BBE seeks more of the same in 2022

BBE junior Ava Mueller takes a swing at the ball during a Central Minnesota Conference match against Paynesville on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021 at Brooten.

After a conference championship and 23-8 overall record, the Jaguars have similar goals

BY MICHAEL LYNE | West Central Tribune

BELGRADE — Behind third-year head coach Alanna Hunter, the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars are poised to be in similar territory as in ‘21 when they were the Central Minnesota Conference champions.

After remaining undefeated with an 11-0 record at home en route to finishing the season with a 23-8 record as the Section 6A runner-up, BBE returns four starters and loses five key players from its 2021 roster.

“We have some incredible returning offensive players, but have a new setter and many new defensive players this season,” Hunter said. “This team has some great leaders and I am looking forward to watching them take this team as far as we can go.”

BBE junior Abby Berge (12) and the rest of the Jaguars celebrate after scoring a point during a non-conference match against MACCRAY on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021 at Clara City

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Senior outside hitter Ava Mueller leads the group of returnees for the Jaguars. She was voted the team’s player of the year in ‘21.

A West Central Tribune All-Area Honorable Mention in ‘21, Mueller posted a team-high 411 kills, adding 173 digs, 46 service aces and 31 blocks.

The other three returnees for BBE are senior middle hitter Allison Dingmann, senior outside hitter Abby Berge and junior middle hitter Brooklyn Fischer. Dingmann led the team with 43 total blocks. Fischer received second-team all-conference honors.

A key loss is libero Emily Kern, who now plays for St. Cloud State. She was a member of the All-State team and the West Central Tribune All-Area team. She led the team in digs (495), serving points (338) and ace serves (62).

Kern, in her senior season in ‘21, set school records in career digs (1,726) and career service aces (188).

Senior Dacia Szczesniak will serve as BBEs new setter this season. She played in seven sets in ‘21.

“Dacia has been very impressive this summer,” Hunter said. “She communicates well on the court with her teammates and works hard to make adjustments for them.”

BBE sophomore Brooklyn Fischer bumps the ball ahead for a dig during a Central Minnesota Conference match against Paynesville on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021 at Brooten.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

The Jaguars began their ‘22 campaign Aug. 30 against Osakis.