Peru State Volleyball Season Wrap-Up
(Peru, Neb.) – The Peru State College volleyball team, under the direction of head coach Laurie Felderman, who was in her fourth season at the helm, did not meet all of their preseason goals. The Bobcats finished with a 3-14 overall and 2-10 in the Heart of America Conference (Heart).
The season was changed numerous times due to COVID-19 and was not a normal season for anyone.
In a normal year, the 'Cats would usually play between 30-35 games. This season they got 17 games in. In addition to a shortened-season by the Heart, the Bobcats had to miss some games due to either being in isolation and/or quarantine.
The Bobcats had trouble putting wins together during this strange season. They were unable to get consecutive wins during the season and ultimately failed to make the Heart postseason conference tournament.
Their wins this season came at Baker (Kan.) 3-2, on a neutral floor versus Culver-Stockton (Mo.) 3-0, and at Graceland (Iowa) 3-1.
Peru State volleyball team had two players earn Heart all-conference selection. Cheyenne Birkle (Holden, Mo.) and Jaddy Duarte (Brasilia, Brazil) earned the honors and both will be returning for the 'Cats next season. Birkle, a 5-7 junior libero, earned third team recognition while Duarte, a 6-1 middle hitter, was given honorable mention recognition.
Birkle played in all 60 sets of action during the season in which Peru State took the court. She had 263 digs in the COVID-19 shortened season which presently ranks 41st in the NAIA. Birkle averaged 4.38 digs per set. In addition, she had 21 assists, 15 service aces, and had a passing efficiency of 90.8%.
Duarte played in 54 sets and finished with 84 kills while hitting .149. She finished with two assists, seven service aces, three solo blocks, and 21 block assists.
The 'Cats currently have two national ranking statistical categories for the 2020 season. The Bobcats rank 30th in the NAIA in total service aces (102) and 42nd in service aces per game (1.700).
Peru State single season leaders were Mattie Nichols (Auburn) with 23 aces, Duarte with 84 kills, Hannia Rios (Toa Baja, Puerto Rico) with 177 assists, Birkle with 263 digs, and Duarte with (24) total blocks.
The Bobcats said goodbye to one senior Tyra Mollhoff (Lincoln) as she played her last game as a Bobcat on Nov. 11 when they beat Graceland (Iowa) 3-1. Mollhoff finished her career with 343 kills and 155 blocks with 31 of them being solo.
Peru State had its first junior varsity season in over 25 years which was under the direction of assistant coach Madison Peters. The team finished the season with a 4-7 mark.
The Bobcats will have 20 returning players – 16 of which saw playing time this past fall – for the 2021 season.