Dawson-Boyd hopes big numbers, experience lead the way

Chelsie Husby attempts a dig for the Dawson- Boyd volleyball team in a match Oct. 4, 2021.

Blackjacks have six starters back and 45 players in the program heading into 2022

BY TOM ELLIOTT | West Central Tribune

DAWSON — The Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks are focused on improvement after going 6-12 in 2021.

They base their hopes on excellent numbers throughout the program and four seniors who have been key performers.

Leading the way is outside hitter Kate Dahl, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter who has started since eighth grade.

“She has a lot of strength and has a big court awareness,” head coach Hailey Gritmacker said.

Also back is senior setter Chelsie Husby. She was a full-time starter last season after getting playing time as a sophomore. She’s 5-foot-7.

Madison Selchert is a defensive specialist. She transferred to DB in

ninth grade from Lac qui Parle Valley. Gritmacker said “she brings a lot of energy and should help us.”

Aiyana Hastad (No. 5) smacks the ball over the net in a 2021 match for the Dawson-Boyd volleyball team.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

The other senior is defensive specialist Sara Larson. Like Seichert, she has a lot of junior varsity experience.

Three junior starters return. Leading the way is Ayiana Hastad, a 5-8 middle hitter who has started since ninth grade. Also back is Hayley Anderson, a 5-11 middle hitter.

Allison Estling also is back. She’s a combination outside hitter/defensive specialist/utility player who is scrappy and aggressive, Grimacker said. She’s moving to libero this year.

“She’s very athletic,” Gritmacker said, noting she also plays basketball and softball. “She’s rough and tough.”

Sophomore Reese Johnson is also back at middle hitter. She’s 5-foot-9.

“She can jump out of her shoes,” Gritmacker said. “She’s a spark-plug for us.”

Katherine Dal, left, and Ayiana Hastad (No. 5) put up a block for the Dawson-Boyd volleyball team in a game Oct. 4, 2021.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Gritmacker expects the team to be improved simply because of its experience. All the Blackjacks’ starters return “except at libero,” she said.

The key will be the team’s ability to pass in order to run the offense well.

Gritmacker, a 2013 Westbrook-Walnut Grove graduate, takes over as head coach after five years in the program. She takes over for Andrea Enger. Enger is stepping back because of a young family.

The Blackjacks have 45 players out, including the junior high team. Interest is high. Gritmacker believes it will help DB be competitive in the years to come.

“That’s what we hope,” she said.