2018 Volleyball Preview

VOLLEYBALL 2018

WILLMAR • BENSON • ATWATER-COSMOS-GROVE CITY • BUFFALO LAKE-HECTOR-STEWART • CENTRAL MN CHRISTIAN • BELGRADE-BROOTEN-ELROSA • BOLD • DAWSON-BOYD • KERKHOVEN-MURDOCK SUNBURG LAC QUI PARLE VALLEY • LITCHFIELD • MACCRAY • MINNEWASKA • HANCOCK • MORRIS • NEW LONDON-SPICER • MONTEVIDEO • PAYNESVILLE • YELLOW MEDICINE EAST • RENVILLE COUNTY WEST

We wish all area teams the best of luck and much success this season!

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D2 Friday, August 31, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

WILLMAR

Cardinals see 2018 as break-through season

By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com Two years in a row, Willmar volleyball has been on the cusp of the school’s first state berth, only for Moorhead to shut the door in the Section 8AAA championship.

Last fall, the Cardinals and Spuds went to a fifth set in the section championship, with Willmar climbing back from a 2-0 deficit. Ultimately, Moorhead took the decisive set 15-6, keeping the Cardinals out of St. Paul.

After going a combined 48-12 the last two years with no state trip to show for it, Willmar is ready to make a deep run for the third straight year. And with five starters back on the court from 2017, the aim is to fry the Spuds (and the rest of Section 8AAA) and get to state for the first time.

“Our team should be in good position to continue last year’s success with a strong shot at the conference and section titles,” said head coach Traci Grussing.

The firepower is there. The back row appears to be set. The question for the Cardinals is how to facilitate the offense with the graduation of Esther Grussing.

Starting her freshman year at Ball State University, Grussing was a Class AAA All-State setter with 988 assists to go with 355 digs and 34 total blocks.

The quest to fill in for an All-State setter begins with 6-foot-1 senior Carly Wedel.

While she was Willmar’s WILLMAR continued on PAGE D4

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Willmar Cardinals volleyball team is gearing up for a deep playoff run for a third-straight year with the school’s first state tournament berth as the goal.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Friday, August 31, 2018 D3

BENSON

Braves turn to young, seasoned players

By Jake Schultz jschultz@wctrib.com Benson’s youth movement is in full force as Shannon Schmidt is set to guide the Braves through West Central Conference competition yet again in 2018.

Claire Ricard (Jr., MH) returns as the team’s leading hitter, compiling 120 kills for the Braves last year, and Mariah Ahrndt (Jr., S) will look to improve on her 197 set assists last season with a

larger role. Courtney McNeill split time as a setter and right hitter, tallying 233 set assists. Ahrndt will now take over most of the setting duties as the team’s primary playmaker.

Lizzie Staton joined McNeill on the West Central Tribune All-Area Honorable Mention team and also joined her on the graduation stage, leaving the Braves with a sizeable gap at the net. Staton was the leading hitter with 166 kills in 2017 and Benson

will see new faces trying to make their mark.

Beth Cain (So., OH) returns as a starter will compete with Rachel Berens (So., MH), Marana Wieber (Sr., OH), Abby Lundebrek (Jr., MH) and Paige Cain (Sr., MH) for spots at the net. Abbie Mitteness (Jr., DS) and Zoe Doscher (So., DS) will return as well but should see their role increase after libero Leah Molden graduated this spring.

Despite losing four players from

last year’s team, Schmidt is optimistic through early season practices.

“The girls are very coachable and eager to learn,” Schmidt said. “They do not settle for mediocrity … The team has brought lots of positive and exciting energy to the gym. They are definitely there to work hard and make themselves and their teammates better. I know you will see that played out on the court.”

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D4 Friday, August 31, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

WILLMAR continued from PAGE D2 top attacker last year (271 kills, 25-1/2 blocks), Wedel has honed her setting craft with the Kandi Elite Volleyball Club and has committed to the University of South Dakota as a setter.

“She is a great setter, puts up a huge block and can play great defense,” Traci said of Wedel. “It will be a challenge to replace the offense Carly provided last season.…Another challenge will be to incorporate one or two young and inexperienced players into the lineup.”

After taking part in a scrimmage on Aug. 21 in Buffalo, the Cardinals believe the way to success will be running a 6-2 offense, with freshman Lydia Larson looking to fill the second setter spot.

