Cascade’s success spilling into volleyball

They've experienced success in other sports. Massive success.

'Most of these girls have been to state in basketball, track, softball,” said Cascade High School volleyball coach Mary Frake. 'These girls have that competitive edge, that drive to succeed.”

That hard-nosed mentality, mixed with young talent, has pushed the Cougars to a fast start. Cascade takes a 10-1 record and a nine-match winning streak into Thursday's River Valley Conference cross-division battle at Wilton.

'They're three- and four-sports athletes. They're extremely coachable and devoted,” Frake said. 'This group is really special. There's no drama there.”

The roster consists of only one senior, Alyssa McDermott. The primary hitters are sophomore Abbie Ruggeberg (3.58 kills per set, .278 kill efficiency and junior Riley Takes (2.96, .227).

Junior setter Anna Hunt has made her way back after suffering a torn ACL during basketball season. Hunt is averaging 7.15 assists and 2.42 digs per set.

Cascade has been a regular at the state basketball tournament and a contender at the state track meet in recent years. In July, the Cougars were state runners-up in softball.

'The girls have had success, and they know how to win,” Frake said. 'We want a successful season, but we're going day to day, match to match.”

INJURIES SLOWING SPARTANS

If heavy graduation losses weren't enough, defending Class 3A state champion Solon also is battling injuries.

'We're hobbled,” Solon Coach Peter Gustin said.

Sophomore Grace Keith suffered what Gustin called 'a pretty nasty sprain” to her ankle at the Warrior Invitational on Saturday. Keith was leading the Spartans (2-5) with 4.08 kills per set.

'It's unfortunate for the short term,” Gustin said. 'Hopefully it's just a couple-week thing.”

In addition, Josey Hajek has been sidelined with a concussion.

PERFECT THROUGH A DOZEN

West Delaware and West Liberty have raced through the first two weeks of the season with identical 12-0 marks.

Last year's Class 4A state runner-up, West Delaware is 25-0 in sets. Kristen Wegmann has led a balanced hitting attack with 2.48 kills per set while Carlee Ketchum (8.16 assists per set) is one of the state's top setters.

The Hawks have won tournaments at Independence and Vinton.

West Liberty has taken top honors at invitationals at Grinnell and Muscatine. Hailey Daufeldt (3.04 kills per set) and Audra Bridenstine (2.61) are the top attackers; Cassedi Simon runs the show with 8.46 assists per set.

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