Bulldog netters have depth in experience on the court

By Kelsie Hoitomt

BOYCEVILLE – With only one player gone to graduation, the Boyceville volleyball team is stacked with experience as well as eager new faces that look to make a solid Bulldog squad in 2013.

Gone on the court this year is Kysa Franseen, but seniors Kennedy Hellmann, April Lake and Emma Lorenz look to fill her shoes as team leaders.

Each of them served about 90 percent in 2012. Lake was an All-Conference Honorable Mention athlete that led the team in blocks and kills as well.

Also returning to the team are juniors Abbey Bird, Alexa Peterson, McKenzie Schultz and Brittany Tetzlaff.

Bird was named 1st team All-Conference and led the team in digs and serve receptions last season. Peterson was a big asset at the setter position and had the second most assists in the conference last season as well.

On the team this year as sophomores are Tayah Benson, Jenna Beyer, Madison Bygd, Afton Fischer, Marki Lagerstrom, Abby Lorenz and Melissa Leach.

Lastly filling out the Bulldog team are nine new freshmen faces including Mya Dryden, Hannah Guy, Brooklyn Hellmann, Nicole Herdahl, Kayla Hoff, Morgan Kuhn, Cassie Malean, Madysn Riek and Erica Sempf.

“We have a lot of incoming freshmen that have worked very hard over the summer. Also a number of the sophomores put a lot of hours in the gym, so I expect that there will be many players looking to contribute to a successful season this year,” said head coach Taryn Score.

Score is in her seventh year as head coach for the Bulldogs with an overall record of 19-12-1. She will be assisted by Corrie Roemhild who is the junior varsity coach and Rochelle Olson who is a volunteer coach.

According to Score, their strength this season lies within the numbers and amount of girls with varsity experience.

“Varsity experience is going to help us this season, also being able to have competitive practices every day will help to push the girls. As with any team, being able to forge that bond and stay strong, trusting and believing in your teammates is always key to a successful season,” shared Score.

The Bulldogs finished their 2012 season with a 6-3 record for third place in the Dunn-St. Croix Conference. They plan to fight for a position in the top three again with Elk Mound and Colfax looking to be tough contenders.

The Bulldogs played their first game of the season Tuesday in Colfax. They are scheduled to play in a quad at home this Thursday (August 29) starting at 5:00 p.m.

Boyceville’s Roster

Seniors: Kennedy Hellmann, April Lake, Emma Lorenz

Juniors: Abbey Bird, Alexa Peterson, McKenzie Schultz, Brittany Tetzlaff

Sophomores: Tayah Benson, Jenna Beyer, Madison Bygd, Afton Fischer, Marki Lagerstrom, Melissa Leach, Abby Lorenz

Freshmen: Mya Dryden, Hannah Guy, Brooklyn Hellmann, Nicole Herdahl, Kayla Hoff, Morgan Kuhn, Cassie Malean, Madysn Riek and Erica Sempf