CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) announced today the results of the 2021 American Rivers Conference Volleyball Preseason Poll (as voted on by the league's head coaches).
| 2021 American Rivers Conference Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Rank |
School (1st place votes) |
Points |
2020 (Spring 2021) Record |
| 1. |
Coe (3) |
58 |
7-1, 7-1 A-R-C (Co-Conference Champions) |
| 2. |
Wartburg (4) |
57 |
7-2, 7-1 A-R-C (Co-Conference Champions) |
| 3. |
Dubuque (2) |
51 |
5-4, 5-3 A-R-C |
| 4. |
Loras |
43 |
6-3, 5-3 A-R-C |
| t-5. |
Nebraska Wesleyan |
34 |
3-5, 3-5 A-R-C |
| t-5. |
Central |
34 |
4-4, 4-4 A-R-C |
| 7. |
Buena Vista |
22 |
3-5, 3-5 A-R-C |
| 8. |
Simpson |
17 |
2-6, 2-6 A-R-C |
| 9. |
Luther |
8 |
0-8, 0-8 A-R-C |
Coe is the coaches' choice to win the 2021 American Rivers Conference Volleyball title. The Kohawks were chosen first on three ballots (coaches do not vote on their own team) and earned 58 points to take the No. 1 ranking. Wartburg, the co-champion of the 2020 (Spring 2021) season with the Kohawks, edged out Dubuque for the second spot with 57 votes and four first place votes. The Spartans garnered two first place votes and 51 points. Loras was picked to finish fourth with 43 points. Nebraska Wesleyan and Central tied with 34 points to finish fifth. Buena Vista, Simpson, and Luther finished seventh, eighth, and ninth, respectively.
American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Preseason Top 25 Polls: The AVCA Preseason Top 25 poll has not been released.
New Coaches:
- Rosie Aumann, Buena Vista - Aumann takes over the head coaching duties after serving as the Beaver's top assistant the past three years. During her time as the assistant, the Beavers totaled 27 wins and produced four all-conference selections. From 2014-2017, Aumann served as a club volleyball coach for the FoxFire Volleyball Club in Racine, Wis. She also spent the 2016 season as the junior varsity coach at Racine Lutheran High School.
The Schedule: The season's first serves will fly over the net on Wednesday, September 1st, with seven American Rivers Conference schools in non-conference action. Buena Vista will take to the court at Martin Luther in New Ulm, Minn. Central opens the season in Rock Island, Ill., playing in the Augustana Triangular. Dubuque will host Edgewood, out of the NACC, and Loras will host UW-Platteville, out of the WIAC. Luther will begin their season hosting a triangular. Nebraska Wesleyan will host St. Scholastica out of the MIAC, and Simpson is hosting Grinnell out of the Midwest Conference. Coe and Wartburg will begin their seasons Friday, September 3rd, when Coe is traveling to St. Paul, Minn. to play in the Macalester Invitational. Wartburg is traveling to Winona, Minn. to play in the Saint Mary's Sugarloaf Classic.
The 2021 Conference schedule begins on Tuesday, September 14th, with Coe traveling to Luther. Six other schools will start conference play Wednesday, September 15, with Wartburg traveling to Buena Vista, Loras hosting Dubuque, and Simpson hosting Nebraska Wesleyan. Wartburg opens conference play on Wednesday, September 22nd with a home match against Buena Vista. The American Rivers Conference season is an eight-game round robin schedule finishing on Wednesday, October 27th.
Conference Tournament: At the conclusion of the regular season conference schedule, the top six teams move onto the 2021 conference tournament. The tournament begins Tuesday, November 2nd with the 4/5 seeds and the 3/6 seeds meeting at the higher seeded home court. On Friday, November 5th, the winner of the 4/5 opening round game will travel to the No. 1 seed, while the 3/6 winner will make the trip to the No. 2 seed. The championship match-up will be held at the home venue of the higher seeded team on Saturday, November 6th. The winner of the 2021 American Rivers Conference Tournament will earn the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
| 1st |
|
Coe College
Head Coach: DeAnn (Woodin) Akins (16th season, 293-190)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 7-1 overall, 7-1 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Finish: t-1st
Starters Returning: 5
Starters Lost: 2
All-Conference Returning: Elli Teeple (Sr./S), Majda Sulji (Sr./L), Madi Parson (Jr./OH), Kate Tidman (Jr./OH), Grace Lueken (So./MH)
All-Conference Lost: Morgan Kluesner
DeAnn (Woodin) Akins - “We are looking forward to another competitive A-R-C and non-conference season. There is sure to be several good battles along the way, and with some experienced returners and motivated newcomers, we are excited to see our student-athletes step up and embrace those challenges. Most importantly, we feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to play together again, and we are grateful for our leadership at Coe and the A-R-C guiding and supporting us through it all." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Elli Teeple - S (Sr.) |
27-sets played // 297-assists // 11.00-assists/set // 14-aces // 58-digs |
| Majda Suljic - L (Sr.) |
