It’s been nearly three years since Pella found themselves in the final eight of Class 4A volleyball. A state qualifying bid and conference championship run are the goals in 2021 for the Lady Dutch as they come back with a core group of experienced, talented veterans from an up-and-down campaign last fall.

And while the pieces were in place to have a strong season before last January, an in-town transfer may make Pella a favorite to contend in both the Little Hawkeye Conference and in the 4A playoffs this October.

A Class 2A All-State honorable mention in 2020, Avey Amelse enters her senior season wearing green and white after spending two varsity seasons on Eagle Lane. Head Coach Mallory Peterson says Amelse has an all-around game that allows her to bolster a strong returning group in many ways.

“I honestly forget most of the time that she hasn’t been with us,” Peterson says. “It’s been so good to have another athlete and volleyball player of her caliber in the gym, and the transition has been great — she’s been welcomed and fits right in not only with the girls and chemistry they have, but into our offense, system, and program.”

“It’s been awesome to see them mesh together and it took no time at all for her to slide right into that role and become one of the leaders of this team.”

Avey’s 293 kills last season ranked 20th best in 2A and had the 9th most service aces (56) among 2A servers in 2020. Pella opens the volleyball season at Ballard on Tuesday, August 24th.