VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
Still young Cards ready to make
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
WILLMAR — Now is the time for the Willmar Cardinals volleyball team to make a run.
The Cardinals nearly return their entire roster from a retooling 2023 season, where they finished with a 6-5 record in the Central Lakes Conference and had a 15-14 overall record.
Willmar enters 2024 as the No. 2 ranked team in the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association Preseason Poll. Marshall, which won the 2023 Class AAA championship and eliminated Willmar in the Section 2AAA tournament, is ranked fourth. Northfield is the top-ranked team.
“We have a little bit of an advantage by having just about everyone back again this year,” said Cardinals head coach Leah Brogdon, who enters her fourth season as head coach. “It should be a fun season for us.”
Willmar junior middle blocker Avery Olson prepares to serve the ball in a Central Lakes Conference matchup against Rocori on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at Willmar.
Ellery DeBoer will look to pilot Willmar to its first state appearance in program history. The 5-foot-10 sophomore setter is a six-time invitee to the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program, a two-time West Central Tribune All-Area selection and a two-time CLC pick.
DeBoer, who dished out 723 set assists, 217 digs, 128 kills and 58 ace serves as a ninth-grader, has attended numerous college camps, including the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas and the University of Wisconsin, to name a few.
“We will be a tough, competitive team with Ellery running our offense,” said Brogdon, who will be assisted by Sam Cunningham, Taylor Rambow and Brittany Steffer.
Gretchen Volk and Brielle Ogdahl return as veteran outside hitters for the Cardinals. Volk had 326 digs, 262 kills and 31 ace serves in her junior campaign. The 5-9 senior was named a WCT All-Area Honorable Mention and an All-CLC selection in 2023. She will serve as Willmar’s captain this fall.
Ogdahl, a 5-11 junior, recorded 297 kills, 235 digs and 28 ace serves in an All-CLC Honorable Mention sophomore season.
Avery Olson and Nora Mitteness are back as Willmar’s middle hitters. Olson is a 5-9 senior and Mitteness is a 5-11 sophomore.
Also looking to make strong contributions for the Cardinals are Hannah Magnuson, Maddison Molacek and Isley Ripperger.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 22 vs. Marshall
Saturday, Aug. 23 at New Prague
Tuesday, Aug. 27 at Fergus Falls
Thursday, Aug. 29 at St. Cloud Apollo
Tuesday, Sept. 3 vs. Sartell
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Shakopee Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 10 vs. Detroit Lakes
Thursday, Sept. 12 at Rocori
Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Brainerd
Thursday, Sept. 19 vs. Alexandria
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at St. Cloud Tech
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. Fergus Falls
Thursday, Oct. 3 vs. Sauk Rapids
Friday, Oct. 4 at STMA Invitational
Saturday, Oct. 5 at STMA Invitational
Thursday, Oct. 10 at Sauk Rapids
Tuesday, Oct. 15 vs. NLS
Friday, Oct. 18 at Moorhead Invitational
Saturday, Oct. 19 at Moorhead Invitational
Magnuson is a 5-5 senior defensive specialist who was an All-CLC Honorable Mention.
Molacek is a 5-9 sophomore right-side hitter who was Willmar’s rookie of the year following her ninth-grade season. Ripperger is a 5-4 sophomore defensive specialist who will help the Cardinals defensively.
“Our back row will be quick this year with Hannah, Isley, Gretchen and Brielle,” Brogdon said. “Nora and Avery will be powerhouses for our offense this year as well.”
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Joe Brown / West Central Tribunee / West Central Tribune
Willmar freshman Maddison Molacek, 12, reacts after the Cardinals scored a point in a Central Lakes Conference match against Sartell on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 at the Big Red Gym in Willmar.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Willmar sophomore outside hitter Brielle Ogdahl prepares to bump the ball on a serve receive in a Central Lakes Conference matchup against Rocori on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at Willmar.
New London-Spicer junior libero/defensive specialist Abby Knudsen serves the ball against
New London.
Wildcats return the bulk
NEW LONDON — The New London-Spicer volleyball team lost a few key pieces but has retained the bulk of its roster heading into the new season.
Tina Peterson, who enters her sixth season as the Wildcats’ head coach, will look to utilize her team’s experience to build off of its 2023 season, which featured a 3-4 record in the Wright County Conference and a 15-11 overall record, according to Minnesota Scores.
Without graduates Kendra Gerhardson, who was a 2023 West Central Tribune All-Area Honorable Mention and an All-WCC pick, and Avery Newman as well as senior Dakota Rich, who opted out of volleyball due to her recovery from an injured shoulder, the Wildcats will look toward senior middle hitters Piper Barney and Ava Carlson to lead the way.
Barney, a 5-foot-10 All-WCC pick, and Carlson, a 5-9 All-WCC Honorable Mention, are two amongst a strong senior class for the Wildcats.
Other seniors looking to make strong contributions are: Abby Knudsen (5-4, DS), Emma Madison (5-7, OH), Hannah Nieland (5-7, S) and Grayce Reigstad (5-6, L).
Peterson is looking forward to seeing the versatility of junior Ayla Caskey put to play throughout the season. Caskey is a 5-7 outside/right-side hitter.
“This summer we had Ayla on the right and her blocking and ability to adjust to the set gave her much success on the (right-side) as well,” Peterson said. “She prefers the
outside hitter position and loves to run a fast set. She is so athletic and this gives us so many options.”
Another key junior to watch is Katelyn Delzer. Peterson said the 5-10 outside hitter has worked hard to improve her hitting strategy and passing throughout the off-season.
A pair of sophomores to look out for are Ezri Boelter and Addie Olson. Boelter is a 5-7
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg in the Section 3AA-North playoffs on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, at
“Ezri has improved leaps and bounds and shows promise in being able to speed up our offense and can cover some ground on defense,” Peterson said. “Addie has a powerful swing and has shown some incredible improvement in both her passing and defense.”
There have been other younger athletes who have also caught the attention of the coaching staff, according to Peterson.
“We are excited for tryouts,” Peterson said. “I think there is going to be some serious competition and some younger girls are looking to make their mark to get some time on the varsity floor.”
