2023 KQRadio Volleyball Preview: Roland-Story Norsemen

2022 was seen as a year of transition for Roland-Story, graduating key seniors from a stout 2021 squad. Despite the losses, the Norsemen managed to grind-out yet another 20+ win season and finish 3rd in the Heart of Iowa Conference. In 2023, Molly Geise’s squad appears to be one ready to take a step back into the spotlight, and perhaps make a run at XTreme Arena.

Roland-Story does lose some numbers from their graduating senior class in outside hitters Reagan Faber, Alynn Solberg and Kenzie Fick, as well as defensive pieces in the back row in Carly Halstead and Laurel Osborn. But, the Norsemen return their kills-leader in right-side Madelyn Risdal, interior presence in Kamryn Lande, assists-leader Ali Charlson and another stout hitter in Grace Dowling.

Lande, Risdal and Dowling can all be expected to be seen up front, while Charlson makes most of her living in the back row, as she racked up over 630 assists in 2022. Jaclyn Gessner is the leader to take over the libero spot in the back row, while Kennedy Petersen could be a breakout player in the middle. Freshman Alli Janes, as well as senior Claire Jonas could also have contributions in attacking the net offensively.

Roland-Story opens their season on Monday, August 21st, when they host Webster City, South Hamilton and Central Springs for a quadrangular at Roland-Story High School.