Liberty gunning for another state volleyball title

NORTH LIBERTY — With the help of leaders Asta Hildebrand and Gracie Hennings, Iowa City Liberty is confident it knows and has what it takes to have another successful season.

“The (last) state tournament showed us what we needed to do as a team during practices … and games (to be) the best in the state of Iowa,” Hennings, a senior, wrote in an email.

Liberty won the Class 5A volleyball state championship last year, beating Pleasant Valley, 3-1.

“Winning the state title put a lot of pressure on us as a team,” Hennings wrote. “The whole tournament helped us deal with extreme nerves and perseverance.”

“Our goals are definitely set high this year,” Hildebrand, a junior, said. “We have some big shoes to fill.”

Hildebrand was a huge part of the Lightning’s success last year, having a total of 863 assists — fourth in 5A.

“My experience has definitely helped me become a leader this year,” Hildebrand said. “I'm really excited about this season and I'm ready to take on a bigger role as a leader and captain on our team.”

Having won the state championship last year, the team has been through a lot together.

“We are a super close team,” Hildebrand said. “That has helped us as we are more comfortable playing together and having each other back on and off the court.”

Liberty lost eight seniors from last year’s team and will need to fill those missing roles.

“We have some pretty big shoes to fill,” Hildebrand said.

With the help of some freshmen coming in, the team is hoping to fill those shoes.

“We have lots of younger players this year who are going to play,” Hildebrand said. “We’re all working really hard at practice and are really excited for the season."

Hennings also will be a crucial part of the team this year.

“My largest goal for this season is to be the best leader I can be to all of my teammates,” Hennings wrote.

Even through many changes this season, Liberty has one main goal that will lead them to success.

“Our hopes and goals this season are to try our best and give our best effort in every game, practice and tournament,” Hennings wrote.

Liberty has its first game Tuesday at Cedar Rapids Prairie.