Parity reigned supreme in Class B volleyball last season, but a familiar name rose to the top. 

Warner captured the 2021 Class B state championship, its seventh title in program history. It capped off a season in which multiple teams were ranked No. 1 in the polls and the postseason was filled with upsets. 

Warner, along with Region 1B rival Northwestern, will again be among the teams to beat. However, a host of usual suspects and upstart teams will be nipping at their heels.

Team capsules (listed in alphabetical order): 

Arlington

Coach: Josie Weber 

Last year’s record: 31-7 (7th place at Class B state tournament)

Key returnees: Ava Bunker, senior; Natalie Burns, senior; Dani Carlson, senior; Erica Mohr, senior; Tanaya Weiss, senior; Morgan Larsen, senior; Harley Johnson, junior; Addie Steffensen, sophomore; Jo Steffensen, sophomore; Madi Bacon, sophomore.

Outlook: Arlington will seek to use the experience gained from last year’s state tournament appearance to attempt to earn another trip to the Class B tournament. The Cardinals return a core group of seniors with experience to lead the way on the court this season. Head Coach Josie Weber said, “We always have tough teams on our schedule - especially early in the year - so we will learn right away what we need to focus on to be prepared for the end of the season.”

Avon

Coach: Lindsey Fathke 

Last year’s record: 19-11

Key returnees: McKenna Kochmich, junior; Courtney Sees, junior; Gracie Small, senior; Kim Tolsma, senior; Grace Vanderlei, junior; Sarah Swier, senior.

Top newcomers: Lila Vanderlei, sophomore; Kinley Doom, sophomore; Macy Voigt, sophomore.

Outlook: Avon returns just two players from last season and must replace several players due to graduation. The Pirates will rely on several upperclassmen to fill in key positions. Avon also brings in new head coach Lindsey Fathke, who has spent the past eight seasons at Bon Homme. Fathke said, “There will be some new faces on the court this year for the Pirates. The girls have been working hard in the off season and adjusting to new roles.”

Burke

Coach: Billie Jo Indahl

Last year’s record: 29-11 (8th place finish at Class B state tournament)

Key returnees: Adisyn Indahl, senior; Kailee Frank, sophomore; Elle Johnson, junior; Elly Witt, senior; Paige Bull, sophomore; Ava Sargent, sophomore.

Top newcomers: Emmie Hausmann, freshman; Piper Hanson, junior.

Outlook: Burke looks to make another run to the Class B state tournament with hopes of rising higher than an eighth place finish in 2021. The Cougars return several key players from last season, including all-state and all-conference selection Adisyn Indahl, who has thus-far amassed career totals of 935 kills, 1,448 digs, 51 blocks, 143 aces, and 1,005 receptions. Indahl will also have help from fellow all-conference selections Kailee Frank (292 kills, 413 digs, school record 94 aces, and 425 receptions), Elle Johnson (506 digs, 22 aces, 579 receptions), and Paige Bull (150 kills and 114 blocks). Setters Elly Witt (403 assists, 41 aces, 235 digs) and Ava Sargent (436 assists, 259 digs, 52 aces) will also contribute. Head Coach Billie Jo Indahl said, “We look to make another run this season in hopes to get back to the state tournament as we have a great group of returners whom have gained some valuable experience.” Indahl also noted that the team will have strong senior leadership.

Canistota

Coach: Morgan Larson

Last year’s record: 3-24

Key returnees: Taylor McGregor, senior; Kayla Papendick, junior; Sierra McGregory, junior; Natalee Hofer, junior; Natalie Becker, junior.

Top newcomers: Bailey Spicer, sophomore; Kiera Esser, sophomore; Hannah Hoffman, sophomore; Presley Acheson, junior.

