CENTERVILLE —
Gladys Genskow enters her 11th year at the helm of Eddyville-Blakesburg volleyball. With a 273-118-13 career coaching record, seven conference champions and a state appearance in 2006, you would never count the Rockets out of the conference title or going deep into the post season.
The Rockets won the conference title for the seventh time last year with an extremely young team. They finished with a 21-15 overall record.
Caitlin Reed was the team’s setter last year and six starters return from last year’s title team. They are tall, quick and talented.
The middle is anchored by 6’0” senior Nicole Harnisch, a middle blocker. Shunyl Busch, a 5’8” junior is also in the middle. On the outside front row is 5’6” senior Tarah Alexander and her sister, 5’7” sophomore Tasha Alexander. Tarah Alexander is also the team’s setter. Both can jump out of the gym.
Amanda Ratliff, a 5’3” junior and Harlie Boyer, a 5’3” junior are defensive specialists.
Makenzie Johnston, a 5’3” defensive specialist is a senior who will add depth to the back row.
Newcomers to the team include Jarrah Jensen, Makenzie Jensen (outside hitters), Nataliah Hopkins and Paige Shafer, setters.
It’s easy to list team strengths — game experience, hitting, serving and blocking.
Coach Genskow said adapting to new setters and defense is something the team will be working on as the season progresses.
“I think we’re going to see a good conference this season, particularly with Marty back coaching Davis County,” said Coach Genskow. “Clarke and Centerville are always scrappy. Chariton lost the Seuferer girl, so they will be rebuilding. Albia has some good young talent.
“If our team plays to the capabilities we have, we should continue the tradition that we are known for in the SCC,” she added.
Local Sports
August 26, 2011
Defending SCC champs bring back six starters
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