Submitted photo (Left to right) New Ulm Cathedral’s Elizabeth Griebel, Lily Franta and Sarah Mohr return to give the Greyounds a talented and experienced volleyball squad.

NEW ULM — Coming off of a 16-12 season, the New Ulm Cathedral volleyball team has high expectations for the 2020 campaign.

The Greyhounds have six starters returning from that team and there’s no reason to think that they can’t compete for the Tomahawk Conference title this year under Becky Wilfahrt, who is in her eighth season at Cathedral.

The Greyhounds will be led by Sarah Mohr, a senior middle hitter who is recovering from ACL surgery.

“She is also one of our top passers and back row defenders. As a two-time all-conference selection, she has been a big piece of our rotation for several years,” Wilfahrt said.

Junior Lily Franta is a three-year starter for the team. She is one of the team’s top servers and passers and she’s also a key hitter on the right side.

Emily Schommer, a junior, returns as a setter this season for the Greyhounds. Wilfahrt said that she brings a year of varsity setting experience and she is a leader on the court.

Sophomore Lily Brennan was the Greyhounds’ utility player last year filling in at various positions for injured players.

“This year she will be one of our top defenders and one of our outside hitters,” Wilfahrt said.

“She may also fill in at middle hitter when needed.”

Megan Haala, another sophomore, returns as one of the team’s outside hitters. Wilfahrt said that she was also one of their strongest servers last year, and will be a primary passer and defender this year as well.

Sophomore Sydney Helget returns as the team’s middle blocker.

“She was also our most consistent server last season and will see some back row time as well this year,” Wilfahrt said.

The Greyhounds will also have some new additions to the varsity roster this year, Wilfahrt said.

Freshman Jenna Hotovec will contribute defensively and may see some action as a setter as well. Seniors Claire Olson and Elizabeth Griebel will contribute in the front row as right side and middle hitters respectively. Transfer senior Talya Hoel could also see time in the setter position.

“This team has high expectations,” Wilfahrt said. “Returning all but one starter from last year’s team, this group has a great deal of experience. In addition, they have put in a lot of time in the off season and have all improved their game.”

Wilfahrt said that Minnesota Valley Lutheran and Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s will be among the conference favorites and Waterville-Elysian-Morristown and Mayer Lutheran as the favorites in the Section.