Class B Season Preview: Chester Flyers Look to Defend Their Crown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to Prep Dig using the discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year's Class B state championship match was one to remember, and Chester showed exactly why they're built to win under pressure. The Flyers rallied from behind, leaned on their poise, and rode the dynamic duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839963' first='Jacy' last='Wolf']</strong> and <strong>Lily Van Hal</strong>—both delivering double-digit kills and digs—to secure a five-set thriller over Warner and claim the title. Now, the question is simple: can they do it again?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chester hasn't slowed down, putting in the work at team camps and open gyms to sharpen their chemistry. And with a roster loaded with returning standouts and fresh talent, the Flyers once again look like a program built for another deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2026 (Seniors):</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lily Van Hal</strong> – The setter and leader of this squad and a <strong>Denver commit</strong>, Van Hal is as dangerous as they come. She runs a fast-paced offense, spreads the ball with precision, and keeps defenses guessing with her ability to attack as a front-row setter. Her all-around presence will be key to Chester's title defense.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='795182' first='Kaitlyn' last='Swenson'] (DS)</strong> – Reliable in serve-receive and a steady back-row anchor who keeps rallies alive.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='813293' first='Emmerson' last='Eppard'] (Middle/Outside)</strong> – A versatile attacker who can score on the quick or from the pin.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Gracie J. Huntimer (Outside)</strong> – Brings consistent swings and strong serve-receive ability.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='843110' first='Katelyn' last='Schut'] (Right Side/Middle)</strong> – Adds blocking strength and can terminate when called upon.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='813639' first='Gracie' last='Mersch'] (Middle)</strong> – Brings size and quick reads on the block.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='736615' first='Emilie' last='Bleeker'] (Middle)</strong> – A developing presence at the net who provides needed depth in the middle.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2027 (Juniors):</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839963' first='Jacy' last='Wolf'] (Outside/Setter)</strong> – One of Class B's most dynamic players, Wolf's ability to both terminate on the outside and set in rotation gives Chester a huge strategic advantage. Expect her to be a go-to scorer in big moments.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>(Additional juniors could make an impact as roster battles unfold.)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2028 (Sophomores):</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='810791' first='Alyssa' last='Schut'] (Middle Attacker)</strong> – A growing force in the middle with quick footwork and improving block timing.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2029 (Freshmen):</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kaytee Wold (Setter)</strong> – A promising young playmaker who could see early varsity reps.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lizzie Peterson (Outside Hitter)</strong> – Brings energy and raw athleticism to the pin.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2030 (8th Grade):</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Elise Van Hal (Middle)</strong> – At just 5'9”, Elise was already on the roster last year as an eighth grader, holding her own in the middle. Her physicality and fearlessness make her one of the most intriguing young players in Class B.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Outlook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chester's strength lies in its balance across classes and positions. With a veteran setter in Van Hal steering the offense, a dynamic weapon like Wolf, and a pipeline of middles ready to step up, the Flyers have both depth and versatility. Their ability to run multiple offensive looks, pressure from the service line, and stay composed in long rallies makes them a nightmare matchup for opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will the Flyers repeat as state champions? That remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: <strong>Chester is loaded with experience, grit, and young firepower, making them one of the most exciting teams to follow in South Dakota Class B this season.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman @</em></strong>prepdigdakotas</h4> <!-- /wp:heading -->