WAYNE, NE (KTIV) – The Wayne State Wildcats have secured the top spot in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference preseason poll.
The Cats would take to the field this week looking to improve before the start of their season.
The Wildcats finished last season with a record of 31-3, including their second consecutive NSIC title, before ending their season with a 5-set thriller in the Elite 8.
Wayne State has two All-Americans back at center in sixth-year senior Taya Beller and Maggie Brahmer, also a sixth-year senior.
Wildcats head coach Scott Kneifl knows they have their work cut out for them as they have a new setter and a new serve/receive pattern, but he believes this group is up to the challenge.
“We’re really looking forward to fall camp,” Kneifl said. “We have a great group of returnees that are leading really well, a great group of young players in the gym that are making it really exciting, along with a couple of transfer players, so we’re really excited about this year’s group, we think they can do great things.”
Beller and Brahmer, both sixth-graders, have worked hard in the offseason to set the tone for the upcoming season.
Beller led the Cats in total points last season, while Brahmer was third in points last year.
The “Killer B’s” are all about passing on their knowledge while enjoying the sport that has brought them so much.
“We have a lot of new blood, we need to show them how it’s done,” said Taya Beller, a sixth-grader. “But we have girls who know what they’re doing and know the expectations. So we try to mix it all up.”
“When I came here, I didn’t know I would be here for six years, but it’s been a really long journey. I just love it,” said Maggie Brahmer, a sixth-year senior. “I love the sports, I love the coaches, I love the girls, I love the school, just everything we represent, the culture here is just second to none.”
Wayne State opens play on Thursday, September 5th at 6 p.m. when they face Adelphi University in St. Petersburg, Florida in the Echerd College Tournament.
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