A quick climb to the top for East Ridge

In her first year on the job, East Ridge couldn't have asked for much more from volleyball coach Lindsay Ashburn.

"She knows what she's doing," senior captain Maggie Remke said.

Ashburn was a standout in college at St. Cloud State, where she captained the Huskies to an NCAA tournament appearance as a senior in 2004. Shortly after that, she coached St. Cloud Cathedral to four consecutive Class 2A appearances. After serving a brief stint as a St. Cloud State assistant coach two years ago, she took over the East Ridge program.

Only a one-year-old high school at the time, the Raptors qualified for the Class 3A tournament.

"I was just really fortunate to have such a great group coming in," Ashburn said.

The Raptors, although young in terms of a high school program, found success in their inaugural season as well, posting 16 victories and almost reaching the section finals.

Last fall, the squad lost to the eventual state champions from Lakeville North in the state tournament's opening round. East Ridge finished strong, winning the consolation championship and ending up with a 22-8 overall record.

East Ridge will no longer have the element of surprise. The Raptors also move on without Felicia Ulrich, who now plays for the University of North Dakota. But what's lost in Ulrich is made up for in a more well-rounded group, including four returning varsity starters.

"That's going to be a nice bonus," Ashburn said. "They all played last year. They played in some of those crucial matches, and they have that state tournament experience."

Ashburn will have versatility with the serve and receive, along with different options in the back row.

Senior co-captain Brandi Knupp returns as the team's steady and consistent starting libero. Remke, a longtime friend and teammate of Knupp, solidifies the middle. Junior Margaret Eggert will move from the right side to become the outside hitter. Junior Tess Kelzenberg continues to improve as a talented setter.

The Raptors already have shown improvements in two short weeks with promising scrimmages against Waconia and Lakeville South. The team's chemistry is strong and the girls are getting along great in the very early stages of the year, a key component to Ashburn's game plan.

Woodbury, Stillwater and Cretin-Derham Hall should contend again in the Suburban East, making the conference a tough place to play.

With experienced varsity talent, an outstanding coach and high expectations, it's hard to bet against East Ridge. For now, the Raptors' goal is to be better every day.