“We got some work to do, but she’s pretty good,” Traci said of Larson.

There’s plenty of hitters to pass to for both Larson and Wedel with outside hitters in Sydney Olson (144 kills, 14-1/2 blocks in 2017) and Caitlin Ogdahl (161 kills, 197 digs). At 5-11, Grace Marti (161 kills, 45-1/2 blocks)

will hope to add to the Cardinals’ block in the middle after the graduation of Abby Volk, who is playing collegiately at Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

At libero, sophomore Abby Stark remains the focal point of Willmar’s defense. Junior Cambrie Parker and sophomore Callie Slagter will also help out in the back as defensive specialists.

“Abby’s incredible. She led the conference in digs and improved a ton last year,” Traci said. “We’re trying to make everybody hit at her.”

According to Traci, the team’s ability to pass is what can help set it apart from the Cardinals of 2016 and 17.

“We need to make sure that we can control the ball. We should have good passing and serve-receive,” Traci said.

“If you pass well, we can run a lot of offense. We have a lot of balanced hitters, so we need to be able to set three people.”

Willmar started the season with a tough non-conference barometer in Class AA powerhouse Marshall on Aug.

23 before traveling to Hopkins for a

on Aug. 30 in Brainerd. The Cardinals’

match on Aug. 25. Their first Central

first home match takes place on Sept. 4

Lakes Conference match took place

against Alexandria.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Willmar Cardinals volleyball team has some key positions to fill this season after top players from the 2017 team graduated.

ATWATER-COSMOS-GROVE CITY

Falcons’ counting on experienced trio

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com ACGC lost three solid hitters and a libero from its 2017 roster, but the Falcons are back with three upperclassmen they believe can keep the team competitive in a tough West Central Conference.

Senior hitter Lindsey Minnick (6-foot) is a powerful hitter with a lot of experience, and junior Rachel Wilner (5-8) is back at setter. “(Wilner) brings positive energy to the court and has worked hard to be a leader on our team,” said Falcons head coach Micah Tolzien.

Junior defensive specialist Jeana Denton (5-8) is a vocal defensive specialist who leads by example, Tolzien said.

It’s at the net where ACGC needs to fill some important spots. Tolzien believes senior right side hitter Mykaela Lang (6-1) and junior outside hitter Shayna Hobson (6-0) will provide a presence at the net that will ease the losses of graduated hitters Madison Denton, Rylie Wilner and Addison Bernstein.

Senior Pailey Wilner (5-7) will step in for departed libero Alex Hovey. “(We) are determined to come out strong this year, play with heart and ambition and continue striving to be contenders in the West Central Conference,” Tolzien said. “We have tough competition but we are working hard on our game every single day to bring a high level of competition to every opponent that we meet.”

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The ACGC volleyball team suffered the loss of four key players from its 2017 team but the Falcons have experience coming back this season.

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Friday, August 31, 2018 D5

BUFFALO LAKE-HECTOR-STEWART

Mustangs counting on strong net game

By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart enters the new year with an experience front row ready to dominate the net.

Rachel Dean (Sr., MB), Alyssa Petersen (Sr., OH), Kimberly Novotny (Sr., RS) and Tessa Cook (Sr., RS) make up a veteran-heavy presence up front with Sara Kottke (Jr., MB) also expected to play a major role.

Dean and Cook each measure in at 6-feet tall, which should help in the vertical aspect of the game.

The same, however, cannot be said for the back row.

Setter Anna Buboltz graduated alongside Natalie Karl and Jacxl Fernandez and last year’s starting libero, Keegan Hansen, moved out of the district to leave a gap in that key spot on the court.

Emily VanderVoort (Sr., S) is the obvious successor to Buboltz but second-year head coach Lael Dornseif will need to look to last year’s depth in order to find an answer for more back row help. Melissa VanZee (Jr., defensive specialist) will likely see plenty of playing time, as will Marissa Ebbers (Jr., OH) and Arrainnah Krienke (Jr., OH).

Aaron Hubin / Hector News Mirror

The Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart volleyball team will look to take advantage of its height and athleticism at the net this season.

CENTRAL MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Bluejays seek to boost confidence and win total

and Van Dyken. “Now with a year under their belt, we look to them to run a more up-tempo offense as well as put up a consistent block.”