Peterson’s assistant coaches for 2024 are Lynnette Beuning, Gina Macik and Jess Newman.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 23 at Albany Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 3 vs. Paynesville
Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Norwood Young America
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Lakeview Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 10 vs. BBE
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. HLWW
Monday, Sept. 16 at Morris/Chokio-Alberta
Tuesday, Sept. 17 vs. Albany
Thursday, Sept. 19 at Watertown-Mayer
Monday, Sept. 23 at ACGC
Tuesday, Sept. 24 vs. Glencoe-Silver Lake
Thursday, Sept. 26 at Annandale
Tuesday, Oct. 1 vs. Eden Valley-Watkins
Thursday, Oct. 3 vs. Dassel-Cokato
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Litchfield
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Rockford
Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Willmar
New
a
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
NLS junior Emma Madison, 3, takes a swing at the ball against CMCS blockers Carrie Mulder, 6, and Emmi Braem, 8, during a nonconference match on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023 at New London.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
London-Spicer junior setter Hannah Nieland celebrates a Wildcats' point in
Section 3AA-North playoffs matchup against KerkhovenMurdock-Sunburg on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, at New London.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
New London-Spicer junior middle blocker Piper Barney passes the ball during a Wright County Conference matchup against Litchfield on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at New London.
Falcons start fresh in 2024
ACGC must replace a huge senior class with varsity-ready
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
GROVE CITY — Despite losing a sizable senior class, the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City volleyball team is prepared for the 2024 season to get underway with new leaders.
Co-head coaches Micah Tolzin and Jillian Korpi will head the Falcons, who finished 3-4 in the Central Minnesota Conference and 1213 overall a season ago. Tolzin has more than 15 years of coaching experience at various levels and Korpi is getting her first taste of coaching.“We have some key returners as well as athletes who have put the work in over the summer to see substantial court time,” Tolzini said. “The versatility within our lineups will give us an opportunity to hone in on each individual player’s strengths to produce a strong team unit going into the 2024 season.”
Key losses for ACGC include: middle hitter Elli Roemeling, setter Alayna Schultz and outside hitters Mikaili Johnson, Macy Elton and Giselle Grahn.
Yet, for the Falcons, they return four upperclassmen to its starting lineup with the lone senior being Kyla Bierwerth. She is an outside hitter/defensive specialist.
After an injury-plagued sophomore year, junior middle blocker Ruby Klinger is back and anticipating a complete, consistent season with the Falcons.
Haley Johnson, a junior right-side hitter/ defensive specialist, and Taylor Frericks, a junior outside hitter/defensive specialist, both return as starters.
Kenlie Blom, a sophomore outside hitter, and Kelsie Blom, a freshman middle blocker/ outside hitter, will look to continue making their contributions in ACGC’s starting lineup.
players
SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 23 at HLWW Invitational
Tuesday, Aug. 27 at Dawson-Boyd
Thursday, Aug. 29 at Lester Prairie
Friday, Aug. 30 vs. YME
Tuesday, Sept. 3 vs. BLHS
Thursday, Sept. 5 at Kimball
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Lakeview Invitational
Monday, Sept. 9 vs. Cedar Mountain/Comfrey
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. Holdingford
Thursday, Sept. 19 at BBE
Monday, Sept. 23 vs. NLS
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. Maple Lake
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Dassel-Cokato
Thursday, Oct. 3 at Eden Valley-Watkins
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Paynesville
Monday, Oct. 14 at Royalton
Tuesday, Oct. 15 vs. Long Prairie/Grey Eagle
“Kenlie and Kelsie will make a huge impact for us out of the gate,” Tolzin said. “Kenlie has a powerful swing and she will be hard to defend on the opposition's side. Kelsie had a significant amount of playing time last season and she brings consistency and experience to the court this year for us.”
A big position to fill is the setting position for the Falcons, who graduated Schultz. ACGC will look toward junior Sophia Iverson and sophomore Avary Bierwerth to fill her void.
“Those two will be leading the offensive side of things for us,” Tolzin and Korpi said.
“Both saw limited varsity court time behind standout setter Alayna Schultz in previous seasons and are looking to showcase their skill sets this coming year.”
Rylie Wilner, a former ACGC volleyball and softball player, will serve as an assistant coach for Tolzin and Korpi for the 2024 season.
Photos by Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City junior libero Kyla Bierwerth makes a pass in a non-conference matchup against St. Cloud Cathedral on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at Grove City.
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City sophomore middle Ruby Klinger (center, 18) celebrates a Falcons point scored with her teammates in a non-conference matchup against St. Cloud Cathedral on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at Grove City.
Jaguars look like threats to repeat in CMC
BBE has most of its squad back from a Central Minnesota championship team
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
BROOTEN — An overwhelming majority of the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa volleyball team is back for the 2024 season.
That should bode well for the Jaguars, who finished 7-0 in the Central Minnesota Conference and 23-7 overall, according to Minnesota Scores.
BBE’s key loss entering the new year is ‘24 graduate Brooklyn Fischer. The middle hitter was a Class A All-State team member, a selectee for the 2023 West Central Tribune All-Area team and an All-CMC First Team pick.
“With the majority of our starters returning this season, we are excited to grow as a team going forward this fall and reach a high level of success,” Jaguars first-year head coach Brittany Borgerding said. Her assistant coaches will be Josie Jensen and Branton Jones.
Kacey Fischer returns for BBE. The 5-foot-10 junior outside hitter is coming off an AllCMC First Team breakout campaign. She had 292 kills, 164 digs and 73 ace serves as a sophomore.“Kacey plays a crucial role on our team, both offensively and defensively,” Borgerding said. “She is able to put the ball away consistently on the outside as well as in the back row or any position on the net.”
SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Aug. 27 vs. Pine River-Backus
Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Parkers Prairie
Friday, Aug. 30 vs. MACCRAY
Tuesday, Sept. 3 vs. KMS
Thursday, Sept. 5 at Holdingford
Friday, Sept. 6 at Marshall Invitational
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Marshall Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at NLS
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. Kimball
Saturday, Sept. 14 at Crosby-Ironton Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Brandon-Evansville
Thursday, Sept. 19 vs. ACGC
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. Eden Valley-Watkins
Monday, Sept. 30 at Hancock
Thursday, Oct. 3 at Maple Lake
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Alexandria Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 10 at Royalton
Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Paynesville
Ava Deters, Adley Hagen and Kylie Weller are back.
Deters is a 5-5 libero who was an All-CMC Second Team pick. Hagen is a 5-8 outside/ right-side who was an All-CMC Second Team selection. Weller is a 5-5 setter who was an All-CMC First Team member.
