KILJ — Cedar Rapids Gazette columnist Jeff Linder has released his preseason top-10 volleyball rankings and as you would expect, there was some local flavor in his 1A rankings.
Kicking things off, the Nikes of Notre Dame are Linder’s preseason No. 1 in Class 1A.
The Nikes went 19-5 last season en route to claiming their first ever State Championship.
Not to be outdone, fellow Super Conference rival and Henry County program New London is No. 5 in Linder’s poll.
The Tigers return several key pieces from last year’s group that finished 22-8 as a 1A State Qualifier.
In Class 3A, West Burlington is primed for a breakout season.
The Lady Falcons biggest addition is snagging Maureen Heath — Iowa’s third winningest volleyball coach of all-time — from New London.
West Burlington finished last year 18-4 and was a 3A regional quarterfinalist one season ago.