Koenen back in Thunder Hawks’ rotation

Matthew Curry / West Central Tribune The Montevideo Thunder Hawks celebrate after defeating Minnewaska in the first set 25-13 on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 in Montevideo.

Last year’s West Central MVP among Montevideo’s leaders

BY JOE BROWN | West Central Tribune

MONTEVIDEO — Spearheaded by one of the area’s top offensive players, the Montevideo Thunder Hawks are ready to climb the West Central Conference standings.

Montevideo wrapped up the 2021 season with a 10-15 record, including 5-7 in the West Central.

The Thunder Hawks will also have a new coach on the bench this season as John Mader takes over for Ashley Palmer.

Mader will have the reigning Most Valuable Player in the West Central Conference in 6-foot-3 senior middle hitter Avery Koenen.

In ‘21, Koenen finished with 417 kills, bringing her career total to 681. She also had 175 digs, 63 ace blocks, 22 ace serves and 18 set assists last season. Koenen was also picked Academic All-State. She is committed to play basketball at Division I North Dakota State University next season.

Another senior will be at the net for Montevideo as setter Tenley Epema returns to the lineup.

Six juniors will help fill roles on the floor: Maren Nelson, Avery Williams, Kiya Blom, Taya Weber, Callie Augeson and Addie Olson. Two sophomores are also vying for playing time in Teagan Epema and Emmie Koenen.

Last year’s 10 wins were the most by the Thunder Hawks since going 15-13 in 2017. That is also the last year that Montevideo posted a winning record.

The Thunder Hawks opened the season at home on Tuesday, Aug. 30 against West Central foe Melrose.

Montevideo junior Avery Koenen tallied 19 kills in the Thunder Hawks’ 3-0 sweep win over Minnewaska on Thursday in Montevideo.

Matthew Curry / West Central Tribune