Haan added about Vander Pol, “We will look to Sadie for our serve-receive and defense.”

CMCS began its season with two straight home games, against Paynesville on Aug. 27 and Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart on Aug. 30.

Being there is why I’m here.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Central Minnesota Christian School volleyball team is working to improve on a three-win season in 2017.

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By Joe Brown and junior middle hitters Elli jbrown@wctrib.com Stoel (team-high 156 kills, eight Just as important as putting Ws in blocks) and Emma Van Dyken (68 the standings, Central Minnesota kills).

Central wants to gain confidence.

The Bluejays will have to After a tough 2017 that saw the adjust to life without setter Ellie Bluejays finish 3-25, third-year Greenwaldt, who finished with head coach Jill Haan wants the 379 set assists and a team-high team to build itself up. Then, the 175 digs with 51 kills and 15 ace wins will come. serves for good measure.

“Last year, we found ourselves “(Our middles) were young last coming up short in many close year playing as sophomores for matches, so my hope is that they the first time,” Haan said of Stoel will have the confidence to win them all this year,” Haan said. “The key for our team’s success this year will be consistency with servereceive and hitting. If we can minimize our own errors in those two areas, we will be competitive in most matches.”

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D6 Friday, August 31, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

First-year coach likes Blackjacks’ versatility

By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com Dawson-Boyd snagged a third-place finish in the Camden Conference-North standings last season and firstyear head coach Andrea Lee has her eyes set on climbing the table.

Graduation throughout the division leaves plenty of question marks on how the season might go and Lee has a number of experienced returners. Senior setter Lydia Aafedt and senior middle blocker Mary Bothun return as the only upcoming graduates but they are far from the only ones with experience in the black-and-gold. Karoline Dahl (So., OH), Megan Mamer (Jr.,

DAWSON-BOYD

RS) and Avery Bartunek (Jr., MB) will be major players yet again for the Blackjacks along the net.

Meanwhile, defensively, Amelia Olson (Jr., DS) and newcomer Tarah Johnson (Fr., DS) will have plenty to do in the back row but you can certainly expect Aafedt and Co. to help make a more wellrounded defense.

The strength of the Camden Conference remains in the South Division but the Blackjacks finished with an identical conference record to North Division runner-up KMS and would like to see a run at knocking off last year’s North Division champions, MACCRAY.

KERKHOVEN-MURDOCK-SUNBURG

Experience may lift Saints up Camden standings

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg volleyball team likes the experienced players it has coming back from the 2017 season.

By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com With eight players returning to the roster, Kerkhoven-MurdockSunburg is hoping experience can lift the Fighting Saints up the Camden Conference standings.

Last fall, KMS was 12-17 and was 3-2 through five Camden games before losing the final six conference matches.

But, the Fighting Saints have plenty of building blocks, starting with senior libero Katie Krieger.

“Kate is a great libero,” said head coach Joquel Molenaar. Krieger finished with 413 digs and 30 ace serves while earning All-Conference honors for a second straight season. “She will definitely be a player to watch this year.”

Krieger will be joined in the back row by sophomore Halle Nichols (241 digs), an All-Area honorable mention, and junior Morgan Lesteberg (207 digs) from the left-back position.

The Fighting Saints’ attack will try to replace departed Alex Walsh, a KERKHOVEN continued on PAGE D9

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Friday, August 31, 2018 D7

BELGRADE-BROOTEN-ELROSA

Jaguars back after 18-win 2017 season

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa volleyball teams is ready to make another strong run at the Class AA state tournament, despite tough competition.

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By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa will be back after a tough but successful 2017 season.

The Jaguars finished 18-14 last season and tied for second in the Central Minnesota Conference at 5-2.

Maple Lake won the CMC with a 7-0 mark and won the Class AA state championship with a 36-0 record.

BBE made a strong run at the Class AA state tournament field, winning three matches in the Section 5A playoffs before falling to Pine RiverBackes in the section championship game.

The Jaguars lose eight seniors but have a strong core back. Three-year starter Ally Gruber (Sr., 5-10, OH) is back after 251 kills, 84 blocks and 231 digs in 2017. Two-year starter Katherine Mastey (Sr. 6-0, OH/MB) had 235 kills, and Karsee Kampsen (So., 5-8, setter), also a two-year starter, had 828 set assists and a 94 percent serving rate last year.