Borgerding is confident in her setters: Weller and 5-8 sophomore Kamie Fischer.
“Our setters, Kamie and Kylie, are both returning and have a lot of experience with our current offense,” Borgerding said. “As they dial into their hitters this season, they will do great things assist wise, but also can be an offensive threat themselves.”
There is a pair of juniors who also return for the Jaguars: Kadynce Haider (5-10, middle blocker) and McKenna Lieser (5-7 outside/right-side hitter).
“Kadynce is a solid returning middle for us,” Borgerding said of Haider, who was an All-CMC Second Team pick. “I have high expectations of the stat lines she will put out in the next two years, both attacking and blocking.”
Kacey Fischer will have a strong supporting cast of returning seniors alongside her.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa sophomore outside hitter Kacey Fischer prepares to serve the ball in a non-conference matchup against MACCRAY on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Clara City.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
BBE junior Ava Deters lunges for the ball on serve-receive during a Central Minnesota Conference match against Royalton on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023 at Brooten.
Benson returns its lineup intact under new head coach Erick Hedman Braves hope that experience counts
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
BENSON — With five returning starters, the Benson volleyball team is looking to make strides in the upcoming season under new leadership.
The handful of returnees come back to a Braves’ squad that finished 1-13 in the West Central Conference and 4-17 overall in 2023.
But, as the new season gets underway, firstyear head coach Erick Hedman will be at the helm of Benson. His assistant coaches will be Holly Erickson and Renee Helgenset.
Benson will be led by senior Mya McGeary, who will have four returning juniors in her support.
Hedman noted that McGeary, who is a 5-foot4 setter, is a good defender and an excellent server for the Braves.
McGeary will be joined by junior starting returners Julia Claussen, Sophie Krusemark, Madison Osterbauer and Gwen Wilcox.
Hedman said that Claussen, who is a 5-6 setter, has good hands and provides Benson with leadership on the floor.
Hedman mentioned that Krusemark, a 5-3 libero, is a good passer who reads the court well.
SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Aug. 27 vs. Montevideo
Thursday, Aug. 29 at Melrose
Tuesday, Sept. 3 vs. BOLD
Thursday, Sept. 5 at West Central Area
Tuesday, Sept. 10 vs. Sauk Centre
Thursday, Sept. 12 at Morris/Chokio-Alberta
Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Minnewaska
Thursday, Sept. 19 at Montevideo
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. Melrose
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at BOLD
Thursday, Oct. 3 vs. West Central Area
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Sauk Centre
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Morris/Chokio-Alberta
Tuesday, Oct. 15 vs. Minnewaska
Osterbauer, who is a 5-8 middle hitter, is versatile up front, being that she can connect on attacks from various positions on the court, according to Hedman.
Hedman believes that Wilcox, a 5-5 outside hitter, will generate offense through her hitting and passing abilities.
Another key senior to watch for the Braves is Lexi Hoberg. She is a 5-7 middle hitter with power, according to Hedman.
A pair of sophomores to look out for on Benson’s roster are outside hitters Jada O’Leary and Carly Tolifson.
Key losses for the Braves from the 2023 season include: Kaylin Grube, Hailee Ellingson and Presley Nygaard.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune Benson sophomore libero Sophie Krusemark celebrates a Braves' point in a West Central Conference matchup against Minnewaska on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at Benson.
New-look BOLD hopes to continue its success
Warriors have a new head coach in Brian Kingery and promising talent
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
OLIVIA — The new-look BOLD Warriors will try to keep up their string of recent success when the volleyball season gets underway.
The Warriors have won 20-plus matches the past three seasons, including a 21-5 record in 2023. They reached the Section 2A-North championship match, losing to section champion and Class A state finalist Mayer Lutheran.
This season, BOLD will do it after graduating six players and bringing in a new head coach in Brian Kingery. He is also BOLD’s girls basketball and baseball head coach.
“The Warriors hope to reload this season after losing some key players from last year’s 21-5 team,” Kingery said. He replaces Baylie Kubesh, who left BOLD to become the head volleyball coach at Ridgewater College. Assistant coaches are Leigh Ann Snow and Tom Kodett.
Kingery added, “We have a mix of veterans to go along with some talented young players. Our conference and section are both really tough this season, so we are going to have to improve night in and night out. This should be a fun season for the Warriors.”
Gone are Ady Knake, Kenzie Vissser, Delaney Tersteeg, Grace Tersteeg, Alison Kadlec and Katie Stai.
Four returning starters are back for the Warriors.
Senior setter Layla Pfarr returns after being named All-West Central Conference and team MVP last season. She had 717 set assists, 27 ace serves and 204 digs.
BOLD has a pair of middle blockers back in the mix in Peyton Sander and Tavia Clanton.
Oct. 23, 2023 at
Sander is a 6-foot senior and Clanton is a 5-9 senior.
Zoey Lippert, a 5-10 junior outside hitter, returns as well.
Kingery is also looking for plenty of newcomers to make an impact: seniors Addison Stahnke (5-11 right-side hitter) and Vivian Schmitz (5-6 defensive specialist); juniors Kya Elfering (5-10 defensive specialist), Jessica Altmann (5-8 defensive specialist) and Izzy O’Neill (5-5 defensive specialist; sophomores Kenley Elfering (5-8 right-side) and Gabi Revier (5-8 outside hitter); and freshman Liilly Henriksen (5-6 outside hitter).
BOLD starts the season at the Breakdown Side Out Classic on Aug. 24 against RussellTyler-Ruthton at New Prague High School.
BOLD WARRIORS
SCHEDULE
Saturday, Aug. 24 at RTR
Tuesday, Aug. 27 vs. Sauk Centre
Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Morris/Chokio-Alberta
Tuesday, Sept. 3 at Benson
Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Montevideo
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Melrose
Thursday, Sept. 12 at Minnewaska
Saturday, Sept. 12 at Wabasso Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 17 vs. West Central Area
Thursday, Sept. 19 at Sauk Centre
Thursday, Sept. 26 at Morris/Chokio-Alberta
Tuesday, Oct. 1 vs. Benson
Thursday, Oct. 3 at Montevideo
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Alexandria Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 8 vs. Melrose
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Minnewaska
Tuesday, Oct. 15 at West Central Area
Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
BOLD junior Peyton Sander, 10, and the Warriors celebrate after scoring a point during a Section 2A-North playoff match against ACGC on Monday,
Olivia.
