High School News: Athletes Making Noise Early in the Season

<p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p>   <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Fargo North vs. West Fargo Sheyenne: A Battle of Talent, IQ, and Grit</h1>   <p>It was a busy night in North Dakota volleyball, but one matchup stood out above the rest: Fargo North hosting West Fargo Sheyenne. Both programs came in with loaded rosters, each bringing a blend of experience, high volleyball IQ, and the kind of grit that makes early-season matches feel like postseason previews. From the first serve to the final whistle, the match was full of momentum swings, tactical adjustments, and standout individual performances that demanded attention.</p>   <p>In the end, Sheyenne swept Fargo North in three sets (25–16, 25–13, 25–17), but the score only tells part of the story. Both teams showcased players who are already proving themselves as difference-makers, with several names that college coaches will want to keep tabs on this fall.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sheyenne's Firepower and Consistency</h2>   <p>For Sheyenne, it was clear from the start that their front-row firepower and balanced lineup would be tough to contain.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='722409' first='Peyton' last='Saxlund'] – Outside Hitter (Front Row)</h3>   <p>Even though she rotates out of the back row, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722409' first='Peyton' last='Saxlund']</strong> made her presence felt immediately at the net. Her vertical jump is explosive, and when combined with her ability to see the court, she consistently found seams in the block. One of the best shots of the night came from Saxlund when she ripped a ball straight down the line—a high-IQ play that showcased her awareness of where the defense wasn't. She doesn't just swing with power; she attacks with purpose, using both angles and timing to her advantage.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='722410' first='Cora' last='Metcalf'] – Right Side Hitter</h3>   <p>If there was a steady anchor for Sheyenne's offense, it was senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722410' first='Cora' last='Metcalf']</strong>. The right-side hitter finished with 11 kills and contributed multiple blocks, proving to be a true two-way player. What stood out most was her ability to terminate in out-of-system situations. Whether the set was tight to the net or pushed outside her hitting window, Metcalf adjusted, squared her shoulders, and delivered high-percentage swings. Defensively, she closed blocks with authority, forcing Fargo North hitters to alter their shots.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='727997' first='Baylor' last='Dinger'] – Libero</h3>   <p>Defensively, the Mustangs were in good hands with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='727997' first='Baylor' last='Dinger']</strong> wearing the libero jersey. Dinger's ability to read hitters before contact was remarkable—her first step reaction consistently put her in position to dig balls cleanly. She wasn't just reactive; she anticipated the offense, adjusting her depth based on approach angles. Her serve-receive platform was equally steady, giving Sheyenne's setters the chance to run their system effectively.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='728000' first='Olivia' last='Bratton'] – Outside Hitter (Six Rotation)</h3>   <p>The player of the night for Sheyenne was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728000' first='Olivia' last='Bratton']</strong>. A true six-rotation outside, Bratton was simply on another level. Offensively, she tallied 11 kills, but what impressed most was her efficiency. She read the block, adjusted to less-than-perfect sets, and still managed to keep the ball in play with purposeful swings. Her ability to mix power with off-speed shots kept Fargo North's defense off balance all evening. Beyond the stat line, Bratton's volleyball IQ stood out—she communicated with teammates constantly, made smart coverage plays, and hustled in transition both offensively and defensively.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='733255' first='Brynlie' last='Richman']– Setter</h3>   <p>Sheyenne's offense was guided by sophomore setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='733255' first='Brynlie' last='Richman']</strong>, who looked poised beyond her years. She finished just shy of 20 assists, distributing the ball evenly and keeping North's block guessing. Her decision-making under pressure was outstanding—running the middle when the pass was tight, feeding her outsides when the block was late, and even sneaking in quick dumps when she saw openings. Already on many colleges' radars, Richman's composure and vision make her one of the most exciting young setters in the state.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fargo North's Resilience and Bright Spots</h2>   <p>Despite the sweep, Fargo North showed flashes of what makes them a dangerous team this season. Their lineup is deep with talent, and while Sheyenne's consistency proved too much on this night, North had players who made it clear they belong in the conversation among the region's best.