The 6-foot-2 Bull and 6-foot-1 Richards are the top returning attackers. Bull averaged 2.3 kills per set; Richards averaged 1.8. They are also a formidable duo at the net with 170 combined blocks last year. Richards is also the team’s top returner in the back row, averaging 1.6 digs per set.
Magnolia is set passing-wise, however, and will have no issues setting the tempo. Braun averaged 9.4 assists per set and Cicherski averaged 5.5. Richards, if needed, is also a capable passer, averaging 4.1 assists per set. Sophomore Haley Herndon is a young talent with a lot of potential. Senior Whitney Harper will also be key to Magnolia’s attack.
District MVP Setter Abby Aschenbeck returns after recording 824 assists a year ago. First-team, all-district pick Carly Lange (1,007 digs, 137 assists) will anchor the defense, while honorable mention selections Hope Luedeker (182 kills, 104 digs, 36 block assists, 54 aces), Marin Higginbotham (180 kills, 112 digs, 56 block assists, 22 solo blocks) and Sydney McKay (362 digs, 82 kills, 44 assists, 48 aces) will be more key pieces to the puzzle.
Keys to success for Brewer’s squad will be “great chemistry, ball control and having a very strong understanding of the game”.
That included stars Kenzie Smith and Dru Hawkins. Santa Fe will rely heavily on seniors Andee Stamper (1.6 kills per set, 19 aces) and Kadee Frantz (1.5 kills per set, .303 hitting percentage, 27 aces).
Seniors Heidi Hillman and Bre Montemayor, and junior Morgan Walton are promising talents to watch out for and will be asked to assume larger roles.
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