27-sets played // 22-assists // 7-aces // 146-digs // 5.41-digs/set |
| Madi Parson - OH (Jr.) |
27-sets played // 81-kills // 18-aces // 75-digs // 7-blocks |
| Kate Tidman - OH (Jr.) |
27-sets played // 99-kills // 3.67-kills/set // 73-digs |
| Grace Lueken - MH (So.) |
27-sets played // 69-kills // 7-aces // 12-blocks |
| 2nd |
|
Wartburg College
Co-Head Coach: Jennifer Walker (24th season, 515-261) & Doug Frazell (9th season, 176-63)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 7-2 overall, 7-1 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Finish: t-1st
Starters Returning: 6
Starters Lost: 1
All-Conference Returning: Kylie Bildstein (Sr./MH), Katie Foster (Sr./L), Claire Marsh (Sr./S), Zaiah Quirk (Sr./OH), Kennedy Meister (Sr./OH)
All-Conference Lost: none
Jennifer Walker/Doug Frazell - "I think our athletes have a greater appreciation for the opportunity to compete this fall after all of the challenges we went through this past spring. We are absolutely looking forward to getting back into the gym with this veteran squad. The success of this season will depend on the commitment and leadership from our juniors and seniors and the ability of our younger athletes to buy into the process. This fall the A-R-C could look different than any other with the opportunity for last year's seniors to stick around for an additional season. The higher numbers of experienced players could create some really competitive games and make for a tight race right to the end of October." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Kylie Bildstein - MH (Sr.) |
24-sets played // 58-kills // 22-blocks // 2.42-kills/set |
| Katie Foster - L (Sr.) |
34-sets played // 11-aces // 199-digs // 5.85-digs/set |
| Claire Marsh - S (Sr.) |
34-sets played // 225-assists // 14-aces // 100-digs |
| Zaiah Quirk - OH (Sr.) |
32-sets played // 136-kills // 4.25-kills/set |
| Kennedy Meister - OH (Sr.) |
34-sets played // 109-kills // 3.21-kills/set // 19-blocks |
| 3rd |
|
University of Dubuque
Head Coach: April Elsbernd (13th season, 183-197)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 5-4 overall, 5-3 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Finish: t-3rd
Starters Returning: 6
Starters Lost: 2
All-Conference Returning: Darby Hawtrey (Sr./Opp.), Julie May (Sr./MH), Emma Powell (So./OH)
All-Conference Lost: none
April Elsbernd - “The American Rivers Continues to grow in its strength in the region, and I believe that A-R-C volleyball will be the most talented it's been in my 13 seasons at the University of Dubuque. With many top players returning for their 5th season, the fight for the top of the conference is going to be fierce. At UD we will have to work harder than ever before while focusing on adaptability, resilience, and culture. The program will look toward our seniors to advance their leadership off the court as well as on. We have many traditionally ranked programs on our non-conference schedule, so the ability to maintain a positive mindset through adversity will be what determines our success this fall." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Darby Hawtrey - Opp. (Sr.) |
32-sets played // 106-kills // 3.31-kills/set // 9-aces // 14-blocks // 79-digs |
| Julie May - MH (Sr.) |
32-sets played // 85-kills // 2.66-kills/set // 11-aces // 62-digs // 19-blocks |
| Grace Hintze - OH (Jr.) |
2019 Statistics: 106-sets played // 335-kills // 3.16-kills/set // 186-digs // 22-blocks |
| Emma Powell - OH (So.) |
32-sets played // 79-kills // 2.47-kills/set // 98-digs // 3.06-digs/set |
| 4th |
|
Loras College
Head Coach: Kristy Duncan (2nd season, 6-3)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 6-3 overall, 5-3 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Finish: t-3rd
Starters Returning: 6
Starters Lost: 1
All-Conference Returning: Jade Casper (Jr./Pin.), Krystal Tranel (Sr./L)
All-Conference Lost: Jackie Alberto
Kristy Duncan - “We are eager to get back on the court this fall. The abbreviated spring season allowed us to get some new faces on the court and have them become comfortable competing at the varsity level. We are returning most of our squad from last season and have added depth with our incoming class. We are excited to return to a full slate of matches this fall and are looking forward to another year of strong competition in the A-R-C and beyond." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Jade Casper - Pin. (Jr.) |
29-sets played // 92-kills // 3.17-kills/set // 5-blocks |
| Krystal Tranel - L (Sr.) |
29-sets played // 120-assists // 8-aces // 142-digs // 4.90-digs/set // 6-blocks |
| Moira Mixan - DS (Sr.) |
29-sets played // 66-kills // 15-aces // 105-digs // 3.62-digs/set |
| Lyndsi Wilgenbusch - Pin. (Sr.) |
26-sets played // 68-kills // 7-blocks |
| Sara Hoskins - S (So.) |
20-sets played // 157-assists // 7.85-assists/set // 6-aces // 67-digs // 3.35-digs/set |
| 5th |
|
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Head Coach: Rayna Cain (10th season, 122-109)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 3-5 overall, 3-5 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Finish: t-6th
