Vikings ready for another run
Like a perpetual motion machine, the Minneota volleyball program continues an endless cycle of success.
Despite graduating four top-notch starters from a Class A state runner-up team, the Vikings are expected to send out another strong team this year.
Led by 5-9 senior setter/hitter and co-captain Ireland Stassen, who had 316 kills, 472 assist and 231 digs last season, Minneota opens the season on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at home against the Wabasso Rabbits.
The Vikings have four other players who saw extensive action on the varsity a season ago, juniors Lyzah Sussner (co-captain), Ella Johnson and Emma Bottelberghe, plus sophomore Elivia Faris.
Sussner, a 5-4 libero, amassed 276 digs and 20 aces last season; Johnson, a 5-9 outside hitter, notched 127 kills and 23 blocks a season ago; Bottelberghe, a 5-7 outside hitter, delivered 79 kills and 40 digs; and Faris, a 5-9 rightside hitter, uncorked 27 kills to go along with five blocks.
Five other letterwinners also return; 5-6 senior defensive specialist Lyssa Kremin; 5-7 senior middle blocker Megan Krog; 5-6 junior defensive specialist Dakoda Hennen; 5-6 junior defensive specialist Grace Hennen; 5-5 freshman defensive specialist Abby Rolbiecki.
Moving up to varsity this season will also be newcomers Kenadi Arndt, a 5-10 junior middle blocker; 5-8 junior rightside hitter Faith Myhre; Nevaeh Hennen, a 5-6 sophomore setter; and Sarah Gruenes, a 5-8 freshman middle blocker.
"We have a lot of new faces on the court this year," said head coach Hayley Fruin. "That always makes for a competitive environment in the gym, which is exactly what you want to see as a coach. Each day, the kids are battling and want to earn playing time."
The one area with the least experience will be middle blocker where Fruin will employ Krog and Arndt.
"We have spent a lot of time working with our middle since they are both new to the rotation," said Fruin. "Megan has really never played middle before, but she is a very athletic kid so we knew she will adjust quickly. It's been nice to see how much more we are using them in our offense. That is only going to open things for our other hitters who have experience, so other teams are expecting them to get the ball."
The team is focusing on strengthening their passing and serving part of the game.
"We will continue to focus on those two key areas," Fruin said. "We are a different team when we can execute both of those."
Fruin also noted that since the team is so young, she would like to see the Vikings communicating on the floor and bench more.
"It is an area that we continue to stress in practice, and will continue to push thee kids out of their comfort levels to better themselves and the team," she said. " This is a very athletic group that have really been working hard all summer and preseason. I am excited for us to put it together and see the progress and improvements we make throughout the season."
HEAD COACH - Hayley Fruin
ASSISTANT COACHES - Dana Peterson, Emily Citterman
JUNIOR HIGH COACHES - Megan Novotny, Shelby Corbin
2022 ROSTER
Lyssa Kremin, 5-6, senior, DS
Megan Krog, 5-7, senior, MB
Ireland Stassen, 5-9, senior, S/H
Kenadi Arndt, 5-10, junior, MB
Emma Bottelberghe, 5-7, junior, OH
Dakoda Hennen, 5-6, junior, DS
Grace Hennen, 5-6, junior, DS
Ella Johnson, 5-9, junior, OH
Faith Myhre, 5-8 junior, RH
Lyzah Sussner, 5-4, junior, L
Elivia Faris, 5-9, sophomore, RH
Sarah Gruenes, 5-8, freshman, MB
Abby Rolbiecki, 5-5, freshman, DS
2022 SCHEDULE
Sept. 6 - Wabasso
Sept. 8 - Dawson-Boyd
Sept. 9 - Marshall Invite
Sept. 10 - Marshall Invite
Sept. 12 - at Ortonville
Sept. 13 - at KMS
Sept. 15 - LQPV
Sept. 19 - Redwood Valley
Sept. 20 - at MACCRAY
Sept. 23 - Class A Showcase
Sept. 24 - Class A Showcase
Sept. 27 - at CMCS
Sept. 29 - Canby
Oct. 4 - Lakeview
Oct. 6 - at YME
Oct. 11 - at RTR
Oct. 13 - TMB
Oct. 14 - Eastview Invite
Oct. 15 - Eastview Invite
Oct. 18 - RTR