2023 Bluegrass Conference Preview
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Continue ReadingBelieve it or not, the Iowa high school volleyball season tips off next week. It’s shaping up to be another exciting fall around the state.
In getting ready for a new season, it’s good to look back. While we’re sure to witness breakout performances from individuals and teams within our borders, plenty of familiar faces return.
I considered different ways to go about this process, landing on organization of evaluations by conference. Beating programs within close proximity of you has never gone out of style.
The Bluegrass Conference serves as the home for defending Class 1A State Champion Ankeny Christian. The Eagles soared to a 39-3 record in ’22.
The last victory took a lot of work. Ankeny Christian outlasted Gladbrook-Reinbeck, 3-2, in the state title match after dropping the first two sets. It took the last three 28-26, 26-24, 15-10.
The fourth-seeded Eagles topped No. 1 seed Springville, 3-0, in the semifinals. They took out fifth-seeded Don Bosco in straight sets during the quarterfinals.
A quartet of sophomores powered Ankeny Christian to the crown. Carley Craighead Carley Craighead OH Ankeny Christian | 2025 State IA (326 kills, 21.0 blocks) and Katie Quick Katie Quick 5'7" | S Ankeny Christian | 2025 State IA (842 assists, 195 kills, 32.0 blocks), Anna Weathers Anna Weathers OH Ankeny Christian | 2025 State IA (219 kills, 27 blocks) and Macey Nehring Macey Nehring 5'4" | DS/L Ankeny Christian | 2025 State IA (160 kills, 241 digs) played beyond their years.
The returning foursome makes the Eagles prohibitive favorites to repeat in the Bluegrass. Conference mates will take their best shots, however.
Seymour posted a 21-12 record in ’22, including a 12-3 mark at home. Olivia Power registered a team-high 187 kills as a junior last fall, while her classmate, Maysen Trimble, delivered 154. Kaitlyn Keller produced 364 assists during her sophomore season.
Mormon Trail brings back seniors Annika Shanks (143 kills, 31.0 blocks) and Mia Shanks (154 digs, 32.0 blocks). Junior Sydney Forkner (212 assists, 120 kills137 digs) also returns for the Saints.
Candace Walton led Moravia in kills (138) and blocks (27.0) as a freshman last season. As a junior in ’22, Kenzyn Roberts tallied 267 digs for Twins Cedars. Taylor Henson led Lamoni with 202 kills as a sophomore a year ago.