By Rich Winter 

605 Sports

RAPID CITY — Platte-Geddes seniors Karly VanDerWerff and Cadence Van Zee have been an unmistakable duo for the Platte-Geddes volleyball program for the last five seasons. 

Both players are 5-feet-10, have provided hitting for the Black Panthers varsity since they were eighth-graders and it started as childhood friends. 

“Cadence was my neighbor when we were younger and we’ve been playing sports together for a long time,” VanDerWerff said. “It’s been really fun and we’ve always competed against each other and pushed each other.” 

The duo, along with seniors Baleigh Nachtigal, Karsen Sondergroth, Emerson Ringling and Hadley Hanson have been part of unprecedented success for the Platte-Geddes volleyball team for the past three seasons. As sophomores the team finished third in the Class B state tournament. As juniors the group made the jump to Class A where they finished sixth at the state tournament. 

First-year coach Katie Hunhoff was at Scotland last season and she knew exactly what she was stepping into having watched the team last season.

“Karly is a natural leader and she wants the ball and is not scared of taking the last shot,” Hunhoff said. “Cadence gives us another big hitter on the outside and has worked really hard to improve her all-around game this season.”

Platte-Geddes has talent at all six positions this season but there is no question who brings the boom to the lineup. VanDerWerff leads the team with 414 kills with VanZee right behind with 360 kills. 

Van Zee says the competition with VanDerWerff has elevated her game but that her friend has been an exceptional teammate. 

“Karly is a great player and has always encouraged me and helped me a lot over the years,” Van Zee said. “Whenever I’m down or struggling she is the one that keeps me up.” 

Platte-Geddes senior Cadence Van Zee (#6) has 360 kills for Platte-Geddes this season - Rodney Haas, 605 Sports

During the entirety of their volleyball careers, VanDerWerff and VanZee have been the recipients of sets from either Haley Hoffman or Regan Hoffman. When Regan graduated last spring Nachtigal, who had been playing right-side hitter, took over the setting duties.

Both hitters said they wondered how a first-year setter would do. Nachtigal heads into the state tournament with 1,005 season assists and VanDerWerff said the timing to their setter has only improved as the season has gone along. 

“We had some familiarity with her because she was our back-up setter,” VanDerWerff said. “We’ve been hitting off her for years and the more we’ve played together the better we’ve gotten. She’s done a great job”

Nachtigal said her success is a result of a lot of hard work and being intentional at practice, and having two talented hitters. 

“It really helps having Karly and Cadence when matches are tight,” Nachtigal said. “They are really good at placing the ball and they are so smart with their court play and putting the ball where it needs to be.”

VanDerWerff and VanZee are both known for hitting the ball with authority. Hunhoff has emphasized letting it rip as often as possible but also taking a look at different methods of putting the ball down when the occasion demands. 

“Our coach this year has been having us work on tips and roll shots,” VanDerWerff said. “The middles in Class A are bigger and sometimes, if the passes aren’t just right, having the second option of a roll shot has been helpful.” 

As the team boarded the bus for Rapid City Wednesday a large contingent of Black Panther fans gathered for the sendoff. Those fans have had plenty to cheer about the last three seasons and VanDerWerff said their support has been key to the team's success.

“The community has been great,” VanDerWerff said. “Every time we play at home the stands are packed. The student section is loud and we are pretty excited as we get ready to leave.” 

On Thursday, the Black Panthers (31-6) take on Dell Rapids (26-6) as the Class A state tournament begins in Rapid City.