Although not likely the last high school volleyball team in Iowa to begin the season, Greene County certainly isn’t anywhere near the first as the Rams open the 2016 season at 5 p.m. today. Coach Donna Carhill’s team plays in Des Moines at Saydel High School and meets the host Eagles first, followed by a match vs. the Gilbert Tigers. Both are Heart of Iowa Activities Conference matches.

The Rams are hoping to improve on the 11-17 record of a season ago. Much more varsity experience returns with five letter winners back, compared to just one heading into last season. The letter winners returning are seniors Nadia Fisher, Emily Heupel, Kenna Marquardt, and Hannah Promes, along with junior Megan Durbin. Fisher was a second team all-conference selection last year with Promes and Durbin being chosen for the honorable mention all-conference list.