BOLD junior Layla Pfarr sets the ball during a West Central Conference match against Montevideo on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 at BOLD High School in Olivia.
CMCS sophomore Emmi
the
past a pair of NLS
during a non-conference match on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023 at New London.
CMCS aims for more success in 2024
Bluejays return 2 key starters from a 16-11 team
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
PRINSBURG — A new wave of players will look to keep the Central Minnesota Christian School volleyball team competitive this fall.
After graduating five players who led the Bluejays to a 7-4 Camden Conference and a 16-11 overall record in 2023, CMCS returns two key starters to its lineup this season.
With those losses, much with the roster is still to be determined, according to Bluejays head coach Laura Rosen. Rosen enters her second season at the helm and will be assisted by Melanie Vander Ark and Moriah Brower.
“The team, as a whole, has a lot of potential,” Rosen said. “The coaching staff and I look
“The
Bluejays head coach Laura Rosen
forward to helping them display the gifts that God has given them.”
Emmi Braem and Morgan Groen are back as CMCS’ pair of returning starters. The two helped CMCS win seven of its last 10 matches of the 2023 season. The Bluejays lost in the opening round of the Section 3A playoffs to MACCRAY.
Braem, a 5-foot-8 junior setter/right-side hitter, recorded 253 set assists, 179 digs and 172 kills as a sophomore. She was named a West Central Tribune All-Area Honorable
Mention and an All-Camden selection in 2023.
Groen, a 5-8 senior outside hitter, had 113 digs, 49 kills and 25 ace serves as a junior.
CMCS’ key roster losses are: Avery Duininck, Janessa Erickson, Lilly Mellema, CC Roiseland and Lauren Taatjes.
Also looking to make contributions on the Bluejays’ roster include but are not limited to: Anica Damhof, Carrie Mulder, Maddy Vander Ark and Sophia Vogel.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, Aug. 24 at Adrian/Ellsworth Invitational
Tuesday, Aug. 27 at BLHS
Tuesday, Sept. 3 at Hancock
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Lakeview
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. Canby
Saturday, Sept. 14 at Wabasso Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 17 at YME
Thursday, Sept. 19 vs. TMB
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at RCW
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. Minneota
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at KMS
Thursday, Oct. 3 at Ortonville
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Braem, left, hits
ball
defenders
Rebecca Westin returns as Eagles' head coach CCS ready for another year
STAFF REPORT
WILLMAR — The Community Christian School volleyball team will be coached by Rebecca Westin for the third straight season.
Westin has coached the Eagles for two seasons, leading them to a Christian Athletic League championship in 2022.
Westin declined to be interviewed for this story.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 16 at First Baptist
Tuesday, Aug. 20 at Prior Lake
Friday, Aug. 23 vs. Valley Christian-Osceola
Saturday, Aug. 24 vs. Rochester Home
Monday, Aug. 26 at Immanuel Lutheran
Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Cambridge Christian
Friday, Sept. 13 vs. Fourth Baptist Christian
Saturday, Sept. 14 at TBA Invitational
Friday, Sept. 20 at St. Francis
Friday, Sept. 27 at Cambridge Christian Invitational
Saturday, Sept. 28 at Cambridge Christian Invitational
Friday, Oct. 4 at Cambridge Christian
Saturday, Oct. 5 at TBA Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 8 vs. First Baptist
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. St. Cloud Christian
Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Faith Christian
an
Margo Klaassen sets the ball in Community Christian School's seasonopener against Cambridge Christian on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at Community Christian School in Willmar.
Photos by Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Grace Strom (center) celebrates
Eagles' point with her teammates in Community Christian School's season-opener against Cambridge Christian on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at Community Christian School in Willmar.
Kaiya Norbie prepares for a serve receive in Community Christian School's seasonopener against Cambridge Christian on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at Community Christian School in Willmar.
Dawson-Boyd hopes to be improved in '24
Blackjacks return 5 key players from last season's 9-16 squad
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
DAWSON — Five key players are back in the mix for the Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks.
D-B is coming off a 9-16 campaign in 2023. That includes a 4-8 record in the Camden Conference.
“We have a versatile group of players who all have the potential to have big games,” said Blackjacks head coach Hailey Gritmacker, who enters her third year at the helm.
Four seniors return for D-B.
Directing the offense is returning setter Bailey Bothun. The 5-foot-9 senior finished with 502 set assists last season. She also had 19 ace serves, 192 digs and 12 blocks.
Senior Reese Johnson will look to be a top option at outside hitter in hopes of replacing Allison Estling. Johnson was second on the team with 132 kills along with 13 blocks, 21 ace serves and 76 digs.
Back in the middle is 5-9 senior Addy Tufto, who ranked second on the team with 24 blocks. She also had 70 kills in ‘23. She’ll look to fill the void left by outgoing middle hitter Ayiana Hastad, who led the Blackjacks with 29 blocks and 213 kills last season.
The final returning senior is defensive specialist Lindsey Lund. She had 125 digs and 28 ace serves last season.
The final returning player is sophomore outside hitter Kadyn Perkins. In 24 matches, Perkins finished with 101 digs and 77 kills.
D-B kicks off the season on Aug. 26 at home against Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City.
SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Aug. 27 vs. ACGC
Tuesday, Sept. 3 vs. Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley
Thursday, Sept. 5 at Murray County Central
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Montevideo Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Minneota
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. Lakeview
Saturday, Sept. 14 at Benson Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Canby
Thursday, Sept. 19 vs. YME
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at TMB
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. RCW
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at MACCRAY
Thursday, Oct. 3 at KMS
Friday, Oct. 4 at Marshall Invitational
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Marshall Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 8 vs. LQPV
Friday, Oct. 11 at CMCS
Tuesday, Oct. 15 vs. Ortonville
DAWSON BOYD BLACKJACKS
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
D-B junior Bailey Bothun sets the ball during a match against Wabasso at the Montevideo Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 at Montevideo High School.
Fighting Saints will be tall, quicker
KMS will be under the direction of a new coach this season, Tami Ruf
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
KERKHOVEN — There will be plenty of new faces involved with the Kerkhoven-MurdockSunburg volleyball team this fall.
KMS, which finished 5-6 in the Camden Conference and 12-17 overall in 2023, graduated six seniors and has a new head coach ahead of the new season: Tami Ruf. She has 25 years of volleyball coaching experience.
