Submitted photo New Ulm seniors Emmy Munson, Nicole Albrecht and Riley Melby return to lead the Eagles volleyball team this season.

NEW ULM — Over the years, the New Ulm volleyball team has been making strides towards improvement in the tough Big South Conference.

With the likes of Marshall and Jackson County Central in the conference, the Eagles have improved steadily under the direction of Stef Dietz, who has coached the varsity program for three years.

The Eagles finished 10-12 last year and this year they bring back some key players from last year’s team that saw them finish almost at the .500 mark, but lost two-time All-Conference player Nora Windschill, along with Alley Steffensmeier and Caitlin Todesco.

Junior Natalie Yackley is a returning starter at the setter position. Yackley was All-Conference last year and Dietz said that she has really worked hard on developing her all-around game and has become more aggressive at the net.

Senior Riley Melby, who plays at the Middle Hitter position, was All-Conference Honorable Mention a year ago.

“We look to Riley to lead us in the front row (hitting & blocking),” Dietz said.

Senior Libero Nicole Albrecht is New Ulm’s leader in the back row and junior Outside Hitter Madalyn O’Connor will move from the right side to the left.

Senior Emmy Munson is a returning starter at OH. Dietz said she started as a MH last season, but will move to the outside.

“It is a little bit of an adjustment for both Madalyn and Emmy, but they are handling it well,” Dietz said.

There are several newcomers to the squad this year that Dietz thinks will make an impact in one way or another. Sophomore MH Laura Bertrang, sophomore RH Ella Landsteiner and sophomore Defensive Specialsist all have limited varsity experience, but are catching on quick and making that transition from B-squad to varsity, Dietz said.

While Dietz has a good idea of how her lineups and rotation will look, it’s still a work in progress.

“This has yet to be determined and I see a few line up changes with every match until we find the right group/combination,” Dietz said. “Passing and communication is key. We have really been focusing a lot on both. Right now we are a good mix of experience and inexperience.

Dietz said other players that could see themselves in the mix are junior OH Anna Lee, junior RS Natalie Hacker, junior OH Gracejyn Nesje, and junior OH Madison Miller. Sophomore setter Emma Gieseke and freshman setter Amber Lee will see the majority of their time on B-squad, but will dress for varsity.

While the Eagles have made strides, this year they are hoping to finish at the top of the conference, earn a home playoff match and make a long run in the playoffs.