  Cost’s team is made up of mostly seniors and juniors. She has pulled up sophomores <strong>Madi</strong> <strong>Retterath</strong> (RH) and <strong>Elyse Hebrink</strong> (OH).  The team had 6 ace blocks in their last match so it is safe to assume Cost's experience as a division 1 middle blocker is already helping.  However, they will need to find a way to get more kills if they want to be competitive.  <strong>Jordyn Mccormack</strong> had 6 but they will need other major contributors.  It will be up to <strong>Braaten</strong> to find her hitters who can effectively put the ball away, but with Cost's help, we know Jenna and the Packers are up the for challenge!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*photo- Daily Herald :Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com</p>