Brittany Berg (Jr., 5-10, MB) started due to an injury late in the season and came through with 49 kills. A strong group of upperclassmen, led by Grave Illie (Jr., hitter/setter), Emily Knight (Sr., 6-0, MB), Jenna Dingmann (Jr., 5-9, OH), Nicole Thonvold (Sr., 5-6, DS) and Jacqueline Gossen (Jr., 5-6, DS) will be counted on to step into larger roles this year. Freshmen Emily Kern (5-5, DS) and Kiley Winter (5-8, DS) will help anchor the defense.

“Our challenges will be to mesh a totally new group of defensive players,” said head coach Kevin Weller, who has a 257-90 career record.

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D8 Friday, August 31, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

BOLD

BOLD roster packed with solid seniors

By Jake Schultz jschultz@wctrib.com The 2017 season was full of stops and starts for the BOLD Warriors but this year has a different feeling in the Olivia-based gymnasium.

BOLD returns with 12 seniors, including top player Makenna Steffel (Sr., OH) who missed much of last year with an injury. Steffel, a 6-foot tall athlete with prodigious athleticism, is far from the only highlight for the Warriors, though.

Makayla Snow (Jr., setter) will help run the offense after compiling 489 set assists last season, in addition to 147 kills, 29 aces, 41 blocks and 270 digs. Ashley Trongard (Jr., MB) and Morgan Schmitz (Sr., OH) should see an uptick in production with Steffel back in the fold, creating a tough attacking front for other opponents to handle.

Head coach Brittany Keltgen’s team, though, will likely go as the defense goes. Of the five players lost to graduation last season, three were considered defensive specialists and another, Elli Honzay, was a middle 001766905r1

blocker. Trongard will contribute heavily up front but Brenna Weis (Jr., libero) will be key in the back row. She racked up 462 digs last season and will anchor that back row in 2018.

“She sees the court and reads opposing hitters better than many athletes her age,” Keltgen said.

“She has tremendous ball control and provides a great second contact when needed.”

Schmitz and Snow contributed mightily to the defense last year as well and will be looked to again this year.

Last year didn’t go as many of the Warriors would have hoped but this installment features a number of experienced athletes poised to grow from a 3-1 playoff record last season.

“This is such an incredible group of athletes and people,” Keltgen said.

“We have a lot of players with a lot of experience and will look to them to provide leadership to those in new positions. We have big goals within our conference and then in our section. We could not be more excited Jake Schultz / Tribune to get this season underway.”

Three playoff wins in 2017 gives BOLD confidence heading into this season.

GREAT SE a p u e v r e ASO S s ’ t N e L

Head Coach: Brittany Keltgen

Address : 701 South 9th Street • Olivia, MN Phone Number: 320-523-1031 Website: www.bold.k12.mn.us

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Friday, August 31, 2018 D9 KERKHOVEN continued from PAGE D6 three-year starter with 144 kills and 19 solo blocks as a middle blocker.

She was the only senior on the team’s roster last year.

For the second year, Mallory Rudningen will be KMS’ main setter after tallying 655 assists and 24 ace serves last fall.

“Mallory is a competitive, positive leader on our court,” Molenaar said. “I am looking for Mallory to be effective both setting and attacking.”

At 5-foot-9, senior Lydia Wagner will be KMS’ top returning hitter with a team-high 177 kills in 2017.

“She has a big outside approach and is able to swing through, putting a lot of power behind her hits,” Molenaar said.

Lauren Krieger, at 5-foot-3, will start for the second year at outside hitter after tallying 157 kills a year ago.

Haylee Johnson and Lexy Swanson are pegged to be the Fighting Saints’ middle blockers, and Maret Gjerde is slated to see some time at right-side hitter.

“Lauren is our big (little) outside hitter,” Molenaar said. “Even with her height, she can jump and put that ball down. She beats out other hitters who have multiple inches on her.”

KMS began the 2018 season at home against Benson. Their first Camden match takes place Sept. 4 at TracyMilroy-Balaton.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg volleyball team has a core of eight seniors back to help the Saints build on a 12-win season in 2017.

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The Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg volleyball team is ready to tackle the 2018 Camden Conference season, opening Sept. 4 at Tracy-Milroy-Balaton.

