Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

The prep volleyball season got under way last week with the first day of practice.

After one week on the practice courts the opening matches of the season in the Your Prep Sports area are just a week away.

The 2021 season gets its start on August 24 when three area teams open the season with the rest of the teams in the Your Prep Sports area joining in later in the week.

Last week Your Prep Sports took a look at some of the top returning talent in the area with a list of players to watch.

Today we highlight six more players that are poised to take a step up with breakthrough seasons.

Mariah Rollins

Sophomore, Liberty High

Rollins eased into varsity action last season splitting the setting duties with graduated senior Haley Hested in the Liberty High 6-2 attack as the Lightning reached the 5A title game.

This season Rollins returns with a year of experience to go with her impressive array of talents as she takes over the role as the Liberty High setting leader.

Rollins had 295 assists and 99 digs a year ago but should see those numbers soar as a sophomore.

Claire Ernst

Sophomore, City High

Ernst made an immediate impact last season as a freshman and should be in for an even bigger sophomore season after ranking second on the team in kills a year ago.

The 5-foot-9 Ernst hit .249 as a freshman while finishing with 136 kills and also ranked third on the team with 145 digs.

A strong all-around player Ernst had eight blocks and 10 ace serves last season and should see all those numbers rise this fall.

Delaynie Luneckas

Senior, West Branch

A three-year starter, Luneckas is far from an unknown after racking up 231 kills and 108 blocks over the past two seasons.

However, the best volleyball is still in front of the talented 6-foot-1 Luneckas who will play college basketball at Minnesota State.

Luneckas hit .353 while ranking fourth on the team with 127 kills a year ago and added 36 blocks but is poised to improve those numbers this season.

Kylee Flynn

Junior, Solon

Already a two-year starter Flynn has the talent and now experience to make a big jump as the leader of the Spartan attack as an upperclassman.

Flynn has led Solon in assists each of the past two seasons, posting 871 assists, 345 digs and 85 ace serves during that span.

The junior setter should have her production rise this season after posting 296 assists, 153 digs and 37 aces in 35 matches a year ago.

Hope Simpson

Senior, Regina

A three-year varsity contributor Simpson is prime candidate for a breakthrough in her second full season in the starting lineup.

Simpson ranked third on the team with 59 kills last season finishing behind sister Lily Simpson and departed senior Annie Gahan.

With Gahan and her 423 hitting attempts lost to graduation Hope Simpson should see her production soar this season.

Melae’ Lacy

Sophomore, West High

Last fall West High built momentum as the season went on going 12-9 after a 1-6 start and winning six of its final nine matches.

A big reason for the late-season push was the emergence of Lacy who continue to improve during a stellar debut season.

An explosive athlete at 5-foot-11, Lacy led the Trojans with 174 kills while hitting .206 on the season.

Lacy was a second-team all-MVC Valley Division selection as a freshman adding 15 blocks, 39 digs and 10 ace serves while helping West High to a 13-15 record.

Did you enjoy this subscription free article? Help keep Your Prep Sports free by donating.