UNI volleyball gearing up for challenging season

CEDAR FALLS — The challenges for Northern Iowa volleyball are ongoing.

After having its 2020 fall season moved to the spring by the Missouri Valley Conference due to the pandemic, the Panthers enter their 2021 season with three players — Baylee Petersen, Maizy Jackson and Danielle Johnson — injured and out for the year and none of their three seniors back to make use of an additional “COVID year” of eligibility.

So, while the return of many things back to normal is a help, head coach Bobbi Petersen is admittedy still adjusting her coaching style around her team’s circumstances.

“Depth is always a concern,” Petersen said. “Our focus right now, obviously, it’s the fine line between getting better and getting in-shape enough to play in matches but not overdoing it with kids. I have to find different ways to get kind of the same effect without running them ragged, to be honest.”

Picked sixth in the MVC preseason coaches poll, UNI is coming off an uncharacteristic 9-13 season and 9-8 mark in conference play, but despite the challenges the Panthers face, they return a number of experienced contributors.

Emily Holterhaus, who led UNI in kills this spring, is back and will be counted on at a new position. The 6-foot-2 sophomore has moved outside and will be Petersen’s left-side hitter this season.

“Emily is going to be a great left-side for us,” Petersen said. “She’s going to be somebody that has to have some production on the offensive side for us and play all around. She’s improved so much without really having an offseason.”

Inga Rotto and Kaylissa Arndorfer return in the middle, as does veteran Carly Spies. Petersen described how Rotto continuing to develop her overall game and Arndorfer adding different swings to her proverbial “tool box” will be important for this season.

The 22nd-year coach wouldn’t commit to a starting lineup during Friday’s media day, though, as competition continues at many spots including setter and libero.

At setter, Iowa State transfer Jordan Brandt is competing with Tayler Alden and the two could rotate to begin the season. Meanwhile, at libero, Cedar Rapids Jefferson grad Kaylee Donner is battling with Payton Ahrenstorff and says she’s feeling confident after getting playing time during the spring.

“Coming in as a freshman and redshirting, then not having a fall season, I hadn’t played competitively since my senior year of high school,” Donner said. “I developed a lot of self-confidence and just got more comfortable out there.”

UNI will be challenged early this season with a tough schedule that features defending national champion Kentucky (the Panthers will also play USC and Creighton at the rotating tournament by the Wildcats this season). They host Iowa State on Sept. 15 and open their season Aug. 27 against North Dakota State at the Green Bay Tournament.