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D10 Friday, August 31, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

LITCHFIELD

Litchfield’s depth a spark for competition

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Despite losing key contributors from A pair of sophomores will be important a 12-win 2017 squad, Litchfield feels to the Dragons. Sydney McCann (5-7 confident about improvements based outside hitter) had 144 kills, 20 total on its depth, which should lead to an blocks and also proved effective in the increased competitive spirit. back row with 270 digs. Janessa Olson Libero Kassie King, the Dragons’ (5-6 outside hitter) finished 2017 with school-record holder for digs, and 113 kills, 15 total blocks and 58 digs. middle hitter Jasmin Estrada graduated.

“We have a lot of depth, which will But a solid core of players returns, help the girls stay motivated as they led by junior Colby Christensen (5-10 compete with one another in practices,” middle hitter), who had 114 kills and said head coach Darin Swenson.

39 total blocks last year. Senior setter “However, we are still young and have Ashley Sangren (5-5) had 296 assists, a long way to go to put together a 18 ace serves, 13 block assists and 203 complete package.” digs in 2017.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Litchfield volleyball team has a solid, balanced core of players back for the 2018 season.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Litchfield volleyball team is working to strengthen its net play as the Dragons look ahead to the 2018 season.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Litchfield volleyball team amps up its competitiveness in practice to ready for strong opponents during the season.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

A strong hitting game will be important for the Litchfield volleyball team to improve during the 2018 season.

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Friday, August 31, 2018 D11

LAC QUI PARLE VALLEY

Eagles seek improved 2018 season

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Lac qui Parle Valley volleyball team is working hard to improve on a three-win season in 2017.

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com The Lac qui Parle Valley volleyball team will be looking to improve on a 3-20 record and a firstround playoff loss in Section 3A that ended the 2017 season.

No other information about the 2018 season was provided by the team.

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D12 Friday, August 31, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

MACCRAY

Veteran Wolverines ready to make postseason run

By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com MACCRAY was looking at a deep postseason run in 2017, heading into the Section 3A playoffs with a 24-6 regular-season record.

Instead, the Wolverines’ run ended with a stunning four-set loss to Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, a team MACCRAY had beaten two times previously.

With veterans Piper Asche and Danni Burns back in the fold, the Wolverines will look for another 20-win season and vengeance in postseason play.

Asche will be the big gun at the net for MACCRAY after tallying 306 kills and 39 solo blocks as a junior.

“We have two veteran players in Danni Burns and

Piper Asche,” said Wolverines head coach Terese Bourne. “They will be floor leaders and playmakers.”

Beyond the 6-foot Asche, Burns along with outside hitters Annie Dykema and Jaimi Heida and middle hitter Gracie Slagter, there will be plenty of firepower at the Wolverines’ disposal. The group of hitters will try to replace the success of now-South Dakota State player Ellie Thein (221 kills, 308 digs), along with right-side hitter Olivia Ruiter and middle Carly Orwick.

MACCRAY will also have to adjust to a new passer at the net with the graduation of Sydney Schwitters (771 set assists, 228 digs), a Class A AllState honorable mention who is now playing for

Northwestern-St. Paul.

Junior Kate Hultgren returns to dig up balls with fellow junior Abigail Pieper in the back row.

With the graduation of four key seniors from a year

ago, MACCRAY will try to keep up its high level of success with a younger roster. If the team’s youth can get up to speed, the Wolverines should be just fine.

“We have some promising younger kids as well that will help fill the roster,” Bourne said. “All the players have worked hard over the summer and are ready for the 2018 season.”

MACCRAY had its opening serve of the 2018 season on Aug. 23 against Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart.

MACCRAY continued on PAGE D13

Veteran players, like hitter Piper Asche, have MACCRAY confident it can again put together a stellar regular season in 2018.

Jake Schultz

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Friday, August 31, 2018 D13 MACCRAY continued from PAGE D12

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The MACCRAY Wolverines volleyball team has incentive this season after winning 24 games during the regular season but losing early in the playoffs.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The MACCRAY Wolverines volleyball team will bring a strong net game into its matches this season.

MINNEWASKA

Lakers tackle a season of transition

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

Minnewaska will be in a year of transition this season, both on the court and on the bench.

Long-time head coach Linda Mills stepped down after last season, and Michele Johnson steps in as head coach.