Outlook: Canistota returns nine letterwinners and looks to improve in the win column this season. The Hawks will have plenty of depth and return all but one starter from last season. Canistota will be led by senior Taylor McGregor, as well as several juniors, including Kayla Papendick, Sierra McGregor, Natalee Hofer, and Natalie Becker. Coach Morgan Larson said, “We are continuing to build on a strong, athletic group of athletes. We are returning all but 1 starter and have a lot of depth in our bench. We are excited to be a competitive team and grow each game.”

Centerville

Coach: Brittany Tornberg

Last year’s record: 6-24

Key returnees: Bailey Hansen, senior; Macey Hostetler, senior; Mackenzie Meyer, senior; Lillie Eide, junior; Rylie Tieman, sophomore; Thea Gust, sophomore.

Top newcomers: Averie Salberg, sophomore; Keira Austin, sophomore; Lillee Shearer, freshman.

Outlook: Centerville returns 11 letterwinners and hopes to use the experience gained last season to translate into more success this season. The Tornadoes will be led by Macey Hostetler (374 assists), Bailey Hansen (112 kills), Thea Gust (114 kills), and Lillie Eide (5.7 digs per game). Coach Brittany Tornberg stressed the challenges that the team will face, stating, “One of the challenges will be finding ways to find consistency in winning matches. We have a lot of boxes to check in terms of teams to beat for the first time in a while and making a postseason run.”

Colman-Egan

Coach: Abigail Dockter

Last year’s record: 27-8 (Class B runner-up)

Key returnees: Kadance Landis, senior; Daniela Lee, junior; Lanie Mousel, junior; Ava Mousel, senior; Berkley Groos, senior; Brynlee Landis, freshman.

Outlook: Colman-Egan will have to replace some key players from last year’s runner-up finish, but also return several starters that have the experience to lead the Hawks. The Hawks return all-conference selections Kadance Landis and Daniela Lee, but will also rely on Lanie Mousel, Ava Mousel, Berkley Groos, and Brynlee Landis. Head Coach Abigail Dockter noted that the team’s biggest strength is the comradery and experience they have. Dockter also said, “Our biggest weakness this year will be height in the front row. We lost some big time power house hitters and big blockers in our front row. We have some returning but definitely won’t be as dominant in that area as we were last year.”

Colome

Coach: Taylor Hrabanek

Last year’s record: 8-22

Key returnees: Devan Dougherty, senior; Landi Krumpus, senior; Jordyn Ring, senior; Ashlyn Hoffine, senior; Toree Ringing Shield, senior; Maura Luedke, junior; Westlie Cahoy, sophomore.

Outlook: Colome looks to improve from last season and returns several players that will provide experience for the Cowgirls. Seniors Devan Dougherty, Landi Krumpus, Jordyn Ring, Ashlyn Hoffine, and Toree Ringing Shield will be leading the Cowgirls this season, but Colome will also rely on underclassmen Maura Luedke and Westlie Cahoy.

Corsica-Stickney

Coach: Kylee Hongslo

Last year’s record: 13-14

Key returnees: Payton DeLange, senior; Sutten Eide, senior; Jacey Kemp, junior.

Top newcomers: Ashlyn Lefers, junior; Brooklyn Bosma, freshman; Sophie DeLange, freshman; Cali Vanden Hoek, freshman.

Outlook: Corsica-Stickney must replace some experienced players from last season and will be looking for younger talent to step into new roles. However, the Jaguars do return experience in Payton DeLange, Sutten Eide (1,226 career assists), and Jacey Kemp. Head Coach Kylee Hongslo noted the inexperience the team has entering the season, stating, “We have a younger team this year and a lot of those younger players are stepping up this year. This group gets along so well so we are excited to see where this season takes us.”

Faith

Coach: Brooklyn Schauer

Last year’s record: 20-18 (lost to Platte-Geddes in SoDak 16)

Key returnees: TyAnn Mortenson, sophomore; Kambelle Schauer, sophomore; Skylar Vig, junior.

Top newcomers: Rylee Price, sophomore.

