Defending champs return to court

PALMER — Just as he did in each of his first 10 years at the helm of the Palmer volleyball program, head coach Steve Reynolds is entering the 2010 season with a few questions.

There are a few players who Reynolds can quickly ink into the starting lineup. But it may take time until he can pencil others in. Reynolds is still wondering how to replace a few of his valuable graduated seniors who helped Palmer win the 2009 Northern Lights Conference title, and is curious how his Moose will fare in the upcoming Chugiak Invitational.

But Reynolds said there are also things the longtime Moose mentor is very confident about.

“I really like this group as a whole,” Reynolds said Monday. “It’s a real nice, cohesive group.”

If Reynolds and the Moose aren’t able to find that perfect mesh immediately, Palmer shouldn’t panic. Last season, Palmer overcame a slow start, peaked at the end of the season and beat rival Colony for the NLC title.

Leading the charge this season is a group that includes senior outside hitter Kendal Venzke.

“She does a lot of nice, quiet work,” Reynolds said. “She’s not a flashy player, but her whole game is real solid.”

Venzke is joined in the senior class by Chantel Grover. Setter Jenna Arlow, outside hitter Morgan Morfe and middle blocker Kalene Smith are juniors returning to the varsity squad.

Arlow earned a wealth of setting experience as a sophomore and will be the unquestioned court general this year, Reynolds said.

“She’ll be our quarterback,” Reynolds said. “She’ll be running the show.”

Junior middle blocker Kasara Brandenburg and junior setter Anna Koehn, who were promoted from the junior varsity squad before the NLC tourney last season, also return.

Palmer graduated a pair of first-team all-conference players in Nicole Cherrier and Brittany Arlow. Reynolds said it’s been difficult finding a replacement for Brittany Arlow, the team’s libero in 2009.

“She’s a tough one to replace,” Reynolds said. “We’re trying out some different people.”

Reynolds’ squad will have an opportunity to hit the court again this weekend during the Chugiak Invitational at Chugiak High School. Palmer begins pool play in the Chugiak Invitational Friday at 2:50 p.m. against defending state champion Dimond.

The Moose start the 2010 NLC season Sept. 3-4 at Kodiak.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.