NIACC’s Haugen, Ouverson to be opponents for 1st time

MASON CITY – Brianna Haugen and Carly Ouverson were teammates at Clear Lake High School.

The two were then teammates for two years on the NIACC volleyball team.
Next fall, the two will be opponents in the Iowa Conference for the first time as Haugen will play next season at Simpson College and Ouverson will play next fall at Buena Vista University.

“We are very excited to have these two athletes continue playing volleyball next year,” NIACC coach Chris Brandt said. “It’s been amazing to watch them grow and develop on the court but more importantly, adults who are making great choices to be successful.

“Carly and Brianna have both been the type of athletes who spend a lot of time in the off-season to make themselves better athletes. Carly has spent countless hours with her setting coach, Brianna logged many hours with our trainer Mark Vrba, and both have made tremendous advances in their vertical and explosive power to help their performance.”

Haugen, who was a second-team NJCAA Region XI-A selection, was second on the team with 208 kills and third on the team with 66 blocks in her 2014 sophomore season. Haugen had 291 career kills and 95 career blocks.

Ouverson led the Lady Trojans with 610 assists in her sophomore season and collected 195 digs and 38 ace serves. Ouverson had 1,006 career assists.
Brandt said Haugen and Ouverson have matured a lot in their two years on the NIACC campus.

“Beyond the court, they are wonderful adults who have allowed the challenges in their lives to make them stronger individuals,” the coach said. “Their work ethic, passion, and desire to be successful are just a few strengths that will help them on their journey. I’m a proud coach and look forward to see how their life changes along the way.”