Outlook: Faith will seek to get back to the SoDak 16 and take its season one step further after falling in the SoDak 16 a season ago. The Longhorns must replace some key players, but return three all-conference performers from last season in sophomores TyAnn Mortenson (5’10”) and Kambelle Schauer, as well as junior Skylar Vig. The Longhorns will also be playing under first year head coach Brooklyn Schauer.

Faulkton Area

Coach: Mallory Schlechter

Last year’s record: 27-8 (4th place finish at Class B state tournament)

Key returnees: Addison Melius, junior; Gabby Kast, senior; Carley Cotton, sophomore.

Top newcomers: Jaymi Senn, sophomore; Kelli Stoecker, junior; Trisha Cramer, senior; Ashly Senn, senior; Hannah Cunningham, senior.

Outlook: Faulkton Area must replace several key players from last season’s state tournament run. However, the Trojans also return some key players that have experience to lead the team this season. Returning players include Addison Melius (18.78 kill percentage, 291 digs, tore ACL at state tournament), Gabby Kast (426 assists), and Carley Cotton (59 digs, 11 kills). Coach Mallory Schlechter said, “This will be a rebuilding season for us. After graduating four seniors who played big roles, we will have many positions available for our younger talent to go after. We are looking to move some of our girls around to maximize on the strengths of each of our athletes. This season we are focusing a lot on our defense and looking to be a relentless team defensively.”

Freeman

Coach: Kendra Peterson

Last year’s record: 20-10 (lost to Arlington in SoDak 16)

Key returnees: Kate Miller, senior; Erin Uecker, senior; Zenovia Butler, junior; Cami Fransen, junior; Ashlin Jacobsen, junior; Emily Mendel, sophomore; Ella Waltner, sophomore.

Outlook: Freeman returns several players from last year’s SoDak 16 run and will once again be a team to beat in Region 5B. The Flyers will be led by senior middle hitters Kate Miller and Erin Uecker, who will be a powerful duo in the front line. Freeman also has several other players that will contribute their efforts, including Zenovia Butler, Cami Fransen, Ashlin Jacobsen, Emily Mendel, and Ella Waltner. Head Coach Kendra Peterson said the team has “two outstanding seniors to lead us, backed by younger players who carry quite a bit of varsity playing experience. These girls are well rounded and play extremely well together.”

Gayville-Volin

Coach: Kenneth Schroeder

Last year’s record: 21-10 (lost to Chester Area in SoDak 16, 3-0)

Key returnees: Keanna Lee, senior; Keeley Larson, junior; Krista Jorgenson, junior; Madison Raisor, junior; Rachel Lohse, junior; Nevaeh Hauger, sophomore; Ayla Dimmer, sophomore; Britton Scheetz, sophomore; Paisley Hejna, sophomore; Teresa Stockman, sophomore; Taylor Hoxeng, freshman; Hailey Adams, freshman; Kayden Bye, freshman; Cadence Bonzer, freshman; Ali Westrum, 8th grade; Jolie Westrum, 8th grade; Maia Achen, 8th grade.

Top newcomers: Mikayla Libby, senior; Kaylee Wuebben, 7th grade.

Outlook: Gayville-Volin looks to return to the SoDak 16 and break through for their first ever state tournament appearance. The Raiders return several key players, including all-conference selections Keeley Larson and Taylor Hoxeng. Head Coach Kenneth Schroeder said, “We are looking forward to continue the team’s recent success. Despite losing three key seniors, we think we have a solid team… we like the fusion of some older girls with some promising underclassmen and looking to compete for years to come.” Schroeder also noted that the new coaching staff will mean “things will be different” for the program.

Hitchcock-Tulare

Coach: Jordan Opp

Last year’s record: 12-15

Key returnees: Katelyn Schroeder, sophomore; Presley Binger, junior; Ella Johnson, sophomore; Brooklyn Frankenstein, junior.