“We have more height this year than we have had in past years, so we are hoping to utilize it by running a quicker offense,” Ruf said. “We have a strong class of seniors that have been playing together for a long time along with some talented players from the junior class as well. We have depth on our bench, so we can change things when we need to.”
Although the Fighting Saints graduated AllCamden setter Olivia Noble in its half dozen graduates, they return three key players to its starting lineup.
Emily Wagner, Abby Holtkamp and Savannah Petersen are back for their senior years.
Wagner is a 5-foot-6 outside hitter who had 113 kills and 55 ace serves last season. Holtkamp is a 5-4 libero who had 338 digs and 27 ace serves a season ago. Petersen is a 5-8 middle/outside hitter who tallied 108 kills as a junior.
After taking a year off from volleyball in 2023, senior Maddie Luft has returned to the Fighting Saints. She stands 6-1.
“Maddie will play a big role at the net for us when it comes to hitting and blocking,” Ruf said.
Ava Noble will take over setting duties for KMS. The junior has been connecting well with her hitters, according to Ruf.
Ruf said another junior to watch is Faith Duke, who will give the Fighting Saints versatility around the court, being she is able to attack from any position.
“To be competitive in our conference, we need to stay focused, determined and minimize our errors,” Ruf said.
Ruf will have the following assistant coaches by her side: Maddie Carlson, Sammy Gjerde, Caitlin Nichols, Lydia Aafedt and Ellie Trowbridge.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 23 at HLWW
Tuesday, Aug. 27 at Paynesville
Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Litchfield
Tuesday, Sept. 3 at BBE
Thursday, Sept. 5 at LQPV
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at RCW
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. Minneota
Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Lakeview
Thursday, Sept. 19 vs. Canby
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at RCW
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. TMB
Tuesday, Oct. 1 vs. CMCS
Thursday, Oct. 3 vs. Dawson-Boyd
Friday, Oct. 4 at Marshall Invitational
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Marshall Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Ortonville
Tuesday, Oct. 15 vs. MACCRAY
Thursday, Oct. 17 at Underwood Invitational
KMS FIGHTING SAINTS
Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg junior outside hitter Emily Wagner prepares to serve the ball in a Camden Conference matchup against Central Minnesota Christian School on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at Prinsburg.
Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg junior libero Abby Holtkamp bumps the ball in a Camden Conference matchup against Central Minnesota Christian School on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at Prinsburg.
Photos by Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
LQPV hopes to smooth things out
Eagles have 4 starters back from an up-and-down '23 season
BY MICHAEL LYNE west Central Tribune
MADISON — With a core four returning, the Lac qui Parle Valley volleyball team will rely on them to climb up the ranks in the Camden Conference.
The Eagles, who finished 1-9 in the conference and 7-16-1 overall in 2023, return four starters, all upperclassmen, to their roster this fall.
Jalyn Lee and Brandi Meyer are back as seniors and Caleigh Conn and Abbie Amland return as juniors for the 2024 season.
“These girls were all starters last year,” said Eagles head coach Brooklyn Gould, who enters her third season as head coach. “We had some bumps throughout the season last year, but they are experienced coming into this year.
“Over the summer, we put in a lot of time working on skills and leadership. These girls are going to bring knowledge, drive and passion into playing this year.”Lee, a 6-foot middle hitter, is coming off an All-Camden junior year. She had a team-high 174 kills, 128 digs and 31 total blocks.
Meyer, a 5-8 outside hitter, tallied a team-best 181 digs to go along with 163 kills and a teamhigh 27 ace serves.
Conn, a 5-10 middle hitter, recorded 102 kills, 30 digs and 18 total blocks.
“Jalyn, Brandi and Caleigh are captains this year,” Gould said. “They have developed quickness and strength coming into the season, so we will have a good front row for defense and offense.”
Amland, a 5-10 setter/right-side hitter, was named LQPV’s Most Improved Player of the Year in 2023. She had 171 set assists, 116 digs, 46 kills and 24 ace serves as a sophomore.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
LQPV junior Jalyn Lee, 5, and junior Brandi Meyer, 4, go up for a block attempt during a Camden Conference match against YME on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 at Espeland Gymnasium in Granite Falls.
“Abbie is a veteran when it comes to varsity play,” Gould said. “She is a very scrappy setter and never gives up on the ball.”
Key losses for the Eagles heading into the fall are graduates Claire Borstad and setter
LAC QUI PARLE VALLEY EAGLES
Kaitlyn Kittelson. Jaydah Kessler, a senior, will not be back with LQPV this season.
Janell Boyum, Molly Hennen, Tyler Mortenson and Paige Peterson will serve as assistant coaches for the Eagles.
SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Aug. 27 at Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley
Tuesday, Sept. 3 at MACCRAY
Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. KMS
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at TMB
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. RCW
Saturday, Sept. 14 at Benson Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Minneota
Thursday, Sept. 19 vs. Lakeview
Monday, Sept. 23 vs. LQPV
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at Ortonville
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. YME
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Ortonville
Friday, Oct. 4 at Marshall Invitational
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Marshall Invitational
Monday, Oct. 7 at Wheaton
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Dawson-Boyd
Dragons hope to take it to the next level
With 6 starters back, Litchfield hopes to improve upon a rough '23 season
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
LITCHFIELD — Balance is the name of the game for the Litchfield volleyball team this fall.
Sporting a young team last season, the Dragons return six starters from last season’s 5-22 squad. That includes an 0-7 mark in the Wright County Conference West Division.
“The 2024 Litchfield Dragons are hoping that a large group of returning players from last season will take the next step and look to compete in the Wright County Conference and Section 3AA,” said Litchfield head coach Darin Swenson. He sports a 259-269 record going into his 21st season.
“Although there is no singular standout on this team, the chemistry and balance of this group should help take them to the next level.”
Three seniors are back in the starting lineup: setter Grace Holmgren; outside hitter Asha Ehlers; and defensive specialist Anna Sorgatz.
Holmgren had 501 set assists and 226 digs last season. Ehlers was second on the team with 132 kills and a team-best 24 total blocks. Sorgatz led the Dragons in digs (372) and ace serves (42).
“Grace is an effective weapon from the service line and will be one of the leaders on the floor,” Swenson said. “Asha has played on the varsity since her freshman year and she is looking to cap her career off with a banner season. She’s a powerful hitter that can play on the outside and in the middle.
