The volleyball team has set a high precedent for their 2014 season. The Red Knights defeated DeLaSalle in the season opener, but lost to Minneapolis Southwest a few nights later. The team quickly recovered from the loss, winning their next four matches against Holy Family, Orono, Deer River, and Bloomington Jefferson.

Although they started off the season on the right foot, they hope to continue their success as the season progresses. The team will face new Metro West Conference opponents in Richfield, and Chanhassen within a week. “The new conference will be full of challenges, but our team faces adversity well,” Lysne said.

Compared to last year, the Red Knights have played at a much more consistent pace, going 3-1 throughout their first four games. “The team last year had a lot of ups and a lot of downs. We won third place in the Keller Classic tournament, which is something we had never done before,” said senior captain Maura Lysne. In comparison, the team made it to the championship game this year. The teamed played four games in the tournament, and defeated Grand Rapids in the semifinals; the Red Knights lost to North Saint Paul in the championship game.

The team is at an advantage with its copious amounts of depth, including starting juniors Emma Sather, Paige Mazal, and Emma Bird. The team also has four returning seniors in Maddie Houlihan, Maura Lysne, Peri Warren, and Hanna Anderson. The team will be relying on their experience to carry them through the season. “Most of our starters are experienced and have played through a lot of adversity, and that experience will also help the younger players get used to varsity volleyball,” Maddie Houlihan said.