Top newcomers: Isabel Gilbert, sophomore; Kaycee Stoner, senior; Greeley LaBrie, senior; Rebecca Huizenga, freshman; Cambree Hoekman, freshman; Lila Johnson, 8th grade; Gracyn Bixler, freshman.

Outlook: Hitchcock-Tulare will look to improve from last season’s 12-15 record. The Patriots return several key players to help with the improvement efforts, but will have to be without All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State selection Katelyn Schroeder (4.56 kills per set, 94.6% server with 41 aces, 4.67 digs per set, 41 blocks), who will miss the season with an ankle injury. Therefore, Hitchcock-Tulare will need several younger players to step in and fill the void left by Schroeder. Head Coach Jordan Opp said, “We will have a relatively young team with very limited varsity experience this season.” Opp also notes that the team’s hitting will be a concern, but the defense will be improved.

Ipswich

Coach: Trent Osborne

Last year’s record: 14-14

Key returnees: Quincy Olivier, senior; Baylee Kulesa, senior; Gracie Lange, senior; Madison Geditz, senior; Vanesa Diaz, senior; Karlie Gohl, junior.

Top newcomers: Marley Guthmiller, freshman; Kaylin Onken, sophomore.

Outlook: Ipswich looks to improve from a 14-14 record in 2021 and will have plenty of experience back to help with that effort. The Tigers return several seniors with experience, including Quincy Olivier, Baylee Kulesa, Gracie Lange, Madison Geditz, and Vanesa Diaz. However, the Tigers will be without senior Katie Bierman due to a torn ACL. Coach Trent Osborne noted, “With the loss of (Katie) Bierman (a 3 year starter) others will have to shoulder the load and Onken and Guthmiller will have to grow up quickly for the Tigers to compete in region play. The regular schedule will provide a plethora of chances for the Tigers to become battle-tested.” 

Jones County

Coach: Shelly Schweigert

Last year’s record: 17-9

Key returnees: Mallory Valburg, senior; Jadyn Jensen, senior; Peyton Rankin, senior; Kendal Kinsley, senior; Jolie Dugan, senior; Emma Hunt, senior.

Top newcomers: Kamri Kittelson, junior; Sophie Dowling, junior; Sage Waldron, junior.

Outlook: Jones County returns a core group of seniors with plenty of experience from last season. The Coyotes bring back key statistical leaders in Mallory Valburg (291 kills), Jadyn Jensen (49 ace serves), and Peyton Rankin (626 set assists, 97% server). Seniors Kendal Kinsley, Jolie Dugan, and Emma Hunt also return experience for the Coyotes. Coach Shelly Schweigert said, “I am excited for the new season to begin picking up where we left off. We finished last season still hungry for more. The ability to adapt to the game with 6 returning starters help with growing as a team. Developing all around players is beneficial to winning games towards the end of the season.” 

Menno

Coach: Rachel Stokes

Last year’s record: 9-16

Key returnees: Josephine Stokes, senior; Julia Buechler, senior; Alana Fergen, senior; Madelyn Kludt, senior; Allison Lehr, senior; Halle VanHove, senior; Abby Bender, senior; Morgan Freier, senior; Ashton Massey, junior; Maggie Miller, junior.

Top newcomers: Kaelie Derby, junior; Joslynn Fischer, sophomore; Taylor Freier, sophomore; Ellyana Ulmer, sophomore.

Outlook: Menno returns several starters from last season and will look to build off of the experience gained from last year. The Wolves return eight seniors and two juniors with varsity experience from last season, including Josephine Stokes, Julia Buechler, Alana Fergen, Madelyn Kludt, Allison Lehr, and Maggie Miller, among others. Menno will also look to younger players such as Kaelie Derby, Joslynn Fischer, Taylor Freier, and Ellyana Ulmer to add depth to the lineup.

Northwestern

Coach: Nora Groft

Last year’s record: 28-6

Key returnees: Ella Haven, senior; Brooklinn Halvorson, senior; Ana Ratigan, sophomore; Payton Grandpre, sophomore; Nikki, Nickeson, sophomore; Ashley Haven, freshman; Ella Boekelheide, freshman.