Starters Returning: 6
Starters Lost: 2
All-Conference Returning: Nyah Chambers (Jr./MH), Hannah Domandle (So./OH)
All-Conference Lost: none
Rayna Cain - "The A-R-C conference is a very competitive conference and we expect no different this season. We are looking forward to the team dynamic and continued growth of the program this fall. With experienced returners and several talented incoming athletes, the season looks promising and competitive for the Prairie Wolves." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Hannah Domandle - OH (Sr.) |
29-sets played // 74-kills // 2.55-kills/set // 8-aces // 93-digs // 3.21-digs/set |
| Nyah Chambers - MH (Jr.) |
29-sets played // 41-kills // 11-aces // 12-blocks |
| Cassidy Plooster - S (Sr.) |
29-sets played // 142-assists // 4.9-assists/set // 58-digs |
| Kennady Klein - L (Jr.) |
29-sets played // 9-aces // 61-digs // 2.10-digs/set |
| Julia Salerno - RS (Jr.) |
18-sets played // 29-kills // 12-blocks |
| 6th |
|
Central College
Head Coach: Jeanne Czipri (5th season, 42-60)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 4-4 overall, 4-4 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Finish: 5th
Starters Returning: 4
Starters Lost: 3
All-Conference Returning : Landry Luhring (Sr./L), Krissa Larson (Sr./OH)
All-Conference Lost: Kayleigh Fite
Jeanne Czipri - “We are grateful for the opportunity to compete again and develop our players. We love the high level that this conference brings and are eager for some intense matches this fall. There is a lot of excitement and anticipation going into the fall, and our girls continue to focus on us, our process and progress, and celebrate all our victories, both big and small." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Krissa Larson - OH (Sr.) |
28-sets played // 92-kills // 3.29-kills/set // 7-blocks |
| Landry Luhring - L (Sr.) |
28-sets played // 17-assists // 4-aces // 176-digs // 6.29-digs/set |
| Amanda Smith - S (Jr.) |
25-sets played // 242-assists // 9.68-assists/set // 12-aces // 79-digs // 7-blocks |
| Hallie Uhlig - MB (Sr.) |
23-sets played // 29-kills // 23-blocks |
| 7th |
|
Buena Vista University
Head Coach: Rosie Aumann (1st season)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 3-5 overall, 3-5 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Finish: t-6th
Starters Returning: 6
Starters Lost: 1
All-Conference Returning: Sydney McLaren (Sr./OH), Taylor Wedemeyer (Jr./S)
All-Conference Lost: none
Rosie Aumann - “I am looking forward to the fall season, being able to have more of a complete schedule is exciting! We are able to pick off right where we left in the spring; having the opportunity to continue growth in our culture and style of play. One thing I love about the A-R-C is how competitive each team is. Everyone always comes ready to play and can't count any team out." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Sydney McLaren - OH (Sr.) |
27-sets played // 85-kills // 3.15-kills/set // 6-aces // 87-digs // 3.22-digs/set // 7-blocks |
| Taylor Wedemeyer - S (Jr.) |
27-sets played // 242-assists // 8.96-assists/set // 74-digs // 5-blocks |
| Rachel Brockney - M (So.) |
27-sets played // 56-kills // 7-aces // 9-blocks |
| Jade Hays - DS (Sr.) |
27-sets played // 3-aces // 124-digs // 4.59-digs/set |
| 8th |
|
Simpson College
Head Coach: Kekailoa Palea (2nd season, 2-6)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 2-6 overall, 2-6 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Finish: 8th
Starters Returning: 4
Starters Lost: 4
All-Conference Returning: None
All-Conference Lost: Arianna Martinez
Kekailoa Palea - "I am looking forward to this season. I'm excited to get back in the gym and see the possibilities of our squad this season. The conference was tough last year and I expect the same this year. Looking forward to seeing how we match up with everyone this season." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Marissa Salber - S (Jr.) |
32-sets played // 193-assists // 6.03-assists/sets // 61-digs // 10-blocks |
| Rachel Hardwick - DS (So.) |
30-sets played // 10-aces // 69-digs |
| Megan Lemay - MH (Sr.) |
27-sets played // 6-aces // 19-blocks |
| Lexie Parks - OH (Sr.) |
26-sets played // 62-kills // 8-blocks |
| 9th |
|
Luther College
Head Coach: Brittany Sisk (4th season, 22-47)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 0-8 overall, 0-8 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Finish: 9th
Starters Returning: 3
Starters Lost: 6
All-Conference Returning: None
All-Conference Lost: Jessica Callahan
Brittany Sisk - "Last year, we learned a lot about facing adversity. Looking forward to watching our leaders step up this year and push our program forward." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Hailey Becker - S (Sr.) |
27-sets played // 109-assists // 46-digs |
| Anna Jenewein - DS (Sr.) |
27-sets played // 4-aces // 102-digs // 3.78-digs/set |
| Aria Schleiker - Opp. (So.) |
27-sets played // 41-kills // 10-blocks |
| Sarina Stortz - MB (So.) |
18-sets played // 9-blocks |
