Grafton volleyball ready to step up

Grafton High School’s volleyball team returns seven players from last year’s squad, replacing seven who graduated.

But that’s not a big deal because coach Austin Cass said he’s got a system that allows players to easily step into larger roles.

“I think what we’ve done with the program is prep kids to be comfortable taking over as a start at the varsity level,” he said.

Selena Esparza, now in her third year on varsity, will be the defensive specialist after splitting time last season with senior Lauren Stielow, who made the North Shore Conference second team.

Junior Josephine Gust will be the setter after backing up that position last year in Cass’ 5-1 offense.

After splitting time on the right side last year, junior Neala Luedtke and senior Jackie Tomashek will be the main outside hitters.

Middle blockers include senior Emma Wagner — the team’s tallest player at nearly 6 feet — and sophomore Julia Sandoval. This is the second year on the varsity squad for both.

Junior Delany Reindl is the other returning player.

The hitters replace NSC second team outside hitter Sarah Schmitz and honorable mention opposite side hitter Sophia Del La Pesqua, who both graduated.

The team’s goal, Cass said, is to crack into the top half of the North Shore.

“They’re all competitive,” Cass said of his NSC opponents.

Last year, Grafton went 4-5 in the NSC for sixth place of 10 teams and lost, 3-2, to Pewaukee in a Division 2 regional final.

The Hawks recently dropped both matches at West Bend. On Sept. 4 against East, the Suns pulled it out, 25-22, 23-25, 26-24, 28-26.

Luedtke had 14 kills, and Gust had 36 assists. Esparza had 34 digs.

“Seeing our girls compete at that level was exiting to see so early in the season!. We are excited to see where we go from here,” Cass said.

Against defending NSC champs West on Aug. 30, the Spartans won, 25-18, 19-25, 25-18, 25-22.

Luedtke had 21 kills and Gust had 32 assists. Esparza made 50 digs.

The Hawks were scheduled to host Nicolet on Tuesday, play at Whitefish Bay on Thursday and host Nicolet on Sept. 20.