Boyceville volleyball brings youth, inexperience into new season
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By Cara L. Dempski
BOYCEVILLE — Boyceville’s volleyball program had a lot to be proud of in 2016.
Senior Madysn Riek earned first-team all-Dunn-St. Croix, and was named the conference’s player of the year. Her classmates, Morgan Kuhn and Hannah Guy, were presented second-team awards, and Brooklyn Hellmann was named to the D-SC honorable mention squad.
The foursome, along with Cassie Malean and Erica Sempf, formed the core of the 2016 Bulldog varsity squad that finished tied for third place in a very strong conference line-up.
[ememeber_protected] They all graduated this past May.
Boyceville also lost two of its coaching staff when head coach Corrie Roemhild and assistant Angie Hellmann resigned their positions earlier this year, leaving the team in search of new leadership both on and off the court.
Keri Peterson has taken over as the Lady Bulldogs’ head volleyball coach, and knows the departure of such a talented group of seniors leaves her team with some big shoes to fill.
“Last year’s players brought tremendous skill and excitement to the game in Boyceville,” Peterson explained. “There will be new opportunities (this year) to step in and contribute in a positive way.”
Last year, the Bulldogs finished with a 6-2 conference record and were 20-6 overall.
Haley Wold and Mariah Drury return to the court this season as the leaders, and letter winners, of a large senior class. While Wold logged a pair of kills on varsity in 2016, Drury has the edge on her in playing time. She logged two kills, 11 assists, four digs, and a solo block.
Other seniors joining the fun for 2017 are Kailynn Bird, Satina Chilson, Shania Dunn, Mariah Schlottman and Paulina Wienke.
Junior Jaida Peterson returns as a letter winner after contributing in multiple ways over the course of last year. She led the team defensively with 240 digs, and provided assistance in the form of 43 aces and nine kills offensively. Her classmates, Alyx Bloom and Amber Retzloff, are hoping to contribute this season as well.
Sophomores Emma Bygd, Anna Evenson, Taylor Grambow, Tara Gunnafson, Megan Hintzman, Tyra Kostman, Emma Ouellete and Hannah Johnson are hoping for some action in 2017, as are freshmen Chesney Leslie, Kady Grambow, Chrissa Kersten, Mya Lagerstrom, Jensine Boesl, Faith Harnisch, Kaylee Hessler, Ava Olson and Grace Edlin.
With a group as young as Peterson has for her inaugural high school season, she is focusing on continuous improvement and gaining experience.
“We are a young and inexperienced group, but have worked hard over the summer, and are eager to get the opportunity to compete at a high level while proudly representing the Bulldogs,” she said. “Our goals are to be competitive in conference play and improve our skills as the season progresses.”
The Bulldogs’ new coach said the Dunn-St. Croix has a history of solid volleyball programs that are highly competitive. She listed Elk Mound, Colfax and Mondovi as the teams to chase in pursuit of a 2017 conference title.
Keri Peterson is in her first year as the coach of the Boyceville Bulldogs. She will be joined by assistants Katelyn Johnson, Beth Heifner and Ashlee Wisemiller.
Boyceville played a scrimmage at Ellsworth Monday, August 21, and will open its season with a quad at home this Thursday, August 24. The ladies will take the weekend off before heading to Somerset August 28 for a meeting with the Spartans.
Roster
Seniors: Kailynn Bird, Satina Chilson, Mariah Drury, Shania Dunn, Mariah Schlottman, Paulina Wienke and Haley Wold.
Juniors: Alyx Bloom, Jaida Peterson and Amber Retzloff.
Sophomores: Emma Bygd, Anna Evenson, Taylor Grambow, Tara Gunnafson, Megan Hintzman, Tyra Kostman, Emma Ouellette and Hannah Johnson.
Freshmen: Chesney Leslie, Kady Grambow, Chrissa Kersten, Mya Lagerstrom, Jensine Boesl, Faith Harnisch, Kaylee Hessler, Ava Olson and Grace Edlin. [/ememeber_protected]