Top newcomers: Layla Ortmeier; Taylor Vetter; Tara Blachford. 

Outlook: Northwestern looks to get back to the state tournament after being upset by Aberdeen Christian in region play a season ago. The Wildcats return seven letterwinners who contributed last season, including seniors Ella Haven (749 kills, 232 blocks, 408 digs, and 131 aces), and Brooklinn Halvorson (1,647 assists, 415 digs, 93 aces, 55 blocks, and 108 kills). Northwestern coach Nora Groft said, “We expect big things from our younger players,” and understands that there will be some mistakes due to the lack of experience. 

Oldham-Ramona/Rutland

Coach: Kaylee Stratton

Last year’s record: 14-15

Key returnees: Julia Trygstad; Alivia Bickett; Paige Hanson; Brooklyn Hageman; Bailey Hyland.

Outlook: Oldham-Ramona/Rutland will look to be a competitive program in 2022 and improve on last season’s win total. The Raiders return five starters and will be led by all-conference selections Julia Trygstad and Alivia Bickett. Coach Kaylee Stratton noted that the team is looking “forward to a competitive season.” Stratton also stated that the Dakota Valley Conference will be “challenging” and that the “goal is to finish in the top half of the conference.” 

Potter County

Coach: Jamie Cronin

Last year’s record: 20-8

Key returnees: Tyler Simon, senior; Ashlee Kaup, senior; Kayden Cronin, junior.

Top newcomers: Zoe Meinke, sophomore.

Outlook: Potter County will look to continue its success from last season. The Battlers return some of their top performers, including two-time Yellowstone Trail All-Conference selections Tyler Simon (572 career assists, 95% server) and Ashlee Kaup (646 career digs, 92% server), as well as Kayden Cronin (64 blocks last season). Head Coach Jamie Cronin said, “We have experience in key positions and look to those athletes for leadership as we work to gel together and gain experience for younger teammates.”

Tripp-Delmont/Armour

Coach: Mandi Holbeck

Last year’s record: 17-14

Key returnees: Hannah Stremick, senior; Gracey Schatz, senior; Faith Goehring, senior; Callie Westendorf, senior; Megan Reiner, junior; Morgan Gemar, junior; Sirenity Goehring, sophomore; Katelyn Ziebart, sophomore; Row Irwin, sophomore; Mia Reiner, 8th grade.

Top newcomers: Peytyn Medricky, freshman; Emerson Brosz, freshman; Lily Blaine, freshman; Emily Dewald, freshman; Kinley Spaans, 7th grade; Emy Lebeau; senior.

Outlook: Tripp-Delmont/Armour will look to continue to build off of the success it had at the end of last season, despite bowing out in region play to eventual state tournament qualifier Burke. The Nighthawks return several key players from last season that will contribute to the ongoing success the team hopes to achieve. All-conference selections Hannah Stremick, Gracey Schatz, and Megan Reiner will lead the Nighthawks on the court. Coach Mandi Holbeck stated, “I am really looking forward to this season. We have athletic, experienced girls. We ended our season last year playing some of our best volleyball, so I’m hopeful we’ll pick up right where we left off. The girls have been working hard and have been great to work with.” 

Viborg-Hurley

Coach: Lindsey Pate

Last year’s record: 8-21

Key returnees: Coral Mason, senior; Denae Mach, senior; Estelle Lee, senior; Mataya Vannorsdel, junior; Charley Nelson, sophomore; Jenna Graves, sophomore; Addison Huth, sophomore; Gia Miller, junior; Paisley Skonhovd, junior; Zoey Christensen, junior; Kyla Peterson, sophomore; Natali Blair, sophomore; Emma Chaussee sophomore; Maggie Kessler, junior; Danica Gordon sophomore; Jordyn Frederickson, sophomore.

