HAWLEY, Minn. — Inside a raucous gymnasium Thursday morning, volleyballs were walloped to and fro. Leaping players hammered down spikes. The defending state-champion Hawley Nuggets were going to work.

After nearly a year of celebrating their state championship from last season, the Nuggets could hardly wait to make a return to the court.

“All of the girls are excited to finally be on the court again,” senior libero Hannah Stotts said. “Everyone’s just so hyped for this year and it’s going to be a great year.”

The Nuggets host Menahga at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28 to open the fall campaign.

Last season, Hawley defeated Southwest Christian 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 26-24, 25-22) in the Minnesota Class 2A volleyball state championship game last November at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

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