Season Opener Recap: Wadena-Deer Creek vs. East Grand Forks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":881092,"width":"296px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"left","className":"is-style-default"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized is-style-default"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/IMG_9314-crop-3226x2118-1756300427.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-881092" style="width:296px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school volleyball season opened with a marquee matchup as <strong>East Grand Forks (EGF)</strong> hosted <strong>Wadena-Deer Creek (WDC)</strong> in a battle that showcased talent, grit, and flashes of what both programs will bring this fall. The gym was packed, the energy was high, and the players delivered a competitive three-set match that left plenty to talk about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Starting Lineups</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wadena-Deer Creek hit the floor with a seasoned lineup: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834126' first='Kennedy' last='Ness'], [player_tooltip player_id='447964' first='Payton' last='Gravelle'], Jada Dykhoff, [player_tooltip player_id='850557' first='Celia' last='Rinio'], Ashley Pavek, and Tori Mallak</strong>, with <strong>Avery Lepinski</strong> anchoring the defense as libero.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For East Grand Forks, the starting rotation featured <strong>Hayden Berg, Lexy Kolsto, Lanee Hams, Sydney McDonald, [player_tooltip player_id='819629' first='Tatem' last='Votava'], and [player_tooltip player_id='801091' first='Ava' last='Kleinvachter']</strong>, with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='802517' first='Laurel' last='Kolstoe']</strong> wearing the libero jersey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams came in with different stories — Wadena-Deer Creek returning firepower and leadership, and East Grand Forks working through a rebuilding process while still boasting individual standouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Set One – Establishing Tempo</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From the very first whistle, EGF came out with energy. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728958' first='Coco' last='Williams']</strong>, swinging from the right side, put down the opening kill of the match. Williams, who finished the night with the second highest hitting efficiencies for her team, immediately gave the Green Wave a spark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But Wadena-Deer Creek took some time to find their rhythm. Once they settled in, the Wolves started to string together points behind steady serve receive and quick ball distribution. Their ability to stay patient in long rallies shifted momentum quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834126' first='Kennedy' last='Ness']</strong> set the tone early for WDC. From the back row to the front line, she attacked with IQ and composure. Her approach wasn't rushed; instead, her patience allowed her to time her swing and deliver clean, powerful kills. By the end of the match, Ness had over eight kills and showcased why she is a player to keep tabs on this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite EGF's strong start, Wadena closed out the first set with confidence, taking it <strong>25–19</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Set Two – Power vs. Defense</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second set turned into a showcase of offensive firepower from both sides. For EGF, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801091' first='Ava' last='Kleinvachter']</strong> came alive from the back row, shifting momentum with heavy swings in transition. Every time it looked like Wadena might pull away, Ava's attacks gave EGF a fighting chance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setter <strong>Hayden Berg</strong> impressed throughout the night. Running the offense while also covering floor defensively, Berg hustled after tight passes and kept plays alive with her all-around athleticism. Her ability to deliver hittable balls even out of system gave her hitters more opportunities to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, <strong>Kelsey Spilde</strong> was a standout for EGF. She read hitters well, consistently positioning herself in the right spot, and passed with textbook form. Her low armswing and quiet platform kept the Green Wave in system more often than not.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But Wadena's depth at the net began to separate the teams. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='447964' first='Payton' last='Gravelle']</strong> was unstoppable. Running slides, hitting high off the block, and mixing in sharp cross-court shots, Gravelle showed why she is one of the premier middle attackers in the state. She piled up <strong>16 kills</strong> and added several momentum-swinging blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Libero <strong>Avery Lepinski</strong> also left her mark in the second set. Not only was she steady defensively, but she also led her team from the service line, finishing as WDC's top server of the night. Her tough, consistent serves forced EGF out of system and created free-ball opportunities for Gravelle and the rest of the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wadena secured the second set by the same score, <strong>25–19</strong>, with Gravelle and Ness leading the charge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Set Three – Closing the Door</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Facing a sweep, EGF came out determined in the third. <strong>Lanee Hams</strong> took over offensively, delivering a big-time performance for the Green Wave. With <strong>10 kills on the night</strong> and multiple key blocks, Hams proved she can go toe-to-toe with some of the best hitters in the region. Her presence at the net was exactly what EGF needed to stay competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But Wadena's balance across the board was too much to overcome. Setter <strong>Ashley Pavek</strong> spread the ball well, keeping EGF blockers guessing and giving hitters like Gravelle and Ness plenty of one-on-one opportunities. When it mattered most, WDC executed their game plan — siding out efficiently and terminating in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wadena-Deer Creek closed the third set <strong>25–20</strong>, sweeping the match 3–0 (25–19, 25–19, 25–20).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Takeaways</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This opener was more than just a sweep; it was a look at two programs heading in exciting directions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>For Wadena-Deer Creek</strong>, the story begins with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='447964' first='Payton' last='Gravelle']</strong>. A true powerhouse in the middle, she controlled the net with her offense and blocking presence. Combine that with the all-around impact of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834126' first='Kennedy' last='Ness']</strong> and the steady backcourt play of <strong>Avery Lepinski</strong>, and WDC has the pieces to make a serious postseason run.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>For East Grand Forks</strong>, the loss doesn't tell the whole story. With <strong>Lanee Hams</strong> dominating at the net, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801091' first='Ava' last='Kleinvachter']</strong> providing firepower from the back row, and <strong>Hayden Berg</strong> running the offense with grit and leadership, this is a team that will grow quickly. Add in defensive specialists like <strong>Kelsey Spilde</strong> and libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='802517' first='Laurel' last='Kolstoe']</strong>, and the Green Wave have the foundation for significant improvement. This group may look very different come tournament time.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:image {"id":881109,"width":"405px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/IMG_9313-crop-3226x2118-1756302852.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-881109" style="width:405px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bigger Picture</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the things that stood out most was how much offseason work both teams clearly put in. Many of these athletes train with <strong>ND Elite</strong>, and that extra development showed in their timing, confidence, and ability to execute under pressure. Club reps and additional training opportunities are often the difference-makers, and it's no surprise to see these players stepping up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From Gravelle's dominance to Hams' breakout performance, this match offered a preview of names that college coaches will want to keep on their radar. Both teams have athletes capable of playing at the next level, and if the opener is any indication, this season will provide plenty of highlights to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final Score:</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wadena-Deer Creek def. East Grand Forks 3–0 (25–19, 25–19, 25–20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->