High School Preview: LEM Cardinals Poised for Another Title Run?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using the discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last fall, the <strong>Langdon/Edmore/Munich Cardinals</strong> didn't just win the Class B state title—they made a statement. With only two seniors on the roster, the Cardinals leaned heavily on a lineup stacked with <strong>8th and 9th graders</strong> and still found a way to finish on top. Their run highlighted not just raw talent, but a <strong>winning culture</strong> that prioritizes early player development, competition in practice, and a relentless work ethic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, with nearly their entire core returning, the Cardinals enter the 2025 season with a target on their back—and the firepower to defend their crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why This Team Stands Out</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What sets Langdon/Edmore/Munich apart isn't just their talent; it's their ability to play with <strong>poise and composure</strong> beyond their years. Last season, their young lineup showed maturity in high-pressure moments, running a quick, efficient offense and maintaining consistency in long rallies. Their defensive coverage, first-ball contact, and ability to keep the offense in rhythm made them tough to disrupt, even against older, more experienced teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With so much of that core returning—and more young talent joining the varsity roster—the Cardinals are positioned to run one of the <strong>most balanced lineups in Class B.</strong></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>[player_tooltip player_id='797803' first='Raeleigh' last='Ratzlaff'] (DS)</strong> – The lone senior expected to see heavy court time, Ratzlaff will be a calming force in the back row. Her <strong>steady platform, serve-receive consistency, and vocal leadership</strong> make her an anchor in the Cardinals' defensive scheme.</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='809521' first='Aubrey' last='Badding'] (Pin Hitter)</strong> – A go-to scorer who can swing from either pin, Badding's ability to <strong>adjust to tempo</strong> and stay aggressive in out-of-system situations makes her a weapon.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832040' first='Erika' last='Bakke'] (Utility Hitter)</strong> – Bakke's <strong>positional versatility</strong> allows her to contribute across multiple front-row spots. She's effective at sealing blocks and finding seams in the defense, no matter where she lines up.</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>Meggy Hetletved (Outside Hitter)</strong> – One of the Cardinals' most dynamic athletes, Hetletved combines a <strong>high vertical, fast arm, and aggressive swing</strong> to score from anywhere on the court.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Taya Feist (6'1” Pin/MB)</strong> – Brings length and presence to the net, excelling as a <strong>blocking force</strong> and providing a big target for quick sets and slides.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Liv Prouty (Setter)</strong> – Expected to take the reins of the offense, Prouty's ability to <strong>run tempo, make clean decisions, and deliver hittable balls in transition</strong> will be key to keeping Langdon's offense humming.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kemi Morstad (All-Around Attacker)</strong> – Displays advanced volleyball IQ, can <strong>score from multiple zones</strong>, and adds balance to the attack.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Emma Hall (Hitter)</strong> – A growing contributor with <strong>solid ball control</strong> who brings depth to the Cardinals' rotation.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Incoming Freshmen (Class of 2029):</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ella Goodman (DS)</strong> – A scrappy, competitive defender who reads attackers well and can steady serve-receive.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Avery Lorenz (Hitter)</strong> – Brings raw athleticism and power; a developing pin who could find ways to contribute right away.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832737' first='Hilary' last='Haaven'] (Hitter)</strong> – Adds depth to the attack and will continue to grow her offensive game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Mya Swanson (Hitter)</strong> – A promising athlete who could carve out a front-row role as the season progresses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Impact 8th Grader (2030):</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Hallie Overby (Middle)</strong> – Standing 5'9” and possibly entering her <strong>second varsity season</strong> as just an 8th grader, Overby's <strong>blocking instincts and fearless play</strong> make her one of the most intriguing young middles in Class B.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What to Expect This Season</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals' mix of <strong>seasoned underclassmen, versatile attackers, and strong first-contact players</strong> makes them one of the most balanced teams entering the 2025 season. They can pressure opponents with a <strong>tough service game</strong>, use their setters to run a <strong>fast-paced offense</strong>, and rely on their middles and pins to close blocks and terminate when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their biggest challenge? Navigating a <strong>three-class system and new division alignments</strong>, which will create fresh matchups and test their depth against other top programs. But if last year proved anything, it's that Langdon/Edmore/Munich thrives under pressure and knows how to rise to the occasion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final Take</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will the Cardinals repeat as Class B state champions? Time will tell. But with their combination of <strong>youth, experience, and culture</strong>, they're entering 2025 as one of the most complete and disciplined programs in North Dakota volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For opponents across the state, one thing is certain: <strong>be ready—this team isn't just talented, they're built to win.</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 -->