Norse Aim High in 2023
Virginia, MN – The 2023 MNC – Mesabi Range Norse have high expectations entering the 2023 Volleyball season. Coming off a 2022 season, which saw the Norse garner a 17-10 overall record (13-3 MCAC North), and a MCAC Northern Division championship as well as NJCAA Academic Team of the Year Honors; the Norse look to improve upon that season and take the next step as a program.
The Norse are bolstered by three returners who all earned MCAC All Division honors. Middle Blocker Joey Westby (Eveleth, MN), OH Kylee Huusko (Hibbing, MN), and Defensive Specialist Abbigail Shuster (Cook, MN) are a great returning core for the Norse. Each player constantly improved throughout the course of the 2022 season and became key components to helping the Norse win the 2022 MCAC Northern Division Championship. Now, they step into the role of leadership and the focus of opposing teams. Last season Joey averaged 1.73 Kills/Set, 2.66 Digs/set, 0.47 Blocks/Set, and 0.25 Aces/Set. Kylee averaged 1.82 Kills/Set, 1.14 Digs/Set and 0.23 Aces/Set. Abbigail averaged 3.96 Digs/Set and 0.35 Aces/Set. These sophomores will look to build upon those numbers this season. Additionally, Joey and Kylee earned NJCAA Academic All American 1st team Honors
Although the Norse did lose many key players from the 2022 season due to graduation they didn’t just relax bringing 12 freshmen who all look to step in and contribute immediately. Middle Blocker Addy, Gangl (Nashwauk, MN), Setter/Right Side Madeline Kallberg (Ely, MN), Outside Hitter Nakaiyah Nimene (Floodwood, MN), Outside Hitter Katie Peck (Grand Marais, MN), Defensive Specialist Claire Cushman, Setter Macy Westby (Virginia, MN), Right Side Madison Asleson (Carlton, MN), Outside Hitter Kendra Rosati (Eveleth, MN) Defensive Specialist Hailey Greenly (Cherry, MN), Right Side Allie Bittmann (Iron, MN), Outside Hitter Jerzie Gustafson (Hibbing, MN), and Right Side Destry Whitbeck (International Falls, MN). All these freshmen will look to continue to build upon the tradition of excellence both on and off the court for the Norse in 2023.
The 2023 MCAC Northern Division looks to be the most competitive season in recent memory as the Norse will take on perennial power Central Lakes, rising team Alexandria Tech, always-tough Northland, fellow Minnesota North school Itasca, eternal rivals Vermilion and Hibbing and a resurgent Rainy River.
The Norse open up the 2023 with a home triangular vs St. Cloud TC Cyclones and MNC-Vermilion Ironhawks on Friday, August 18th.
5:00 PM – MNC-Mesabi Range Norse vs St. Cloud TC Cyclones
6:30 PM – St. Cloud TC Cyclones vs MNC-Vermilion Ironhawks
8:00 PM – MNC-Mesabi Range Norse vs MNC-Vermilion Ironhawks