By William for www.mcpherson-county-ks.com

            INMAN – In 2021 the Inman volleyball program found success before losing at sub-state which means a run to the state tournament is the 2022 goal.

            Beginning her third season as the leader/head coach of the volleyball program, Megan Heckel has directed the Lady Teutons to a 27-11 record in 2021 after going 27-7 in 2020. She will be assisted by Micaela Dimmit and Russ Goering.

            “We started off very strong and ended strong last fall,” noted coach Heckel during her reflections on the upcoming season. “We were third in the Heart of America League last season after finishing first in 2020 and were ranked eighth in Class 2A going into sub-state.”

            Before ending the season last fall with a loss to Berean Academy at sub-state, the Lady Teutons won both their own tournament as well as one at Burrton while finishing third at the prestigious Haven Tournament.           

            Heckel will be tasked to replace two decorated seniors from 2021 as Reagan Brake and Fiona McLain have graduated. Brake played front middle and was named first team all-league and second-team all-state while McLain was second-team all-league as the libero.

            The top returning player will be Chloe Schmidt who as a sophomore last season recorded 211 kills from the front middle while also making 68 blocks and earning honorable mention all-league honors.

            According to the coaches, freshman Suttyn Harris is considered one who may step up and see a lot of varsity time for the Lady Teutons due to her ability to play all around and displays solid volleyball skills and court awareness.

            Coach Heckel concluded her pre-season reflections by saying, “This year I want the girls to be able to maintain more consistency in matches against all teams. We had a good season and look forward the team improving and finding way to always get better. Overall, I am excited for this season as they are a great group of girls that work hard and want to improve every day to be more successful.”

            The Lady Teutons will open their 2022 season on Saturday, August 27 when they host the Inman Invitational.

2022 INMAN LADY TEUTON VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE:

  • Saturday, August 27 – HOST Inman Invitational
  • Tuesday, August 30 – At Canton/Galva with Centre
  • Tuesday, September 6 – At Bennington
  • Saturday, September 10 – At Haven Tournament
  • Tuesday, September 13 – HOST Hutchinson Trinity
  • Tuesday, September 20 – HOST Berean Academy
  • Thursday, September 22 – HOST Remington
  • Tuesday, September 27 – At Sedgwick
  • Thursday, September 29 – HOST Marion
  • Saturday, October 1 – At Burrton Tournament
  • Tuesday, October 4 – HOST Ell-Saline
  • Thursday, October 6 – At Little River
  • Tuesday, October 11 – At Sterling
  • Tuesday, October 18 – At Moundridge
  • Saturday, October 22 – At Sub-State
  • Friday-Saturday, October 28-29 – At State Tournament in Dodge City

(William is a free-lance writer covering McPherson County Activities – he can be reached at crossdovewriter@gmail.com)