Waldorf Volleyball Closes Out Preseason Undefeated

OSKALOOSA, Iowa - On day two of the William Penn Tournament, the Waldorf Warriors volleyball team delivered a strong performance, first defeating Southwestern College with a 3-1 victory. They followed up with a hard-fought 3-2 win over tournament host William Penn, closing out their preseason schedule undefeated. With these back-to-back wins, the Warriors finish preseason play with a perfect 8-0 record - the best start in program history. 

The match against Southwestern College began on a high note for the Warriors, who captured the first set 25-21. Consistency proved key as they mirrored the result in the second set, again winning 25-21 and placing substantial pressure on their opponents. Despite a narrow 22-25 loss in the third set, Waldorf responded with resilience, closing out the match with a decisive 25-18 win in the fourth.

Kaylin Koch led the charge with a team-high 13 kills, supported by Anna Longhenry with 8 kills and Emily Goodner with 7. Defensively, the Warriors were dominant at the net; Peyton Klooster and Longhenry each posted 2 solo blocks. In the backcourt, McKenna Marlow delivered a season-high 30 digs, anchoring the defense. The Warriors' strong serving game added another layer of pressure, with Koch and Ashley Kurschner each contributing 3 aces.

Setting duties were shared efficiently, as Reinya Balderson tallied 21 assists, while McKenna Metzger added 12, helping to orchestrate the offense throughout the match.

Against William Penn, the Warriors faced a tougher test. After dropping the first set 19-25, they rebounded impressively with a 25-16 win in the second. The third set saw another slip, with a 15-25 loss, but Waldorf answered once again with a matching 25-16 win in the fourth, showcasing resilience and focus. The fifth and final set was a thriller, with the Warriors pulling ahead to claim a 15-10 victory.

Standout performers included Anna Longhenry, who led the match with 16 kills, and Kaylin Koch, who posted 12 kills and 14 digs for another double-double this season. Reinya Balderson played a pivotal role in the comeback effort, delivering 32 assists that fueled the Warriors' attack.

Defensively, McKenna Marlow was once again a key contributor with 17 digs. On the service line, Koch and Balderson each recorded 2 aces, helping swing momentum in Waldorf's favor. A highlight of the match was the impact of Emily Goodner, who entered in the fourth set and made an immediate difference—registering 7 kills on 13 swings and hitting a remarkable .462.

With these wins, the Waldorf Warriors maintain a perfect 8-0 record to close out their preseason. The team now turns its focus to conference play, opening GPAC competition against Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell, South Dakota, on September 6, 2025, JV at 1:30 p.m. and Varsity at 3 p.m.