Benson Braves

Adysen Himley (9) and the rest of the Benson volleyball team celebrates after scoring a point in a West Central Conference match against BOLD on Oct. 27, 2020 in Olivia. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

New coach and lots of new faces at Benson

Braves return one starter for new head coach Laura Mitteness

BY MATTHEW CURRY | West Central Tribune

BENSON — With a new coach and key losses from last season, the Benson Braves will be starting fresh.

After nine years of coaching the Braves and 20 overall, Shannon Schmidt retired. .

Laura Mitteness, a former assistant coach to Schmidt, takes over as head coach.

Abby Ver Steeg and Mackenzie Dokkebakken will be the assistant coaches.

Benson will be without players Kimmy Pagel (who led the team with 18 blocks 43 kills), Rachel Berens, Sarah Brandt, Beth Cain (who led the team with 180 digs), Ellie Moesenthin (team leader with 151 set assists), Marissa Connelly and Zoe Doscher (who led the team with 29 service aces).

Adysen Himley, a 5-foot-9 senior setter, will be one of three returning players and the only starter. Himley averaged 2.4 assists per set and finished the season second in assists with 99.

“(Himley) will be one to watch for as a setter and attacker,” Mitteness said. “She is an all-around smart player and will highly contribute to the team during the Braves’ 2021 volleyball season.”

Lilly Slaughter, the 5-7 junior, also returns. Slaughter finished last season with 24 digs, six aces and held a serving percentage of 89.2%.

“(Slaughter) will be strong on defense, serve-receive, and in the front row,” Mittness said.

Mitteness is confident about the upcoming season.

“With only three girls returning, we have many athletes, seniors and juniors who are ready to fill in roles and be competitive and successful,” she said. “Our team looks forward to this year.”

Benson opens the season on Thursday, Aug. 26 at home against Lac qui Parle Valley.

Adysen Himley (9) and the rest of the Benson volleyball team celebrates after scoring a point in a West Central Conference match against BOLD on Oct. 27, 2020 in Olivia.

Benson’s Libby McGeary lobs the ball to the other side of the court for a set attempt during a West Central Conference match against BOLD on Oct. 27, 2020 at Olivia.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune