Emilie Jenson

Public Information Coordinator

After finishing the 2022 season in seventh place at the NJCAA National Tournament, the Iowa Central volleyball team is looking to build off their success with a new team in 2023.

"We did have a lot of turnover this season," said Triton Head Coach Sara Horn. "We lost all but two starters, but we don't think of it as rebuilding. This team is going to pick up where we left off; a lot of new faces but the same goals."

The Tritons, who have captured the last five ICCAC Conference championships, hope to continue the streak with the leadership of those two returning starters, Mercedes Madlock, a sophomore all-conference setter from Bonner Springs, KS and Leah Jolly, a sophomore middle from Springfield, OH.

"Mercedes is an all-conference setter, we are excited for her to get out on the court and show her leadership skills," said Horn "Leah brings a lot of fire and energy to the team which is helpful with a young bunch of players."

With one week of practice under their belt, the Tritons took to the court for their first team scrimmage on August 9 as they prepare to play host to nine teams for a weekend scrimmage Friday August 11. They will be on the road at Iowa Western on August 14, followed by the 70-team Opening Weekend Tournament at Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL August 17-20.

"We are excited to see new faces and work nerves out to get ready for next weekend's tournament in Rockford," said Horn.

Horn expects a challenging line-up in Rockford as the Tritons are scheduled to face Highland, Muskegon, Glen Oaks and Madison.

"We'll see a lot of top-10 and top-20 teams in Rockford," said Horn. "It's fun to be in the gym with that many teams, it's a lot of talent but everyone watches you, too. We play a tough schedule with a lot of top-10 teams during the season so it is always exciting to get a sneak peak of some of those teams."

Horn has high expectations for the young team as they begin the season.

"Our motto is 'pursue and defend in silence,'" she said. "We've won five consecutive conference championships, we lost starters from last year, but these girls are ready to pursue it again. They've put their heads down, worked hard and they're not just talking about it, they're doing it."