Senior-less Lakers ready to surprise

Minnewaska sophomore Dreya Barness recorded nine digs and six kills on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 against the Thunder Hawks in Montevideo.

Minnewaska enters season with seven juniors on the squad

BY JOE BROWN | West Central Tribune

GLENWOOD — Though there isn’t a senior on the roster, the Minnewaska Lakers hope to play beyond their age.

Three juniors — Haley Shea, Avery Fier and Dreya Barsness — are back in the starting lineup for the Lakers following a 7-20 campaign in 2021, which included a 2-10 West Central Conference record. Minnewaska has seven juniors on its varsity roster along with two sophomores and an eighth-grader.

“Most of the team played together on varsity for two or more years,” said Lakers head coach Michele Johnson, “so we will rely on our past experience and leadership.”

Shea will play at the net as the team’s setter. In her career, she has 670 set assists, 241 digs, 34 kills and 20 ace serves (95.5% serving).

Minnewaska’s Addy Kath recorded three kills in the 3-0 loss to Montevideo on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 in Montevideo.

Matthew Curry / West Central Tribune

Barness is an outside hitter and she returns as the Lakers’ top hitter. She has career totals of 166 kills, 178 digs and 38 ace serves.

Fier will see time as both a middle hitter and an outside hitter. Her totals include 161 kills, 472 digs and 28 ace serves (95.5% serving).

Shea, Barness and Fier all were voted captains for this year. Other juniors on the roster include: middle hitter/ right-side hitter Miaya Guggisberg; and defensive specialists Brookly Meyer, Grace Zenk and Amanda Lorhe.

Minnewaska’ first match was Tuesday, Aug. 30 at Benson. The home opener is Thursday, Sept. 1 against BOLD.

The Lakers will play in a conference that includes the defending state Class AA champion Sauk Centre Mainstreeters.