AlBrook Volleyball Off To A Great Start

Photos courtesy of Paula Gellatly

Sept 27

Andrew Chalberg-NSO

AlBrook Head Volleyball coach Brad Olesiak did know what to expect out of his team coming into the 2010 season. With only two seniors and five brand new starters that include a couple of eight graders, the last thing Olesiak thought of was his team reeling off seven wins in their first eight games that included the first win over Cook High School in over twenty years.

However, that is what the Lady Falcons have done and they have been the talk of local volleyball around the northland, so far this season. AlBrook is led by Junior Captain Kourtney Karppinen who has provided a positive attitude to her team and has taken on the role on and off the court as the leader of this team. Coach Olesiak stated that she is just a “natural volleyball player.” Coach Olesiak also noted to NSO that his two Seniors Ashley Dahlman and Cassidy Capriglione have accepted their important role as team players and come off the bench to do whatever is needed to help the team win. Junior mid-hitter Kendra Dahlman has provided the height and toughness in the middle for the Falcons.

Coach Olesiak and his assistant Bridget (Janke) Paulson both noted that overall their team is athletic, listen well, and are very coach able and not afraid of their competition. When asked what has made the difference this year, Olesiak said that open gym and members of his team playing in the spring Northland Volleyball club has made a difference. A reason why eight graders Justice Janke and Mikala Olesiak have seen extended playing time this season.

The Lady Falcons now come down the home stretch of their season as they try to win the St. Louis County Conference and for a top seed in the Section 7A tournament. AlBrook will have matchups with key Section opponents Floodwood, Big Fork and undefeated Cherry. In addition AlBrook will play in the Virginia Invitational Tournament next weekend as they will face larger schools which will provide a good measuring stick on where they are at. The Falcons look to make it to their first Section Final Four since 1988.

Both Olesiak and Paulson know what it takes to win. Brad Olesiak a 1990 graduate of AlBrook was a key member of the Falcons State Football Tournament run in 1989 and was a starting center as the Falcons made it to three consecutive Basketball Region Final Fours. Bridget Paulson a three sport athlete at AlBrook was a member of a State Community College Volleyball Championship with the Hibbing Cardinals. Both coaches look forward to the rest of the season and how far the team can go.

Andrew Chalberg can be reached at Andrew @northlandsportsonline.com