Top newcomers: Presley Skonhovd, freshman; Hayley Voog, freshman; Isabella Voog, freshman; Tatum Lyons, freshman; L.J. Mays, freshman; Madelyn Feiock, freshman; Syndil Radio, freshman; Brooklyn Kessler, freshman; Thea Sorlien, freshman; Aubrey Jensen, freshman; Violet Kolthoff, freshman; Aubree Schwartz, sophomore.

Outlook: Viborg-Hurley will have a core group of seniors to help lead the Cougars on the court this season. Leading the way will be Coral Mason (90% serving average, 272 kills), Denae Mach (88% serving average, 146 kills, 329 digs), and Estelle Lee (318 digs, 58 kills). Mataya Vannorsdel (456 assists) and Charley Nelson (89% serving average, 484 digs) will also be key players to watch for the Cougars. Head Coach Lindsey Pate noted the excitement that has been building for the season: “We are excited for this season as we have 3 strong seniors and some growing juniors and sophomores. Last season, we made progress and saw more success than previous years. This season, we expect even more success and progress with teamwork and stats. We are preparing for milestone achievements this season as Coral Mason, Denae Mach, and Charley Nelson continue to climb with kills and digs.”

Wolsey-Wessington

Coach: Lindy Uttecht

Last year’s record: 27-5 (lost to Burke in SoDak 16, 3-1)

Key returnees: Mya Boomsma, senior; Leah Williams, senior; Lainey Uttecht, junior; Taylor Horn, senior; Kailynn Dorris, junior.

Top newcomers: Mallory Miller, senior; Emree White, senior; Payton Kemnitz, junior.

Outlook: Wolsey-Wessington returns plenty of experience from a squad that was one match away from the Class B state tournament. The Warbirds bring back first team All-State outside hitter Mya Boomsma (15 kills per match, 12 digs per match), outside hitter Leah Williams (nine kills per match, eight digs per match), libero Lainey Uttecht (16 digs per match, 98% server), right side hitter/server Taylor Horn (seven assists per match), and middle hitter Kailynn Dorris (six kills per match, three blocks per match). Wolsey-Wessington also added Aberdeen Christian transfer Mallory Miller. Head Coach Lindy Uttecht commented on the upcoming season, stating, “We return a very strong and experienced group from last year's team and look to be very competitive in our conference and region.”

Warner

Coach: Kari Jung

Last year’s record: 33-5 (Class B state champions)

Key returnees: Ava Nilsson, junior; Kyra Marcuson, junior; Kamryn Anderson, senior; Courtney Bjorgaard, junior; Lauren Marcuson, junior; Kyleigh Schopp, sophomore.

Top newcomers: Jordyn Jensen, sophomore; Haleigh Holt, sophomore; Sophia Hoeft, junior.

Outlook: Warner continued its long success in volleyball by winning its seventh state championship last season. The Monarchs return several pieces from last year’s title run and look to repeat as state champions again this season. Kamryn Anderson (188 kills, 65 aces, 22 blocks) will bring senior leadership to the Monarchs, while Kyra Marcuson (360 kills, 279 digs, 49 aces), Lauren Marcuson (106 kills, 241 digs, 46 aces), Courtney Bjorgaard (446 digs), and Kyleigh Schopp (154 kills, 36 blocks) also provide experience for the team. Head Coach Kari Jung said, “We are looking forward to an exciting season and hoping to keep everyone healthy. We have many players with court experience so we are planning on speeding up our offense. We are also blessed with some very quick defensive players that will be competing for court time.”

Wessington Springs

Coach: Lynnette Neely

Last year’s record: 14-18

Key returnees: Avery Orth, junior; Alyssa Grohs, junior; Sarah Poncelow, senior; Raylee Fagerhaug, junior; Riley Roduner, senior.

Top newcomers: Carissa Scheel, junior; Mariah Messmer, sophomore; Hannah Heezen, junior; Ashlyn Weber, sophomore.