Conference Preview: HVL

<p>In the south-eastern part of the state, we have the Hiawatha Valley League.  This is the home to the Stewartville Tigers, reigning state champions for 2A.  We have seen some of our biggest prospects come out of the HVL.  This year will be no different with 12 teams filled with talented players.</p> <p>Top 3 teams:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Stewartville Tigers -</strong> With a handful of returners, the tigers will be favorite in the conference along with the state title.  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58016" first="Erin" last="Lamb"]</strong>, University of Kentucky commit, returns as one of the most dominate players in the whole state and a likely candidate for the Ms. Baden title.  Lamb has fought through minor injuries and if she can stay healthy this season expect her team to make quick work of the shortened season.  Running the Tiger’s offense is senior, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71961" first="Jaidyn" last="Brower"] </strong>who ended the 2019 season with close to 1031 assists.  This year, they will look to their deep bench for more support.  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="106371" first="Regan" last="Reker"]</strong> (2023) returns to the varsity squad and is likely to be a main fixture in the front row.  At 5’11’’, the Tigers will likely use the powerful play on the right side for blocking and pin-hitting.  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72823" first="Allie" last="Elliot"]</strong> (2022) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="73468" first="Arianna" last="Blohm"] </strong>(2023) will also add to offense.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li><strong>Kasson Mantorville Komets - </strong>They went 24-5 last year and came close to taking out Stewartville in sections.  This could be the season for the previously "young" team to outshine their competitors.  A skilled defensive team with a bounty of skilled hitters.  Look f<strong>or Mya Suess </strong>(MH), <strong>Noelle VanOrt</strong>  (OH) and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="72766" first="Maddie" last="Converse"]</strong> (S) to be the core of the offense this year.  Other key contributors include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72789" first="Addy" last="Bzoskie"] </strong>(OH) and <strong>Anna Braun</strong> (OH).  Strategic serving and a variety of hits will make it hard for the other teams to knock off the Komets. <h2 class=""> </h2> </li> <li><strong>Lake City Tigers</strong> - We have watched them become more competitive within the HVL over the last five years.  Known for their size and hitters, they have improved other aspects of their game to become a big threat.<strong> Hannah LaBonte</strong> (2021) is great at hitting angles out of the middle.  At 5’8’’ she is one of the smaller athletes in the middle, but her agility at the net makes her hard to block.  Fellow    seniors, <strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72087" first="Olivia" last="Pennington"], Gracie Pierson </strong></strong>and <strong>Delaney Issendforf</strong> will even things out on the outside for the Tigers. They have the experience of having faced off with Stewartville and will aim to do it all again with this seasoned group.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Top 2 Challengers: </strong> Two teams with the most potential to shake things up this year are likely: <strong>Bryon Bears</strong> and <strong>Cannon Falls Bombers</strong>.  We have seen these two programs improve and climb in rank. Bryon is tall, young and athletic and Cannon Falls has an efficient and scrappy.</p> <ul> <li><em><em>Byron’s top athletes: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71960" first="Sacia" last="Vanderpool"]</strong> (6’4’’; 2021), </em></em><strong>Lauren Fjerstad</strong><em><em> (5’9’’; 2024) and <strong>Makana Schroeder</strong> (5’9’’; 2023)</em></em></li> <li><em>Cannon Fall’s leaders:<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="72052" first="Jaci" last="Winchell"]</strong> (5’6’’; 2022) and <strong>Makayla Bowen</strong> (5’6’’; 2021)</em></li> </ul>