Johnson enters with 28 years of coaching experience in Alexandria.

All that experience will be needed as the Lakers look to rebound from a 2017 season in which they posted a 4-20 overall record and a 1-13 West Central Conference mark that left them last in the conference.

The Lakers will be young but some of their returning players have had playing time.

Sierra Lindemann, Sydney Metz and Emily Harste are the lone seniors back, and juniors Ellie Danielson, Sara Geiser, Alexis Piekarski and Emma Thorfinnson have plenty of court time in their pasts.

Sophomore Avery Hoeper also will be expected to make contributions.

“I’m looking forward to working with these gifted athletes and embracing a new season,” Johnson said.

LAKERS continued on PAGE D14

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Minnewaska Lakers are a team in transition after first-year head coach Michele Johnson stepped in for long-time head coach Linda Mills.

D14 Friday, August 31, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

LAKERS continued from PAGE D13

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Minnewaska volleyball team hopes to celebrate many winning points this season as the 2017 team does in this file photo.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The passing game is an important part of the Minnewaska volleyball team’s overall game this season.

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Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Minnewaska volleyball team will seek to ramp up its net game this season as a new head coach takes over the program.

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Friday, August 31, 2018 D15

HANCOCK

Owls young but experienced

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com In her third season as head coach, Stephanie Flaten will be relying on a lot of young talent as Hancock embarks on the 2018 season.

Flaten has good experience back, despite their youthfulness. The Owls have four starters back, led by junior outside hitter Bailey DeSmith, sophomore outside hitter Lexi Staples, junior libero Greta Schaefer and sophomore setter Morgan Kisgen.

In addition, senior outside hitter Haley Mattson returns after missing the 2017 season following knee surgery.

“We’re a very young team,” Flaten said, “but we’re scrappy and have great talent.

We have some great freshmen talent coming up.”

Brooke Kern / Forum News Service

The youthful Hancock Owls volleyball team has experienced player among its ranks.

Brooke Kern / Forum News Service

Hancock head coach Stephanie Flaten said the Owls has “great talent” and is “scrappy.”

MORRIS/CHOKIO-ALBERTA

Greene returns as Tigers’ head coach

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Morris/Chokio-Alberta won’t be breaking in a new man as much as welcoming back a familiar face to its head coaching spot.

Former Tigers head coach Caleb Greene is back in the first chair after serving as B-squad coach the last five years. Greene was the Tigers’ head coach for four years prior to that, compiling a 62-40 record.

Under Kristi Fehr, the Tigers were 21-6 overall last season, won the West Central Conference with a 13-1 mark and finished as Section 3AA runners-up following a tough, 3-2 loss to perennial power Marshall.

But gone from that team are setter Kristi Fehr, who

topped 3,000 career assists, and Jenna Howden, who broke a team record with 30 kills in a match. Also departed are Jenne Larsen and Islande Sperr.

But the Tigers have seasoned players back to make another run at the conference and section titles.

Outside hitter Bailey Marty had 143 kills last season, and she served at a 94 percent clip and had 23 aces. She also had 339 digs.

Libero Riley Decker was a 95 percent server with 15 aces, and she had 521 digs.

Middle hitter Alexis Pew was effective in a limited role, finishing with 55 kills and 33 blocks. Outside and middle hitter Mackenzie Hockel had 74 kills, served at 94 percent, served 24 aces and had 17 blocks and 105 digs.

Brooke Kern / Forum News Service

Caleb Greene is back as head coach at Morris/Chokio-Alberta after serving as an assistant for several seasons.

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NEW LONDON-SPICER

Wildcats senior core to lead youthful squad

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com The New London-Spicer volleyball team may be a relatively youthful team but the Wildcats return in 2018 with several players who played big roles last season.

The Wildcats are back with seniors Ashton Engelke (outside hitter), Emily Novak (defensive specialist) and Hunter Paffrath (setter/defensive specialist).

Engelke was fourth on the team with 131 kills and she had 20 blocks, 116 digs and tied for the team

lead with 23 ace serves. Novak had 193 digs and 14 ace serves, and Paffrath led the team with 318 digs.

And players coming off their freshmen seasons will provide a lot of punch. Sophomores Ashlyn Olson (right side hitter), Emma Hanson (right side hitter) and Kendra Bagley (outside hitter) return after solid seasons in 2017.

