Tigers laser-focused on keeping success alive

2022 Record: 26-13 (3-2 Loss to Grand View in Regional Semis)

Head Coaches: John and Suzy Teske

The last three seasons of South Hardin volleyball have seen the Tigers qualify for State twice and produce a staggering 36 wins in 2021. Their wins wound down to 26 last season as the Tigers continued to be highly competitive in their conference, but suffered a tight 3-2 loss to visiting Grand View Christian in Regional play. 

“We knew that would be a tough match,” coach John Teske said. “That was an earlier exit than traditionally seen. But I think the girls learned a lot from that and have responded well in moving on from that.”

The Tigers lost two-time All-Stater Ellie Anderson to graduation, yet bring back everyone else in their rotation back. Juniors Ava Salvo (462 assists, 171 kills, 234 digs 55 aces on 91 percent serving success), Ava Paige (317 assists, 189 kills, 194 digs) ran the offense for South Hardin and will continue to do so. Juniors Abigail Teske (472 digs, 37 aces on 90.9 percent serving success) and Alli Sheldahl (134 kills, 206 digs) were All-Conference selections alongside Salvo and Paige. Rounding out returning starters are seniors Clara Below (147 kills, 39 blocks) and Peyton Benson (38 kills, 76 digs).

“We have a strong mix of hitting back and it won’t be just one girl taking up all the swings,” Teske said. “They’ve adapted to tweaks Suzy and I have served up and mixed in sets we couldn’t do last year with the lack of experience. Our two setters have gained a lot of experience since being asked to start as sophomores. Clara Below has been swinging away at middle. It’s been fun to see.”

Sophomores Taya Hollingsworth, Payton Weig and Kiersten Winter dressed varsity as freshman and are back. Freshmen Lexie Tidman, Emma Minteer and Lucy Anderson round out the varsity team. 

“Continuing to adapt to new roles and learning to trust the people around you are the biggest opportunities for growth. I wouldn’t want to be playing this South Hardin team late in the season once roles are established.”

The NICL West produced two State qualifiers at the Class 1A level in Gladbrook-Reinbeck and AGWSR last season. Grundy Center was the conference champion last season. East Marshall has a new coaching staff looking to push the program into contention with a loaded division. And in the middle of it all is South Hardin.

“Grundy is the preseason favorite, without a doubt,” Teske said. “No one is surprised how competitive this conference looks. As a team, our goal is to be focused, have fun, and pursue the ball ‘til the last whistle. We have a little bit of growth to do, but when we do I feel this is a team that can make a run for State again.” 

South Hardin volleyball will open its season at home against Iowa Falls-Alden on Tuesday, Aug. 22.