Frone row, from left: Lainey Shannon, Ava Steinberger, Aliyah Jones. Middle row, from left: Brylie Deim, Macy Colegrove, Kyla Irmiter, Olivia Price, Samantha Hoye. Back row, from left: Cloey Anderson, Maisey Beirstedt, Shallie Walders, Ainsley Ulrich.

ARMSTRONG, Iowa – The North Union Warriors are sending out a fresh roster this season.

With only two returning starters, the team is preparing for a tough schedule in the Top of Iowa Conference. Coming off of a 15-12 season where they went 3-5 in the conference, senior leadership is expected to keep the team competitive.

Of the returning players, the team hosts some strong talent in Brylie Deim, who led the team in kills with 144 being, second overall only following Olivia Merrill. Deim also led the team with 10 solo blocks and 26 block assists, with Ava Steinberger adding five solo blocks and 33 block assists. Last year’s digs leader Cloey Anderson is back also after a 267-dig 2023.

“We have several girls playing in new positions this year,” said Warriors girls volleyball head coach Cortney Stevens. “They are making great adjustments and learning quickly. We are a young team. Working through some nerves and adjusting to the higher level of play is where we are going to start.”

According to Stevens, senior leaders Alyiah Jones, Ava Steinberger and Lainey Shannon are captaining the team this year. With a squad of 21 players, there are only five returning players and they are expected to help the fresh roster get into fighting shape.

“Aliyah Jones is going to be running our court as the setter this year,” said Stevens. “She will be the one I look to keep the team in motion. Aliyah, Ava Steinberger and Lainey Shannon are our seniors this year, I think they will do a great job leading the team with positive attitudes and great emotion,”

The team opens up against Rockford on Saturday for their first match of their season. The Warriors are hoping to get the season off to a good start and gain some momentum that will help carry them through a tough schedule.

“We will have to work hard and be ready to play every night we go out on the court,” said Stevens. “We have a tough conference but these girls have the confidence and determination it takes.”

The pressure is on the seniors and returning players to get the team chemistry going. With the roster shake-up this season, they are going to be tested from the start.

“I expect that our seniors and returning players will do a great job with our younger players adjusting to the new positions and the higher level of play,” said Stevens. “They have great team chemistry and really do a great job of encouraging each other.”