“Anna will anchor our serve-receive and defense this year. Her ability to read the attack and pursue the ball has really improved since last year.”
Juniors Kelsey Palmer, Claire Holmgren and Kierra Lease also return to the starting lineup.
Palmer is an opposite-side hitter with 61 kills and 10 blocks last season. Claire is an outside hitter with 103 kills. Lease is a middle hitter with 46 kills and 16 total blocks.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 23 at Rush City Invitational
Saturday, Aug. 24 at Hutchinson
Thursday, Aug. 29 at KMS
Tuesday, Sept. 3 vs. Maple Lake
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Kimball
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. Rockford
Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Paynesville
Thursday, Sept. 19 at Dassel-Cokato
Tuesday, Sept. 24 vs. Annandale
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. Glencoe-Silver Lake
Saturday, Sept. 28 at Dassel-Cokato Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 1 vs. Norwood Young America
Thursday, Oct. 3 at Watertown-Mayer
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Alexandria Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 8 vs. NLS
Thursday, Oct. 10 at HLWW
Monday, Oct. 14 vs. Eden Valley-Watkins
“With one year of varsity experience playing outside hitter and middle hitter, Claire will look to have a breakout season stationed primarily on the outside the year,” Swenson said. “Kierra is a middle hitter that is gaining power and confidence by the day. She is going to be a force in the middle this year.”
Another player Swenson has his eye on is junior defensive specialist Charley Estrada.
“Charley’s a firecracker on the court,” he said. “She is willing to go after everything defensively and will help spark the defensive intensity this year.”
The Dragons kick off the 2024 season on Friday, Aug. 23 at the Rush City tournament.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Litchfield junior setter Grace Holmgren celebrates a Dragons' point during a Wright County Conference matchup against New LondonSpicer on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at New London.
MACCRAY starts strong at the top
All-Stater Brielle Jansen returns from a 21-11 Wolverines team
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
CLARA CITY — Anytime you can return an All-State player to your roster, that should be a driving factor to a competitive season.
For the MACCRAY volleyball team, it returns Brielle Jansen, a Class A All-Stater Janssen, a 6-foot-3 junior middle blocker, recorded 462 kills, 227 digs, 74 total blocks and 28 ace serves last season. Her 947 career kills puts her 53 away from 1,000 in her career.
The All-Camden selection led the Wolverines to a 21-11 record in 2023, which included a 9-2 record in the conference. They were the Camden Conference North Division champions.
Emma Thein and Alexis Nurmi also return as key starters for MACCRAY. Thein, a 6-0 junior right-side hitter had 311 kills, 229 digs and 60 ace serves in an All-Camden sophomore campaign. Nurmi is a 5-9 senior middle blocker/outside hitter.
“Brielle is an All-State player who can take over a game,” MACCRAY head coach Tory Brouwer said. “Emma is right alongside her to support and lead the team.”
A big gap to close for the Wolverines is the setter position, MACCRAY graduated senior setter Annie Bourne. She was a 2023 West Central Tribune All-Area Honorable Mention and an All-Camden pick. Bourne completed her varsity career as a five-year letterwinner. She tallied 2,136 career set assists and 847 digs.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 22 vs. Montevideo
Tuesday, Aug. 27 at Adrian/Ellsworth
Friday, Aug. 30 at BBE
Tuesday, Sept. 3 vs. LQPV
Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Minneota
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at YME
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. TMB
Saturday, Sept. 14 at Wabasso Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 17 at RCW
Friday, Sept. 20 at Volleyball Showcase Burnsville
Saturday, Sept. 21 at Volleyball Showcase, Burnsville
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at Lakeview
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. Canby
Saturday, Sept. 28 at Minneota Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 1 vs. Dawson-Boyd
Friday, Oct. 4 at Marshall Invitational
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Marshall Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at CMCS
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Ortonville
Tuesday, Oct. 15 at KMS
“We have big shoes to fill with the loss of Annie Bourne,” Brouwer said. “There is an opportunity for girls to step up and fill those positions.”
A sophomore to keep tabs on is Mia Post. She is a 5-4 libero.
“Mia is a consistent passer and defender who reads the court well,” Brouwer said.
Brouwer’s assistant coaches are Terese Bourne and Emily Carlson.
“Brielle is an All-State player who can take over a game. Emma is right alongside her to support and lead the team."
MACCRAY head coach Tory Brouwer
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
MACCRAY sophomore Brielle Jansen, 7, and CMCS' Morgan Groen both go up for a free ball during a Section 3A-North playoff match on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 at MACCRAY High School in Clara City.
Minnewaska hopes to build on its success
Lakers have 4 starters back and a new coach, Mitch McGuire
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
GLENWOOD — After losing three of its top players from the 2023 season, the Minnewaska volleyball team will look toward four returning starters to keep the Lakers competitive this fall.
Minnewaska has lost graduates Avery Fier, a 2023 West Central Tribune All-Area member and an All-West Central Conference pick, Dreya Barsness, a 2023 WCT AllArea Honorable Mention and an All-WCC selection, and Haley Shea, from a season ago, but still retain some of its core.
Fier, Barsness and Shea helped the Lakers to a 7-7 conference and a 16-13 overall record last season.
Dacia Fleury looks to guide Minnewaska to another competitive season. The 5-foot-11 senior outside hitter had 180 kills and 68 digs as a junior. She will play all six rotations.
Also back for the Lakers as returning starters are: Emma Pogel (Jr., 5-8, DS), Emma Hellerman (So., 5-10, MB) and Haillie Schultz (So., 5-10, S).
Poegel had 206 digs and 22 ace serves in 2023. Hellerman had six ace blocks in a reduced role as a ninth-grader. Schulz recorded 363 set assists, 170 digs, 160 kills and 38 ace serves in her breakout ninth-grade season.
Mitch McGuire enters his first season at the helm for the Lakers. Previously, he was the first head coach for the Alexandria College Legends volleyball program. The Legends finished third in the 2023 NJCAA Division III Volleyball Championship in November.
McGuire enters his second year of teaching as a Minnewaska art teacher. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Morris.
