New CMCS coach hopes to keep the tradition going

CMCS sophomore Lilly Mellema (10) bumps the ball ahead on serve-receive during a Camden Conference match against YME on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021 at Prinsburg.

Lexi Scott, Class of ‘15, takes over Bluejays’ program

BY TOM ELLIOTT | West Central Tribune

PRINSBURG — Central Minnesota Christian has a proud volleyball history which includes nine state Class A tournament appearances from 1997 to 2006. Included are state championships in 1998, ‘99 and 2000 and a state runner-up finish in ‘97.

Lexi Scott, one of CMCS’ proud alums from a more-recent generation, hopes to continue that tradition as the Bluejays’ new head coach.

Scott is a 2015 graduate of CMCS. She replaces Jill Haan, who retired after last season’s team finished with an 8-7 record in the rugged Camden Conference and 18-10 overall.

Scott watched from afar as an assistant coach at BOLD. She’s a former University of Sioux Falls player with a degree in exercise science and psychology who works as a physical therapist assistant in Olivia.

Scott said that Haan mentioned to her that she was moving to Iowa and was wondering if she might be interested in taking over the program. Her answer was a quick yes.

“It’s kind of exciting,” Scott said of being the new head coach.

CMCS sophomore Lauren Taatjes watches the ball after hitting it toward the YME defense during a Camden Conference match on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021 at Prinsburg.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

The Bluejays have four seniors: defensive specialist Desi Larson, setter Ava Schneiderman, outside hitter Cora Watson and defensive specialist Angie Morris.

“I think they are all pretty competitive volleyball players,” Scott said of her senior class.

There are seven juniors, led by outside hitter Lilly Mellema and middle hitter Lauren Taatjes. Both started last year. Taatjes is 6-foot. Mellema is 5-11.

Also expected to contribute is Janessa Erickson, a 6-foot-1 middle hitter seeking her first significant varsity time. Avery Duininck is a junior setter also expected to contribute.

CC Roiseland is a junior libero expected to make bigger contributions this season.

Two ninth-graders are expected to play: outside hitter Carrie Mulder and right-side hitter/setter Emmi Braem. Mulder saw some action as an eighth-grader.

“We expect to be competitive again,” Scott said, noting that the conference again will be difficult, led by MACCRAY, Minneota, Canby and Tracy- Milroy-Balaton.