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='504561' first='Audrey' last='Rydell'] – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504561' first='Audrey' last='Rydell']</strong>, committed to St. Cloud State, returned from injury stronger than ever. Her swing is as powerful as it is clean, and she showed why she's heading to the next level with six kills on the night. Rydell was particularly effective in serve-receive, giving her setters a stable first contact to build from. Even when Sheyenne's block closed on her, she stayed patient and adjusted her attack angles. Her leadership presence on the court was just as important as her stat line—she was vocal, encouraging, and set the tone for North's competitiveness.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='724993' first='Anna' last='Halverson'] – Middle Hitter</h3>   <p>One of the breakout players of the night for North was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='724993' first='Anna' last='Halverson']</strong>. The middle hitter proved she can terminate from any spot along the net. Whether running quick ones in front of the setter, slides off the right side, or even adjusting to high balls in transition, Halverson's versatility stood out. Her blocking was equally impactful, as she read Sheyenne's setter well and got her hands over early. Halverson is without a doubt a name college coaches will want to circle.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='730965' first='Kate' last='Montplaisir'] – Middle Hitter</h3>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='730965' first='Kate' last='Montplaisir']</strong> added another layer of middle dominance for North. Her vertical jump is elite, allowing her to elevate over the block and attack at a high contact point. Even when Sheyenne's defense dug her swings, Montplaisir kept attacking aggressively, forcing them to respect her every rotation. Her blocking presence was consistent, and she showcased excellent lateral movement when closing seams.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='728653' first='Gretchen' last='Snowden'] – Libero</h3>   <p>Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728653' first='Gretchen' last='Snowden']</strong> was tasked with keeping Sheyenne's heavy arms in check, and she did so with composure. With seven digs, Snowden anchored the back row, showing great posture and a calm platform. What stood out most was her ability to control hard-driven balls, giving North's offense second-chance opportunities. She rarely looked rushed, and her communication helped stabilize serve-receive rotations.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='745951' first='Lucy' last='Rydell'] – Setter/Right Side</h3>   <p>It's rare to see a freshman step onto a varsity court with confidence, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='745951' first='Lucy' last='Rydell']</strong> did just that. She collected seven digs and contributed valuable swings when called upon. Rydell's ability to adapt quickly in a high-level match speaks volumes about her potential. She showed glimpses of strong decision-making and wasn't afraid to be aggressive at the net.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Claire Carr – Setter</h3>   <p>Sharing the setting responsibilities, <strong>Claire Carr</strong> helped orchestrate North's offense. She mixed her distribution effectively, keeping her hitters engaged across the net. Her connection with the middles, particularly Halverson, was smooth, and she showed confidence in feeding tempo balls even under tough passing situations.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='745942' first='Lila' last='Pladson'] – Right Side</h3>   <p>Another key contributor was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='745942' first='Lila' last='Pladson']</strong>, who brought both offense and defense from the right side. She registered kills with a mix of cross-court and sharp angle swings, and defensively, she was a steady blocker. Her ability to press over and close the seam limited Sheyenne's outsides at times, and she carried herself with a workhorse mentality throughout the night.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2>   <p>While West Fargo Sheyenne left with a convincing sweep (25–16, 25–13, 25–17), both teams demonstrated why they are programs to watch this season. Sheyenne's combination of veteran leadership and rising young talent gives them one of the most balanced rosters in the state. With players like Bratton, Saxlund, and Metcalf leading the way—and Richman setting the tempo—the Mustangs look poised to contend at the highest level.</p>   <p>For Fargo North, the score doesn't diminish the individual performances and the promise within their lineup. With Rydell back in full force, Halverson emerging as a dynamic middle, and Snowden anchoring the back row, North has the pieces to make noise as the season unfolds. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='745951' first='Lucy' last='Rydell']'s early impact is another storyline worth following, as she brings youthful energy to an already talented core.</p>   <p>This match was more than just a sweep—it was a showcase of North Dakota volleyball at its best. Two programs with grit, leadership, and high-level talent left fans excited for what's ahead this fall. And if these early battles are any indication, both Sheyenne and Fargo North are teams you'll want to keep watching come tournament time.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <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>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2>   <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>

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