Aug. 28—GROVE CITY — Jillian Korpi has served as a co-head coach for the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City volleyball team for the past two seasons. But this year, she is at the helm by herself.
Korpi, who split head coaching duties with Micah Tolzin the past two years, is the lone leader for the Falcons, who were 4-3 in the Central Minnesota Conference and 12-13 overall last season.
"Although the team graduated a number of seniors, we have quite a few returning starters who are ready to jump back on the roster, including Kenlie Blom, Avary Bierwerth, Kelsie Blom and Makenna Skindelien," Korpi said.
Kenlie Blom, a senior outside hitter, was an All-Area Honorable Mention and All-Central Minnesota First Team selection last year. She led the team with 254 digs and 222 kills.
Bierwerth, a senior setter who was an All-Central Minnesota Second Team selection, racked up 565 set assists and contributed 165 digs a season ago.
Kelsie Blom, a junior outside hitter who was also an All-Central Minnesota Second Team selection, tallied 252 digs and 133 kills in her sophomore season.
Skindelien, a junior middle blocker, piled up 80 kills and 55 blocks in a net-front role.
"Others who are looking to have substantial roles are Malia Rosenquist, Ailey Elton, Paityn Drange-Leyendecker, Audri Palmer, Libby Johnson and Jayden Johnson," Korpi said.
Jayden Johnson, a sophomore middle blocker, did see the court last year and is a key player to watch out for those out of this group who are looking to have sizable roles this season.
"We have a lot of girls who are excited to be in the gym and they have put in the hard work needed to succeed," Korpi said. "I'm excited to work with this group and see some success."
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