GALESBURG — After advancing to the NJCAA Division II Volleyball Championship for the third time in four seasons last spring, the Carl Sandburg College volleyball team kicks off its 2021 campaign this weekend.
The Chargers, who return 11 players from their team that won the Region IV title, open their season with the McHenry County Tournament from Friday-Sunday in Rockford. Sandburg’s first home match is 6 p.m. Sept. 2 against Sauk Valley.
NOTABLE RETURNERS
Carley Reeves-Eakins (Branson, Mo./Reeds Spring), 6-foot sophomore outside hitter
- All-Region IV and All-Region IV Tournament selection last spring
- Led Chargers in several statistical categories last season, including kills, attacks, aces and solo blocks
- Chargers coach Todd Winkler: “She’s had a year to learn and grow, so I’m looking for a big season from Carley.”
- Carmyn Baldwin (Lewistown, Ill./Lewistown), 5-6 sophomore setter
Took over at setter near the midpoint of last season and led the team in assists
- All-Region IV Tournament selection as a freshman
- Winkler: “Carmyn came on strong in the last half of the season and has put in the work in the offseason to up her• game. In the preseason, that’s highlighted her sets and ability to run our offense at a high level, which we’ll need to be successful.”
- Gracie Rademacker (Green Valley, Ill./Midwest Central), 5-9 sophomore right side
Voted to All-Region IV Tournament team last season
- Finished third on the team in kills, digs and points as a freshman
- Winkler: “Gracie has gotten stronger and taken her game to a new level. She’s now understanding how to attack defenses to optimize her hitting attempts.”
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH
Lauren Erke (Quincy, Ill./Quincy), 6-0 freshman outside hitter
Winkler: “Lauren has the ability to be one of the best outsides I’ve had at Sandburg. She’s a hard worker, has a heavy hand and is getting better every practice.”
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- Jasmin McDaniel (Peoria, Ill./Richwoods), 5-3 freshman defensive specialist
Winkler: “She has so many good qualities, it’s hard to list them all. Jasmin can pass, is quick on the court and brings high energy to the court.”
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUR TEAM THIS SEASON?
Winkler: “Go two games farther than last year!”
MATCHES TO WATCH
Season-opening McHenry County Tournament Aug. 20-22 in Rockford and the Waubonsee Crossover Tournament Sept. 17-19.
THIS WILL BE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF ...
Winkler: “If the team is also successful in the classroom.”
FINAL THOUGHTS FROM COACH WINKLER
“This year’s team has 20 great people who have become a great family over the past month. I’m so happy they believe in me and that they chose to come play for Sandburg.”
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