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Athletics

Seventh-ranked Eagles to Host Home Opener

By August 27, 2014November 20th, 2018No Comments
Heather Poula

Kirkwood volleyball team undefeated through four games

The Kirkwood volleyball team has started the season off by rattling off four wins in a row and now look for continued success as the team host two teams at their home opener on Friday, August 29. The Eagles will take on Iowa Lakes Community College at 4 p.m. and Wartburg JV at 7:30 p.m.

This year’s Kirkwood volleyball squad has a healthy mixture of experience and youth. Head Coach Jill Williams is expecting major contributions from the younger players on the team, but when it comes to the sophomores she expects more.

“We have a lot of young talent, but talent will only take you so far,” said Williams. “You need leadership and experience if you expect to win championships. Our sophomores are going to be held to a higher standard. They need to play to the best of their ability, but they also need to teach the younger players how to win at this level. It’s a combination of showing the freshmen the ropes as well as leading by example. If we can come together as a team that way then we will really make some noise.”

As a returning First Team All-American, sophomore Heather Poula will be expected to fill the leader and mentor role that her coach needs from her veterans. Poula, an outside hitter, made a huge impact last year and is already in the top five nationally this season in both kills per set (4.71) and total kills (66).

Sophomore Payton Hilton, who is coming off last season’s Second Team All-conference and Second Team All-region performance, is also expected to shoulder a leadership role as well.

“Both Heather and Payton know what it takes to be successful,” said Williams. “What will be key for them this season is building off of their previous success. Both of them have what it takes to lead this team to a special year. It’s just a matter of doing it on the court.”

The Eagles travel to Iowa Falls this evening for a conference showdown with Ellsworth Community College starting at 7 p.m.

Kirkwood will be back in Johnson Hall on Friday for their home opener versus Iowa Lakes Community College beginning at 4 p.m. followed by a match versus Wartburg College JV at 7:30 p.m.