It’s the third week of September and the 2023 volleyball season has already passed the midway mark. Thus far, the season has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for the Kewanee girls volleyball team (6-10 and 2-4).
Earlier in the season, the Boiler Girls were 3-4 heading into a home match with conference behemoth Newman Central Catholic. Last season Newman swept through the conference with a perfect 12-0 TRAC record and 29-9-1 overall. In addition, the Comets went on to capture fourth place at the Class 1A State Finals.
Not deterred, the Boiler Girls gave Newman all they could handle in a three-set thriller, 18-25, 25-22, 23-25. KHS Coach Brea Cinnamon was very happy with the way her team responded.
“That was a huge confidence booster for us,” said Cinnamon. “That showed us that we could play with anybody.”
Shortly after, KHS played five matches at the Macomb Classic. They had two-set wins over Quad City Christian and Elmwood and three-set losses at the hands of West Prairie (12-6), Limestone (12-4) and Monmouth United (10-3).
“Our record doesn’t quite show how competitive we’ve been this season,” said Cinnamon. “All but one of our losses went three sets,” she added.
This year’s starting lineup features a mix of seasoned veterans and youthful newcomers. The returning senior starters are Avery Yepsen (S,OPP) and Jillian Bennison (OH,DS,OH).
“Avery and Jillian are both strong leaders on and off the court,” said Cinnamon.
Yepsen leads the team in assists with 130 (3.4 per set) and Bennison boasts a team-high 86 digs. “Avery has worked really hard on her quick sets and using a variety of options to set up our hitters,” added Cinnamon.
“Jillian is one of our most consistent serve receive passers. This year she’s also been stepping into being another threat in the front row.”
Freshman Macee Pickering (S,OPP), is a versatile player who has contributed 90 assists (2.4 per set), 45 digs, 29 kills and 13 serving aces. “She’s doing well adapting to the speed at the varsity level,” said Cinnamon. “She’s continually gaining confidence.”
The Boiler Girls have been running a 6-2 offense this season. “Both of our setters (Yepsen and Pickering) are strong hitters, so this type of offense allows us to consistently have three attackers in the front row,” noted Cinnamon.
The team’s libero is sophomore scrapper, Taylor VanWinkle (OH,L,DS). She has 50 digs on the season and 12 aces. “Taylor brings a lot of energy to the court and does a great job defensively.”
New to the starting lineup is senior transfer Emma Ellenberger (OPP, MH, ). While she may be new to the Kewanee squad, she adds a lot experience and strength to the team.
Ellenberger is the team’s leading attacker at the net with 106 kills (.226%). She adds strength at the serving line as well with 19 aces. “She’s been a huge addition to the team and she’s been working really hard.”
Junior Tejhiana Amos (MH,OH) is emerging as another strong hitter for the Boiler Girls. She’s added 62 kills to the front row attack. “I’m so excited for her and the progress she’s shown since last season,” boasted Cinnamon. She’s developed great vision on the court.”
Aaliyah Duarte (MH,OPP), another junior, leads the team in blocks (19 solo) and is one of the stronger servers (16 aces). “Her ability to jump and block is incredible. She’s one of the hardest working athletes I’ve had the pleasure to coach.”
Rounding out the squad are seniors, Melissa Fragoso (DS) and Abbie DeSchepper (S,OPP). Juniors, Marlee Bates (DS), Carmella Williams (S,DS), Aleijah Willis (S,OPP) and Jacie Hinton (S,OPP).
Coach Cinnamon is in her fourth season at the helm of the Boiler Girls and she has a lot to feel optimistic about.
The KHS sophomore squad, coached by former KHS volleyball player Hannah Bridgewater is 19-3 (5-0). Her team won the Geneseo Sophomore Tournament, going 4-0 on the day.
The freshmen are 12-1-1 (5-1) and are coached by former Amboy player Emma Lindenmeyer. The freshmen squad recently went 4-0-1 en route to winning the Sterling Freshmen Tourney.
