It has been a smooth transition for Perry outsider hitter Ellie Nielsen. The junior is getting set to be one of many outside weapons for the Perry volleyball team as they get set to open their season Thursday night at home against St. Edmond of Fort Dodge. Nielsen moved into the Perry school district two years ago after competing in sports at Harlan Community High School. The former Cyclonette turned Jayette led Perry in kills a season ago with 104 and Head Coach Kristel Kauztky has no doubt that she can hit triple digits again.
“Ellie can really hit the ball. She plays with such a competitive fire. She has the ability to communicate so well with the players on the court by consistently talking with them and bringing them up when things aren’t going so well. She really is our spunk on the court.”
Nielsen will have to share some of the attacks this year with a couple of fellow underclassmen. Victoria Hegstrom and Grace Marburger have both looked good this summer.
“Vicki will be our secret weapon. She has a really good right side approach with the proper set from Maggie and she has her blocking down to a tee. Grace will be critical when Maggie is on the back row. She will be responsible for getting the sets to the outside and middle and giving our attackers a chance to score.”
The Perry volleyball team took time Monday to have a little fun and help out an important cause. The Jayettes took part in the ALS ice water challenge and courageously dumped ice cold water on the team after practice. Perry was nominated by the Jayette swim team and passed on the challenge to the Perry football team captains and the Perry High School Staff.