New Iola-Scandinavia volleyball coach Jessica Wennesberg likes what she sees so far out of the Thunderbirds.
“I’m impressed with their play,” she said Aug. 25 after watching the T-Birds tune up for the upcoming season at a three-hour scrimmage against Waupaca, Weyauwega-Fremont and Medford at Waupaca High School.
“I know there are a lot of things we can improve on,” said Wennesberg, who takes over for Charmaine Schreiber. “The best thing is the girls know it, too.”
The T-Birds will open the season at 5 today (Thursday, Aug. 28) by hosting Port Edwards and Wisconsin Rapids Assumption. After heading to Tigerton Tuesday, Sept. 2, for a nonconference match, I-S will begin Central Wisconsin 8 Conference play Tuesday, Sept. 9, at home against Shiocton.
The T-Bird roster includes a number of experienced seniors that will be counted for their leadership, including Kylie Johnson.
“Her drive is the key to our success,” Wennesberg said.
Also back are Brianne Huettner and Kaylie Petersen.
“Brianne has a serve that’s going to keep us in a lot of games and Kaylie is playing really mature and confident,” Wennesberg said.
Wennesberg is still in the process of coming up with a starting lineup.
“I was hoping tonight to see who deserves a starting spot,” she said. “We tried a lot of new things tonight and to be honest, I’m just as confused as when I walked in the gym. That’s a good thing. It’s very competitive in practice.”
Wennesberg expects defending CWC-8 champion Wittenberg-Birnamwood to be strong again this season.
“From what I’ve seen in the summer league, they’re going to be tough,” she said. “I’m confident that we’ll be able to compete with every team at a high level. The best thing is the girls feel they’re a better team than last year.”