Olson was third on the team with 189 kills and was second with 38 blocks. Bagley was second on the team with 195 kills and she had 24 blocks and

Jake Schultz / Tribune

Hard work has never been a problem for the New London-Spicer volleyball team.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

Strong defensive play at the net will be key for the New London-Spicer Wildcats volleyball team in 2018.

108 digs. Hanson had 34 kills, 16 blocks and 29 digs.

Wildcats head coach Erin Schoumaker also is expecting transfer students Aleah Zieske (sophomore hitter) and Presley Arendt-Callenius (junior setter) to contribute after having success with their previous teams.

“We are returning the core of our very young team from last year,” Schoumaker said. “They have been working hard and now have varsity-level experience to contend with the tough teams on our schedule.”

Jake Schultz / Tribune

A strong senior core will be asked to lead a relatively young New London-Spicer volleyball team this season.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The New London-Spicer volleyball team has experienced hitters back to lead the Wildcats’ offensive attack.

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Friday, August 31, 2018 D17

MONTEVIDEO

T-Hawks have rebuilding to do in 2018

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Stephanie Hennen, who led Minneota to great success in her 26 years of coaching, is back for her second year leading Montevideo.

The Thunder Hawks will have rebuilding to do after losing 2017 seniors Molly Reeves, Jessie Tastad, Kamren Saue, Kari Fragodt, Sydney Bednar and Katia Turcios.

Senior middle hitter Sydney Zindal and senior outside hitter Cali Christianson are returning starters among the six T-Hawks back with varsity experience.

Montevideo’s Noelle Sulflow orchestrates the offense at the net, putting up a set during a scrimmage against BelgradeBrooten-Elrosa at Willmar High School on Aug. 16.

Joe Brown / Tribune

Joe Brown / Tribune

Montevideo’s Cali Christianson tries to tip the ball over the reach of a Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa blocker during a scrimmage at Willmar High School on Aug. 16.

PAYNESVILLE

We Bring…

Noise Like Thunder & Speed Like Hawks

Bulldogs’ sights set on 20 wins, playoff run

PAYNESVILLE continued on PAGE D18

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Jake Schultz / Tribune

Paynesville’s Jenna Lundquist sets a ball in the first set of Tuesday’s match against top-ranked Maple Lake.

By Jake Schultz jschultz@wctrib.com Football isn’t the only fall sport trending in the right direction in Paynesville.

Head coach Nicole Humbert has the Bulldogs raring to go for the 2018 season after taking a step in the right direction last season to the tune of an 18-8 record.

Now, six members with starting experience from that 18-8 team are back with sights set on 20-plus wins and a lengthy playoff run.

Skylar Bayer (Sr., OH) is back as the team’s go-to hitter after knocking in a team-best 237 kills last season. Fellow hitter Abby Schaefer (Jr., OH) should also be a key factor in the team’s offense, looking to improve on 193 kills last season.

Brynn Johnson (So., MH) is a youngster that could make a big difference in the team’s destiny this season.

As a freshman in 2017, she earned 98 kills for a teambest .248 hitting percentage and 62 total blocks. Her development as an offensive threat and defensive stalwart could mean big things for Paynesville.

Despite returning six starters, it’s not as though Paynesville is completely immune from graduation.

Middle hitter Jacquelyn Hoeft and setter Molly Stang both said farewell to teammates last season and leave

Montevideo Public Schools Montevideo, MN 320-269-8833 www.montevideoschools.com

D18 Friday, August 31, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

PAYNESVILLE continued from PAGE D17 noteworthy shoes to fill. Hoeft led the team with 82 total blocks and slammed home 115 kills while Stang worked alongside Jenna Lundquist (Sr., setter) in a two-setter gameplan, logging 402 set assists and 106 kills. Lundquist and Johnson are the obvious key players to fill those shoes but it also provides opportunities for players like Ashley Ley (Sr., RH) to accept a larger role.

Olivia Riley (Sr., libero) will be a vital player in the back row yet again after hovering near the Central Minnesota Conference-lead in digs all year.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

Jake Schultz / Tribune

The Paynesville volleyball team will face tough competition from teams like defending state champ Maple Lake.

Paynesville has the talent to celebrate winning points like this one.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

Paynesville hosts New London-Spicer in the Section 3AA quarterfinals Oct. 31, 2017.

