IHS volleyball season begins Aug. 24

Whereas this year's Ipswich High School football team is dominated by upperclassmen, the Tiger girls' volleyball program will be relatively youthful.

That's right,the 2021 Tiger netters' roster currently features a lone senior in the person of Tasia Rivera.

"The 2021 Tigers will look very different than they have over the past few years, but there is plenty to be excited about," predicts coach Trent Osborne.

"Some familiar faces will need to step up as leaders and be the driving force behind the girls this season. (Juniors) Katie Bierman and Gracie Lange return to the club with some good varsity experience and will be our steadying forces during the early season, as the rest of the girls assume the team roles that they are given." That would include additional juniors Baylee Kulesa, Kaitlyn Williams, Vanesa Diaz, Jailey Hutson, Madison Geditz and Quincy Olivier.

Karlie Gohl will be the lone sophomore, furnishing additional depth and there will be six freshmen newcomers Kathryn Kilber, Rylee Kleffman, Jaydin Stiles, Reaghan Bowers, Jayda Gisi and Kaylin Onken.

Their first match will be vs. Aberdeen Christian on August 24 in Aberdeen, which is also a LRC league match and the first home match will be hosting a potential Region 2B rival Highmore-Harrold on August 26.

"Our schedule is packed full of competition and we will look forward to meeting that competition head-on on a nightly basis," Osborne said. "We plan to be ready for all challenges as we enter October and in full stride as we hit tournament time in November. The girls have put in a lot of time this summer as we prepared for the season and we look forward to representing our community competitively and respectfully, as always."

Two more home highlights will be an Ipswicn vs. Northwestern homecoming clash on Sept. 16 and Ipswich's own Invitational Tourney on Sept. 18, starting at 10 a.m.

Region 2B post-season drama is scheduled for November 1, 2 and 4.

Osborne will be assisted by Doug Duncan.