The Jayettes head into 2025 aiming to build on one of their most competitive seasons in recent years, with the team collecting a 16-18 record in 2024 for the program’s highest mark in a decade.
That was highlighted by improvements in serving efficiency, stronger defensive numbers and individual standouts who ranked among the Heart of Iowa Conference leaders.
But with several key contributors graduating, the roster hits a soft reset and has the Jayettes looking for new faces to step up while carrying forward the gains made a season ago.
Perry opens its season on Sept. 6 with a trip to South Central Calhoun where the Jayettes went 2-2 last year. Their first home game comes Sept. 11 for their annual tournament.
Leaders Depart
Defense was one of Perry’s strongest assets in 2024, ranking second in the Heart of Iowa in digs per set, and much of that came from senior libero Madison Stika, who anchored the back row with 394 digs to rank second in the Heart of Iowa in her efficiency.
Her graduation leaves a significant hole in the lineup, having also led the team in 2023. Charity Parnell was the team’s second leader in the category, with about half the opportunities Stika found.
Setter Gabriela Orellana, another senior, also departs after finishing fourth in the conference at 4.1 assists per set. Together, Stika and Orellana gave the Jayettes defensive stability and consistent ball movement, and their absence will require Perry to reconfigure its core.
Serving at a New Level
One of the biggest areas of growth for the Jayettes last season came at the service line, as one of Perry’s most efficient groups in recent memory.
Perry converted 91 percent of its serves, ranking second in the Heart of Iowa and marking its first time above 90% since 2014.
That accuracy gave the team an edge in staying competitive across sets, keeping pressure on opponents while limiting unforced errors. Junior Charity Parnell and senior Miley Sanchez were steady servers, combining for over 180 attempts at strong efficiency. In a league where serving consistency often determines outcomes, Perry’s breakthrough at the line was a bright spot that will remain a key building block in 2025.
Offensive Production Emerging
The Jayettes’ offense was led by Parnell, who posted a team-high 133 kills and Sanchez, who added 121. Senior Sayra Arceo chipped in 69 kills with a team-best .119 efficiency, showing promise as one of Perry’s most reliable options. Freshman Addison Perks also gained varsity experience with 41 kills across 26 matches, giving Perry a potential long-term contributor at the net.
Despite graduating its top passer and setter, the Jayettes return a mix of players who showed flashes of production in 2024. Parnell will be central to both the attack and back-row defense after collecting 224 digs, while Sanchez and Arceo add experience. With serving efficiency at a historic high and returning hitters capable of taking on expanded roles, Perry has a foundation to remain competitive in the Heart of Iowa.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Perry volleyball preview: Jayettes look to keep growing
Reporting by Sean Cordy / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
