STORY CITY — 2024 was a landmark year for Roland-Story volleyball, as the Norsemen put together a 30-5 campaign and captured a Heart of Iowa Conference championship. After an upset loss in regional play, however, Roland-Story is looking to take the next step with a beefed up non-conference schedule, with some key components returning from 2024.
Front Row
Roland-Story has some big shoes to fill in the front line from their 2024 squad, replacing their blocks-leader (52) in Kam Lande, who also finished 2nd on the team in kill (265). Senior Alli Janes provided a big defensive role in 2024 with 40 blocks, but will surely see an expanded offensive roles after 72 kills last season. Despite a shorter stature, Brookelyn Jondle was a menace on both sides of the net last year, leading the Norsemen in kills with 325 kills and 27 blocks, while also playing a lot of time in the back row as well. Madi Lucas and Emma Truesdell are names to watch as newcomer to the varsity rotation, as upperclassmen in Miley Geise and Caitlyn Flattebo will likely see more time in the front row as well.
Back Row
Roland-Story returns a lot of back row production from 2024, led by the aforementioned Brookelyn Jondle and Caitlyn Flattebo. Jondle led the Norsemen in digs with 260, as Flattebo added 214 digs and 143 kills. Miley Geise spent a lot of time in the back row as a setter, and returns as one of the top setters in the state after 789 assists in 2024, along with 81 kills and a team-high attack efficiency of .379. There is an open competition for a libero spot as well, which could go to a younger player such as a Karsyn Lande or Lillian Braucher.
Roland-Story volleyball opens their 2025 season with a home early bird quad matchup with Webster City, South Hamilton and Central Springs on August 25th, beginning at 5 PM.