McGuire assistant coaches will be Taylor Amundson, McKenzie Newton and Bailey Ver Steeg.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29 at Montevideo
Tuesday, Sept. 3 vs. Sauk Centre
Thursday, Sept. 5 at Melrose
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Lakeview
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Morris/Chokio-Alberta
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. BOLD
Tuesday, Sept. 17 vs. Benson
Thursday, Sept. 19 at West Central Area
Tuesday, Sept. 24 vs. Montevideo
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. West Central Area
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Sauk Centre
Thursday, Oct. 3 vs. Melrose
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Alexandria Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 8 vs. Morris/Chokio-Alberta
Thursday, Oct. 10 at BOLD
Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Benson
Thursday, Oct. 17 at Fergus Falls Invitational
MINNEWASKA LAKERS
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune Minnewaska junior right-side hitter Addyson Kath (left) and freshman right-side/setter Haillie Schulz (right) celebrate a Lakers' point in a West Central Conference matchup against Benson on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at Benson.
Montevideo undergoes a youth movement
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
MONTEVIDEO — High school sports are ever-changing climates. And for the Montevideo volleyball team, it is in the midst of experiencing that.
The Thunder Hawks graduated eight seniors from the 2023 season, where they finished 3-18 overall and 1-13 in the West Central Conference. Montevideo will also be without two seniors who switched sports. Teagan Epema is playing girls tennis and Emmie Koenen is running cross-country.
Because of all these exits, the Thunder Hawks have a youthful takeover. Jessa Norby is the lone upperclassman returning. She is a 5-foot10 junior middle hitter.
“It’s a brand new climate,” Montevideo head coach John Mader said. “The climate is changing.”
Yet, despite having such a young team, Mader has been pleased with his group’s work ethic leading into the new season.
“This group has been amazing to work with all summer,” Mader said. “These kids are hungry.
“It’s just unfortunate we don’t have the experience yet.”
Along with Norby, another returning starter for the Thunder Hawks is 5-7 ninth-grader Jillian Magnuson. She will split setting duties with Megan Koosmann, another ninth-grader. Other players to watch for Montevideo are sophomores: Taryn Stenson (OH), Janie Miller (OH) and Anika Brown (MH) and ninth-graders Reagyn Glady (L) and Payton Howell (DS).
“Our freshman setters are beyond their age,” Mader said. “The three sophomores are starting to come into their own.”
As the 2024 season gets underway, gaining experience is vital, according to Mader.
“I think this group could find substantial success in the near future,” he said.
Montevideo also has a growing pipeline in its volleyball program.
“We have 28 kids in junior high who want to play,” Mader said. “Our youth programs are seeing a ton of success.”
Mader will be assisted by Kylee Heurung, Joanna Magnuson, Molly Tostenson and Kylie Willems for the 2024 season.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 23 at Albany Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 3 vs. Paynesville
Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Norwood Young America
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Lakeview Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 10 vs. BBE
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. HLWW
Monday, Sept. 16 at Morris/Chokio-Alberta
Tuesday, Sept. 17 vs. Albany
Thursday, Sept. 19 at Watertown-Mayer
Monday, Sept. 23 at ACGC
Tuesday, Sept. 24 vs. Glencoe-Silver Lake
Thursday, Sept. 26 at Annandale
Tuesday, Oct. 1 vs. Eden Valley-Watkins
Thursday, Oct. 3 vs. Dassel-Cokato
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Litchfield
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Rockford
Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Willmar
Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune Montevideo junior Jessa Norby, right, comes down after a block attempt during a West Central Conference match against BOLD on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 at BOLD High School in Olivia.
Montevideo volleyball coach John Mader talks to his players during a break in the action during a tournament in Montevideo on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.
Experienced Bulldogs aim for another section run
Paynesville
has a senior-heavy roster after going 20-6 last season
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
PAYNESVILLE — The Paynesville volleyball team returns a mighty batch of veterans from its team that made the Section 3AA championship a season ago.
That should play well for the Bulldogs, who finished 6-2 in the Central Minnesota Conference and 20-6 overall in 2023. Paynesville lost in four sets to Redwood Valley in the section final.
“We will be a well-rounded team due to the age of the group,” Paynesville’s long-time head coach Nicole Humbert said. “All players this season have the potential to stand out and carry the team.”
Three key seniors who are back and looking to lead the Bulldogs back to a deep playoff run are Rayna Spanier, Kaydence Roeske and Grace Roberg.
Spanier, a 5-foot-6 setter, recorded 712 set assists, 215 digs and 68 kills in an All-CMC First Team junior senior. Roeske, a 5-4 outside hitter, had 212 digs, 155 kills and 36 ace serves in earning All-CMC Second Team honors in 2023. Roberg, a 5-5 libero, had a team-high 337 digs and 24 ace serves before being named to the All-CMC Second Team last season.
Paynesville junior outside hitter Kaydence Roeske digs the ball in a nonconference matchup against KerkhovenMurdock-Sunburg on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at Kerkhoven.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 23 at HLWW Invitational
Tuesday, Aug. 27 vs. KMS
Thursday, Aug. 29 at Dassel-Cokato
Tuesday, Sept. 3 at NLS
Thursday, Sept. 5 at Maple Lake
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Montevideo Invitational
Thursday, Sept. 12 vs. Eden Valley-Watkins
Monday, Sept. 16 at Osakis
Tuesday, Sept. 17 vs. Litchfield
Thursday, Sept. 19 vs. Royalton
Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. Holdingford
Monday, Sept. 30 vs. Rockford
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Annandale
Thursday, Oct. 3 at Kimball
Thursday, Oct. 10 at ACGC
Monday, Oct. 14 at Redwood Valley
Tuesday, Oct. 15 vs. BBE
Also returning for Paynesville are seniors Finley Anfinson (5-9, MB), Emma Kolstad (5-9, MB/RH) and Kylie Pauls (5-4, DS).
A sophomore tabbed as a player to watch is Ava Martinson. She is a 5-9 outside hitter.
“Ava is a player to watch due to her heavy hits and scrappy ability to get the ball up,” Humbert said.
PAYNESVILLE BULLDOGS
While the Bulldogs return many key players, they will lean on their veterans to fill the void of graduate Emma Flanders.
Flanders, who was a 2023 West Central Tribune All-Area pick and an All-CMC First Team selection, recorded a teambests of 396 kills and 40 ace serves in 2023.
The 5-9 outside hitter is set to play volleyball at the NCAA Division III College of St. Benedict.
Humbert’s assistant coaches are Amanda Ruegemer, Heather Schroeder and Jen Welle.
