Senior Muskies hungry to regain crown

Revenge is a dish best served inbounds.
The Muskies senior girls volleyball team saw their three-year reign as NorWOSSA champs come to a bittersweet end last year in the league final as the Dryden Eagles came out on top in a four-set classic, which included a spine-tingling 37-35 victory by the Eagles to close the match.
But with only two starters gone from last year’s team, head coach Char Bliss believes the potential is there for the black-and-gold to reclaim what once was theirs.
“All of the veterans were starters at certain points last year, so they shouldn’t feel out of place,” said Bliss, who only has five new faces on her 12-member roster.
“All came back in great shape. Our skills as a unit are as good or even better than last year,” she added. “Some of them played club volleyball over the summer, which really helped them get ready for this season.”
A technically sound team with excellent conditioning is how Bliss views her troops, but she’s especially impressed with the spirit of togetherness being initiated by the veterans.
“I already see a strong team developing,” she remarked. “The veterans are very good with the new girls on the team. They’re constantly encouraging each other.”
Five of the players attended regional volleyball camps this past summer as special invitees and received some valuable lessons on how to take their game to the next level, which should rub off positively on the rest of their teammates.
“I think we’re capable of going quite far,” said Bliss, who will look forward to the front line power of returnee Kate Elliot, as well as having a trio of steady setters at her disposal in veteran Summer Struve and newcomers Kate Basaraba and Alex Hyatt.
“Dryden’s the biggest concern, but they’re losing some good players,” she noted. “I’ve kept a better eye on where they’re at as a team after last year.”
The senior Muskies head to Dryden for a tournament this weekend, with both squads kicking off their NorWOSSA seasons next Thursday (Dec. 11) in Kenora against the Broncos.