The 2020 Northeast Kansas League volleyball season was extremely competitive throughout with Jeff County North representing the league in the state tournament at the end of the season.

The Chargers won the league title with a 15-1 league record and now head into 2021 with high hopes but a strong senior class to replace with just senior Adison Manville and junior Audrey Bell back as all-league returners from a year ago.

Jackson Heights has some of the highest hopes heading into the year after winning 11 league matches last season and bringing back two all-league players in senior Kenzie McMahon and junior Kanyon Olberding.

Just like the Cobras, Pleasant Ridge brings back two all-league players from last season’s 15-win team in senior Kelsey Theis and sophomore Emily Langley who were both first team selections.

Maur Hill-Mount Academy has two all-league players to replace from the 2020 team that finished fourth in the league but bring back senior Blair Taylor who will be one of the best players in the league and be asked to do a lot.

The Oskaloosa Bears head into the season with the most question marks after both all-league players from last season graduated in Sophia Rockhold and Reese Curry who racked up nine league wins.

McLouth should be in pretty good shape heading into the year with first team all-league selection Samantha Pope back for her senior campaign while junior Jillian Holwick also returns.

Along with McLouth, ACCHS will have experience returning and good athletes in juniors Addison Schletzbaum and Aleah Wallisch who both garnered all-league awards last season.

The league is rounded out by Valley Falls and Horton who both head into the season with young cores and no returning all-league players from last season.

Two NEKL teams are set to get their seasons started on Saturday as Oskaloosa and McLouth will be at the Wabaunsee Invitational which is scheduled to begin at 9 am.