Cards hope final year in 'B' is a big one

With the move to three-division volleyball starting next year, the time is now for Carrington to make a lasting impression on District 5 and Region 3.

The Cardinals finished at 25-10 last season, fourth in the region, and are aiming to end an 11-year state Class B tournament drought.

Coach Megan Trautman may have the squad to do that this season, as she has seven seniors who have plenty of court and big match experience.

"We have been working on settling into a groove so far with new assistant coaches, some new positions and new squads," Trautman said. "The girls have really been working hard both offensively and defensively to prefer for our first few matches against athletic and scrappy teams."

The graduation of last year's top hitter, Madison Johnson, will open up a spot in the rotation, but Trautman's team has strong depth that can replicate her production, either individually or as a collective.

Senior Isabel Wendel will rotate between the setter and hitter slots. Wendel returns after hitting for 316 kills last season, and also had 434 assists in splitting time with graduated setter Kacie Rexin. She also had 33 service aces, second to Rexin, and was stout in the back row with 648 digs.

Up front, seniors Edyn Hoornaert (121 kills, 252 digs) and Kaydence VanRay (100 kills, team-leading 12 blocks) should combine to be a force both on the attack and net defense. Another senior, Mercedes Lura, had 88 kills, five blocks and 129 digs, and is expected to contribute more in the rotation this season.

At libero, senior Kenadie Pazdernik is the top returning defender in the back row with 779 digs. Her agility, court sense and leadership will be invaluable for CHS to keep points alive.

Sophomore Harper Kollman has tremendous upside after coming onto the scene as a freshman several matches into the 2023 season. The left-handed swinging Kollman (152 kills, 356 digs) gives a different look to district and regional opponents, and Trautman hopes that one more year of maturity under her belt can help her take the next step.

Off the bench, senior Brynn Smith (25 digs) could see her role expand from situational serving to setter duties, and defensive specialist and fellow senior Sierra Friedt (62 digs) will also be in the mix. Junior Aubrey Neis is also a listed setter, and could see key points.

The remainder of the varsity roster includes junior hitter Lauren Hendrickson, sophomore hitter Calleigh Hewitt, and freshman hitter Marah Johnson.

In District 5, E-K-M, along with LaMoure/Litchville-Marion and Oakes, look to be the top contenders, and District 6 looks to be a dogfight between Linton-HMB and M-P-B for supremacy.

"As always, our District 5 and Region 3 teams will be strong and versatile, making no match an easy one to win," said Trautman. "We are holding our girls to high standards and expect good things right off the bat next week."

Trautman is assisted by Kristy Hewitt and Kadyn Mehring.