Volleyball notes: 4-year climb has Decorah at 20-2

In terms of wins and losses, the 2018 season was forgettable.

But something happened that fall that changed the trajectory of Decorah’s vollleyball program.

“Our culture changed that year,” Vikings Coach Gina Holthaus said. “The team mentality shifted. We had several seniors on that team that didn’t see the floor much, but they were some of the most positive people I’ve dealt with.”

Decorah went 7-26 that season. Some might consider that rock-bottom. Holthaus considered it a rewarding season and the start of a climb.

The Vikings went 15-19 in 2019, 19-12 in 2020. And now, after a five-set triumph over Waukon on Tuesday, they are 20-2, winners of 13 consecutive matches and into the Class 4A rankings at No. 14.

“They’re having fun, they’re playing together,” said Holthaus, in her seventh year as varsity head coach after lengthy service as an assistant. “I think that’s our strength right now. We don’t have anybody that is playing selfishly. They don’t care who gets what.”

One example is junior Amelia Dugger, the Vikings’ unquestioned leader at the net at 2.97 kills per set and a .429 kill efficiency. Dugger didn’t lead the team in kills against Waukon, and she was cool with it.

Decorah is pushing through injuries right now. Setter Mara Holland and hitter Chloe Reiser — a pair of six-rotation players — are out. That forced Holthaus to turn to Maddie Fromm, “a sophomore who hadn’t been dressing varsity,” at setter against Waukon.

“It took a while to learn that the pace is different, but once she got going, she did well,” Holthaus said.

“But we’ve got to get healthy.”

The Vikings’ degree of difficulty in schedule will rise dramatically Saturday at the Western Dubuque tournament. Among their opponents are the host Bobcats and West Liberty.

Buckle up: Wilton-West Liberty has arrived

Here we go; one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season has arrived.

All eyes will be on West Liberty for Thursday’s River Valley Conference South Division showdown between the host Comets (19-0, 5-0) and Wilton (22-1, 5-0).

West Liberty has been perfect in 44 sets. Wilton’s lone setback was a three-setter to Davenport Assumption last Saturday at the Clinton Invitational.

Drake recruit Macy Daufeldt continues to put up staggering numbers for the Comets. She leads the state in kills per set (6.00) and kill efficiency (.559). Brooklyn Buysse averages 9.61 kills per set; Monica Morales is at 6.27 digs per set.

For Wilton, seniors Kelsey Drake (4.00 kills per set, .430 kill efficiency) and Carly Puffer (2.96, 4.10) are the primary threats.

West Liberty was unbeaten heading into last year’s match, too, but was swept at Wilton behind 14 aces from the Beavers.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com