Photos by Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Paynesville junior setter Rayna Spanier celebrates a Bulldogs' point against Redwood Valley in the Section 3AA championship on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Southwest Minnesota State University's R/A Facility in Marshall.
SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Aug. 27 vs. Red Rock Central
Friday, Aug. 30 vs. BLHS
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Montevideo Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 10 vs. KMS
Thursday, Sept. 12 at LQPV
Tuesday, Sept. 17 vs. MACCRAY
Thursday, Sept. 19 at Ortonville
Saturday, Sept. 21 at Sibley East Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 24 vs. CMCS
Thursday, Sept. 26 at Dawson-Boyd
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at YME
Tuesday, Oct. 3 vs. TMB
Friday, Oct. 4 at Marshall Invitational
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Marshall Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Lakeview
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Minneota
Monday, Oct. 14 at Wabasso
Tuesday, Oct. 15 vs. Canby
Jaguars return 3 starters from a 21-8 team RCW aims for another top season
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
RENVILLE — An inexperienced, youthful Renville County West volleyball team will look to continue to build on the successes from its veteran-led 2023 campaign.
The Jaguars, who finished 7-4 in the Camden Conference and 21-8-1 overall last season, will lean on its three returning veterans to guide them through another competitive schedule.
“We graduated five seniors that all had significant playing time and contributed to the success of last season,” said RCW head coach Rich Schrupp, who is assisted by Kristin Paehlke and Sadie Savig. “We will need to rely on our three returning starters while the underclassmen learn how to play at the varsity level.”
JAGUARS: PAGE 22
point in a non-conference matchup against
2023, at Renville.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Renville County West junior setter Johanna Braun celebrates a Jaguars'
Wabasso on Monday, Oct. 9,
Sting aim to improve under a new head coach
Arei Stokes takes over at Yellow Medicine East, which went 4-21 last season
BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune
GRANITE FALLS — There’s a new sheriff in town.
Arei Stokes takes over as the new head coach of Yellow Medicine East volleyball. She’s a Bertha-Hewitt graduate who played basketball at the University Jamestown
She takes over for Alexis Peters, who led the Sting to a 3-14 record in the Camden Conference South Division and a 4-21 overall record last season.
Stokes inherits a roster that includes two seniors: Kiara Schackleford and Ashley Luepke. Schackelford is a 5-foot-3 defensive specialist/libero. Luepke is a 5-4 defensive specialist.
There are six juniors on the varsity roster: Bayli Sneller (5-7 outside hitter), Ella Cherveny (5-3, DS), Lexi Stengel (5-5, setter), Abbie Winter (5-4, DS), Aubrey Enstad (5-6, outside hitter/DS) and Alana Almich (5-11, middle hitter).
Kourtney Peterson and Hannah Bjorndal are the sophomores on the roster. Peterson is a 5-2 defensive specialist. Bjorndal is a 5-10 outside hitter.
the ball alive during a non-conference
against Wabasso on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 at YME
STING: PAGE 23
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
YME freshman Hanna Bjorndal tries to keep
match
High School in Granite Falls.
JAGUARS
CONTINUED from 20
Johanna Braun, a 5-foot-9 setter, will be at the forefront of the Jaguars’ offense. The senior dished out 831 set assists as a junior and has over 1,000 career set assists. She was a West Central Tribune All-Area Honorable Mention and an All-Camden selection in 2023.
RCW also returns Avery Roxberg and Holly Hinderks as starters. Avery Roxberg, a 6-2 senior middle blocker, had 189 kills and 55 solo blocks en route to being named an AllCamden pick last fall. Holly Hinderks, a 5-8 junior outside hitter, recorded 239 digs and 152 kills before earning AllCamden Honorable Mention honors as a sophomore.
“A strength of this team is we have many different players that can attack the volleyball and an experienced setter in Johanna Braun who will allow us to run many different plays on offense,” Schrupp said. “A key for us this season will be serve receive and defense.”
Listed as players to watch are: Anna Roxberg, a 5-10 sophomore middle blocker; Mackenna Hinderks, a 5-8 sophomore outside hitter; and Ella Ridl, a 5-5 sophomore defensive specialist.
“We look to be competitive in a very tough Camden Conference and Section 3A,” Schrupp said.
RCW will look to do so without star outside hitter Rachel Jakel, a 2023 graduate who was an WCT All-Area member.
Good Health Starts with
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Renville County West sophomore outside hitter Holly Hinderks celebrates a Jaguars' point in a non-conference matchup against Wabasso on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, at Renville.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Renville County West head coach Rich Schrupp talks to his Jaguars before facing Wabasso in a non-conference matchup on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, at Renville.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Renville County West sophomore outside hitter Holly Hinderks (left) blocks the ball as junior middle blocker Avery Roxberg (right) leaps up at her side in a non-conference matchup against Wabasso on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, at Renville.
STING
CONTINUED from 21
Three ninth-graders are on the varsity roster: Abigale Bones (6-0, OH), Eveera Leenerts (5-4, DS) and Bailey Mortenson (5-10, OH/MH).
Assistant coaches are Amanda Stenger and Yansi Flores.
The Sting aim for their first winning season since 2018. They were 7-17 in in 2022, 10-15 in ‘21, 4-10 in ‘20 and 11-14 in ‘19 after going 19-6 in ‘18. In 18, YME was 10-3 in the rugged Camden.
Before that, YME’s last winning season came in 2008, when it went 11-1 in the conference and 22-5-1 overall.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 22 at Wabasso
Tuesday, Aug. 27 vs. Hancock
Friday, Aug. 30 at ACGC
Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Westbrook/Walnut Grove
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Lakeview
Tuesday, Sept. 10 vs. MACCRAY
Thursday, Sept. 12 at Ortonville
Tuesday, Sept. 17 vs. CMCS
Thursday, Sept. 19 at Dawson-Boyd
Tuesday, Sept. 24 vs. KMS
Thursday, Sept. 26 at LQPV
Tuesday, Oct. 1 vs. RCW
Thursday, Oct. 3 vs. Canby
Friday, Oct. 4 at Marshall Invitational
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Marshall Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 8 vs. Minneota
Thursday, Oct. 10 at TMB
Saturday, Oct. 12 at Redwood Valley Invitational
Tuesday, Oct. 15 vs. Lakeview
YME sophomore Ella Cherveny gets under the ball for a dig during a non-conference match against Wabasso on Thursday, Aug.
YME High School in Granite Falls.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
24, 2023 at
