The 2025 Lady Hornet volleyball team accomplished a lot. A 21-7 record, 12-4 in the MIAA, the first season sweep of Nebraska-Kearney since 1977, a #23 final rankings in the AVCA poll, four Top 25 wins, it was the most wins for ESU volleyball since 2012. Yet, despite finishing the season with the No. 21 RPI in the country, the Black & Gold was left out of the NCAA Tournament in perhaps the most stacked region in the country, despite all seven losses coming to teams who were in the Top 25 or receiving votes at the time of the match. The disappointment still lingers for returning and projected fourth-year senior setter Brailee Bogle.
The Lady Hornets returned to practice Monday undeterred from last year’s shortfall with renewed effort and vigor to make good on their potential in 2026. Fourth-year head coach Ken Murczek noticed.
E-State returns talent at almost every position in 2026 including Bogle, a three-time All-MIAA Honorable Mention setter. 2025 MIAA Freshman of the Year Lavra Krizanic is back on the outside for her second campaign after notching nearly 2.7 kills per set a year ago while Brooklyn Weaver and All-MIAA Honorable Mention middle bloccker Mia Frisbie are back to patrol the middle after combining for 209.0 total blocks last season. Delainee Dexter is also back after splitting time at setter and right side hitter as a do-it-all player who found success attacking, setting, serving, and playing defense. The Hornets will have to replace plenty of veteran leadership after graduating the team leader in kills Nyia Anderson who was a First Team All-MIAA honoree, veteran outside hitter Camilla Ossola, and Second Team All-MIAA libero Boglarka Rady who was fifth in the league in digs last season. The Lady Hornets open the season Thursday, August 27 at the Ferris State Tournament. Opening Day at White Auditorium is September 29 at 6:00 p.m. when ESU hosts MIAA foe Pittsburg State in a non-conference match.