Net defense will be key to keep the Bulldogs competitive in 2018.

Jake Schultz / Tribune

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Friday, August 31, 2018 D19

YELLOW MEDICINE EAST

Sting ready to make leap in Fadness’ third year

By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com In Leah Fadness’ first two seasons, the Yellow Medicine East volleyball team has finished with identical 12-13 records. Hoping to fend off the past two up-and-down seasons, Fadness sees this season as one where the Sting can make a leap.

“We hope to be able to build off of last season by raising our expectation level in ourselves and as a whole,” Fadness said. “We talk a lot as a group how we can work harder and be better than we were the day before if we can remain disciplined and keep our expectation level high.”

That expectation level is raised thanks to returning middle hitters Mackenzie Drydahl and Meeghen Dahlager.

Both standing at 5-foot-10, Drydahl had 194 kills and 27 solo blocks to go with 199 digs. Dahlager was also a full-rotation force with 162 kills, 176 digs, 22 solo blocks and 14 ace serves. “(Dahlager) brings leadership to our team and is a very versatile six-rotation player,” Fadness said. “(Drydahl) will be one we look to score often for us.”

Quarterbacking the offense will be junior

We hope to be able to build off of last season by raising our expectation level in ourselves and as a whole.

LEAH FADNESS, Yellow Medicine East volleyball coach Madison Hinz, who gives the Sting some size at the net at 5-7 and is a solid passer with 576 set assists along with 36 ace serves and 193 digs.

YME’s back row will be anchored once again

by Abby Jaenisch, who came up with 98 digs and 25 ace serves last fall.

“Our goal as a group this year is to play more consistently and stay determined and disciplined,” Fadness said. “We talk a lot about how we practice is how we play so we are working on being disciplined in practice each and every day to help us work together as a team with one common goal.”

The first step toward that improvement goal took place in the season opener on Aug. 23 at Wabasso. YME’s first Camden Conference match will take place on Sept. 4 at Russell-Tyler-Ruthton.

RENVILLE COUNTY WEST

Jaguars’ adjusting to new positions

Joe Brown / Tribune

RCW players will be adjusting to new positions as the Jaguars ready for the 2018 season.

By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com While the hitters develop, Renville County West is leaning on its returning passers to help the team climb out of the Camden Conference cellar.

Going 3-25 last fall, RCW will have to adjust to life without middle hitters Emma Rice and Morgan Haen, who both graduated after being two-year starters. Also missing from the fold via graduation is three-year starting libero Stephanie Zaske.

Helping to ease that loss is a pair of returning defensive specialists in junior Vanessa Savig and senior Avery Elfering, who will also see time as an outside hitter.

“Avery is relocating to a different position as outside hitter because of her aggressive attacking and ability to perform various attacks from different sets and positions,” said head coach Deanna Flom. “She will also be one to watch for her defense of digging and saving the ball.”

Savig will take on the libero role for JAGUARS continued on PAGE D20

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JAGUARS continued from PAGE D19 Steph Zaske, who had 265 digs and was named team co-MVP. “Vanessa is changing her role and becoming the libero because of her instinct to read the ball and hustle for defense,” Flom said.

Lauren Wulf will look to set up the offense while Makenna Bruns will also see time between setter and right-side hitter. Reilly Elfering and Katie Marr are slated to both play middle blocker for the Jaguars as they try to fill in the output from Emma Rice, who graduated after smashing 131 kills and 28 ace serves.

“Our team this year will not be strongest in the offensive game due to size and experience,” Flom said, “but I feel that our defense will be the key to staying in a match, if not winning it for us. There will be three new players that will become effective players once they gain experience and connection with Wulf in attacking.”

Flom continued, “We are a young team with players that will need to gain the experience as a group, but we do have senior leadership that has already proven success in changing the attitude and practice environment to a positive work ethic that shows they will not give up and that goals and teamwork are a must for a successful season.”

RCW’s season began anew on Aug. 28 at Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart. The team’s first home match is on Sept. 4 against MACCRAY.

The passing game will be important as RCW attempts to improve on a three-win 2017 season.

Joe Brown / Tribune

BUMP - SET - DOMINATE 2018 RCW VOLLEYBALL

Future Ready, Jaguar Proud

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