Wildcats Want To Stay Among RVC South Leaders

Durant's Hannah Happ serves during a match with North Cedar.  Photo by Ryan Stonebraker.

By Ryan Stonebraker

Sports Editor

DURANT — The Durant Wildcats reached a class 2A substate match for the second time in as many years, but fell short of their goal of reaching the state tournament.  The Wildcats run the past two seasons has been remarkable as girl’s team sports of volleyball, basketball and softball each reached substate play, on the cusp of their sport’s respective state tournament.  This season, the Wildcats will look to continue that success and will come into the season off of a 23-10 season.

Gone from last season are Maddi Neitfeldt, Courtney Wiese, Sydney Randolph, Danielle Schlapkohl, Brinn Grunder, Rikki Gregoire, Miranda Cox, Shannon Telsrow, Sierra Semsch.  Telsrow led the Wildcats in kills with 293 while Grunder added 216 kills.  Both were among the team leaders in serving.  Telsrow served 314-327 with 30 aces while Grunder served 292-331 with 37 aces.  Telsrow was second on the team in assists with 236 and digs with 275.  Grunder was second in blocks with 38.

Durant will play weekend tournaments this season at Wilton, Benton Community, NE Goose Lake and Davenport West.  Durant will host rival Wilton on Thursday, September 1.  The Wildcats will also play home matches against Iowa City Regina, West Branch and West Liberty.  

Durant returns setter Ruby Kappeler who had a team high 315 assists to go with 146 digs.  Kappeler served 249-293 with 26 aces.

Sophomore hitters Kamryn Meyer (179 kills) and Aubrin Dittmer (47 kills) will anchor the front row.  Senior Cathy Ralfs also is back after 26 kills, serving 254-277 with 35 aces, 79 assists and leading the team in digs with 436.

Gone From 2015: Maddi Neitfeldt, Courtney Wiese, Sydney Randolph, Danielle Schlapkohl, Brinn Grunder, Rikki Gregoire, Miranda Cox, Shannon Telsrow, Sierra Semsch.

Back From 2015: Cathy Ralfs, Aubrin Dittmer, Hannah Happ, Ruby Kappeler, Annie Taylor, Sierra Gregoire, Kamryn Meyer, Mallory Warner.

New Faces: Emilee Voss.