Braves hope to battle their way up the standings

Benson’s Libby McGeary goes up for a serving attempt during a West Central Conference match against BOLD on Tuesday at Benson.

Six players — led by McGeary — return for Benson

BY JOE BROWN | West Central Tribune

BENSON — With six players back in the fold and a new head coach, the Benson volleyball team is hoping to climb up the West Central Conference standings.

The Braves finished last in the West Central last year with a 1-11 mark and were 6-23 overall. Looking to turn around Benson’s fortunes is new head coach Ainsley Anderson.

Five seniors — Libby McGeary (defensive specialist), Emma Krusemark (setter/right-side hitter), Ellie Krusemark (outside hitter), Lilly Slaughter (outside hitter) and Kyra Gronseth (middle hitter) — return to the lineup after being starters in ‘21. Another starter at middle hitter returns in junior Kaylin Grube.

McGeary will look to patrol the back row after coming up with 347 digs last year to go with 21 ace serves and 21 set assists.

“She is a strong defensive specialist and covers the court well,” Anderson said of McGeary. “She will be an asset to our defense this year.”

Benson’s Lilly Slaughter (12) goes up for an attack while BOLD’s Abby Meyers (10) goes up for a block attempt during a West Central Conference match on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 at Benson.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Slaughter and Gronseth are slated to be the big hitters for the Braves at the net. The 5-foot-7 Slaughter recorded 171 kills along with 226 digs and 25 ace serves. At 5-9, Gronseth tallied 78 kills, 21 ace blocks and 14 ace serves last season.

They will be counted on to keep the Braves’ offense afloat as the team looks for a new setter following the graduation of Adysen Himley.

“Lilly is a high-energy all-around player,” Anderson said. “She is a powerhouse at the net, a strong server and a great defensive player.”

On Gronseth, Anderson said, “(She’s) a huge asset to our front row. She is a strong hitter and puts up a big block.”

Benson got the ‘22 season underway on Aug. 25 in Madison against Lac qui Parle Valley.