KMS Fighting Saints

Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg junior setter Grace Collins delivers a pass during a Camden Conference match against MACCRAY on Nov. 2, 2020 from MACCRAY High School. Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

KMS starts fresh with lots of newcomers

Fighting Saints, coming off a 7-3 season, hopes to be strong at season’s end

BY MATTHEW CURRY | West Central Tribune

KERKHOVEN — After losing key seniors, the Kerkhoven-Murdock- Sunburg Fighting Saints are looking forward to somewhat of a rebuilding year in 2021.

The Fighting Saints finished the 2020 season with a 7-3 record. They started the season 3-0 before losing three straight matches and finishing the season with a four-match winning streak.

Joquel Molenaar returns for her 10th season as head coach of the Fighting Saints. With four juniors and two seniors in the starting positions, Molenaar believes this season will be more focused on a learning experience while holding the potential for postseason success.

“We are rebuilding this year after losing a strong group of seniors who’ve held varsity positions for a number of years,” Molenaar said. “We have a motivated group of girls who have a lot of raw talent. I am excited to see what we are able to accomplish.”

Having lost Halie Nichols, Lauren Krieger, Maret Gjerde and Makenna Kelley, the KMS starting lineup will consist of seniors Grace Collins and Karli Jenson. Molenaar describes Collins as a dynamic offensive threat.

The junior starters should be Elsa Gjerde along with Katie Klaphake as middle/outside hitter and Shakira Olson as the outside hitter. Elsa Gjerde will be joined by Josie Gjerde, both players being labeled strong passers by Molenaar.

With the majority of the lineup being 5-foot-3, Klaphake is the tallest player standing at 5-8, followed by Olson at 5-7. Molenaar says Olson brings a strong outside presence to KMS.

The Fighting Saints begin the year on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at Camden Conference standard-bearer Minneota.