Preseason expectations match the Pella volleyball team’s spot in the first round of Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union rankings, and the No. 9 team in Class 4A opens the new year on the road to Huxley this evening.

The Dutch travel to Ballard to begin a season filled with high expectations and an experienced core group of players trying to push the program back to the U.S. Cellular Center and the state tournament.

Several key returners have led to the lofty goals for the team this year, according to Head Coach Mallory Peterson; three of whom earned All-District recognition last fall, including Bailey Van Voorst, Anna Vander Waal, and Jasmine Namminga.

Van Voorst, a 2020 All-State Honorable Mention in 4A, is a two-time All-District honoree and ranked as one of the top outside hitters in all of Class 4A in 2020. Bailey racked up 317 kills with .188 hitting efficiency percentage, which was 8th best among 4A athletes. Vander Waal tallied 757 assists in 35 starts at setter for the Lady Dutch, also 8th most in Class 4A. Namminga was among the top blockers in the class, with 67 total, which ranked 10th in 4A during the 2020 season. Van Voorst and Vander Waal are two-time All-Conference honorees, and Namminga earned her first round of honors as a 2nd team choice last year.

The Dutch are bolstered by First Team All-Conference and All-State 2A Honorable Mention Avey Amelse, a senior transfer from Pella Christian. Seniors Ella Corbin and Meridith Rowe also bring a wealth of varsity experience from the 2020 season.

Pella has had a great deal of success against the Bombers, winning 14 in a row dating back to the 2012 season, and included a pair of green and white sweeps last fall.

First serve in Huxley for Pella varsity volleyball competition is at 7 p.m.