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<p>The lights are bright, the gym floors are polished, and the stakes couldn't be higher. The <strong>Class A SoDak 16</strong> is here — the one-night showdown that will determine which <strong>eight South Dakota programs</strong> punch their tickets to the 2025 State Volleyball Tournament.</p>
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<p>Every serve, dig, and kill matters now. For these sixteen teams, the journey to state comes down to one night of execution, composure, and belief.</p>
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<p>From powerhouse programs looking to defend their reputation to scrappy underdogs with nothing to lose, Saturday's matchups promise the kind of intensity and emotion that define high school volleyball in South Dakota.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#1 Dakota Valley (30–3) vs. #16 Platte-Geddes (14–19) </strong></h3>
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<p>Dakota Valley has been a picture of consistency all fall, operating with rhythm, balance, and relentless pressure from the service line. Their offense runs quick and clean, forcing defenses to stay honest. At 30–3, they've shown the ability to finish matches with poise — something that could make all the difference in a win-or-go-home situation.</p>
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<p>Platte-Geddes enters this matchup battle-tested and resilient. Their defense and serve-receive have carried them through tight regional battles, and they'll look to turn that toughness into an advantage. If they can keep Dakota Valley off the net and win the long rallies, they'll make this a challenge.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#2 Dell Rapids (26–6) vs. #15 Todd County (19–15) </strong></h3>
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<p>Dell Rapids has built its season around a clear vision — trust, discipline, and chemistry. Their system is strong from first contact through attack, and their backcourt energy has kept them in control during pressure moments. This is a team that plays with heart and a genuine belief in one another.</p>
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<p>Todd County brings athleticism and passion to every match. They feed off momentum and emotion, using energy to fuel their tempo and defensive hustle. They'll need a fast start and strong serving to disrupt Dell Rapids' rhythm early if they want to hang around.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#3 Sioux Falls Christian (24–10) vs. #14 McCook Central/Montrose (12–13) </strong></h3>
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<p>Few programs know how to prepare for postseason volleyball like Sioux Falls Christian. This team thrives on depth, efficiency, and mental toughness. Their hitters attack the seam with precision, and their serve pressure keeps opponents on their heels.</p>
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<p>McCook Central/Montrose will need to lean on their defensive structure and communication to slow down SFC's pace. They've shown they can hang with bigger teams when their serve-receive is steady and their back row stays scrappy. Expect long rallies and intense floor defense from both sides.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#4 Clark/Willow Lake (24–1) vs. #13 Aberdeen Roncalli (18–11) </strong></h3>
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<p>At 24–1, Clark/Willow Lake has been one of the most complete teams in the state. They play fast, disciplined volleyball and rarely let momentum slip. The chemistry between their setters and hitters has made their offense dynamic, and their blocking at the net continues to be a major weapon.</p>
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<p>Aberdeen Roncalli will counter with grit and heart. They've built their success on communication and staying composed under pressure. The Cavaliers will look to serve tough, extend rallies, and rely on their transition game to keep pace.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#5 Winner (25–6) vs. #12 Wagner (23–7) </strong></h3>
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<p>This is a matchup with history — two programs with deep playoff experience meeting once again under the bright lights. Winner's balance and leadership have defined their season. They've proven they can adapt mid-match, and their poise in tight sets has carried them to 25 wins.</p>
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<p>Wagner enters with energy and confidence. They've shown they can block at a high level and attack from multiple spots on the floor. Expect this one to be a physical battle at the net — a true postseason-style clash where every point will be earned.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#6 Hamlin (20–4) vs. #11 West Central (22–8) </strong></h3>
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<p>Hamlin has been a model of control all season. Their serve-receive is steady, and their offense runs smoothly when they stay in system. They've shown patience under pressure, and their ability to side out quickly could make a big difference late in sets.</p>
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<p>West Central brings a fearless approach. They love fast tempo, aggressive swings, and challenging opponents from the service line. They'll look to turn defense into offense and force Hamlin to play faster than usual. This one could easily turn into a five-set thriller.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#7 Groton Area (25–5) vs. #10 Rapid City Christian (28–11)</strong></h3>
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<p>Groton Area enters the SoDak 16 playing its best volleyball of the year. Their confidence and chemistry have been building since midseason, and their serve pressure often sets the tone early. Expect strong defense and communication to anchor their effort.</p>
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<p>Rapid City Christian thrives in chaos — they move fast, swing fearlessly, and feed off emotion. Their tempo offense will test Groton's block and transition defense. If they can keep their serve consistent and limit unforced errors, this could go down to the wire.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#8 Miller (23–7) vs. #9 St. Thomas More (28–9) </strong></h3>
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<p>If you're looking for a toss-up, this is it. Both programs are well-coached, experienced, and composed in tight matches. Miller has leaned on its senior leadership and first contact throughout the season, using steady defense to create scoring opportunities.</p>
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<p>St. Thomas More plays fast and fearless, with strong net play and an offense that can catch fire at any time. The team that wins the serve-pass battle will likely take the match — and maybe the momentum to make a deep state run.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Players to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>As sixteen teams prepare to fight for eight coveted state spots, several standout athletes are poised to make a major impact on their team's success. These players have been difference-makers all season long — the leaders who bring energy, consistency, and poise when it matters most.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='835393' first='Madelynn' last='Henry'], [player_tooltip player_id='389837' first='Claire' last='Munch'], Livvy Audiss, [player_tooltip player_id='832605' first='Hannah' last='Holzbauer'], [player_tooltip player_id='725200' first='Ravyn' last='Medricky'], [player_tooltip player_id='389842' first='Samantha' last='Kimbell'], [player_tooltip player_id='828780' first='Addie' last='Neuendorf'], [player_tooltip player_id='891456' first='Payton' last='Sargent'], [player_tooltip player_id='730569' first='Madie' last='Munch'], [player_tooltip player_id='885389' first='Tenley' last='Anderson'], [player_tooltip player_id='725178' first='Gracie' last='Root'], Gracen Werdel, [player_tooltip player_id='892497' first='Braxton' last='Nedved'], Issie Steffensen, [player_tooltip player_id='763236' first='Chesney' last='Weber'], [player_tooltip player_id='725200' first='Ravyn' last='Medricky'], [player_tooltip player_id='809886' first='Taryn' last='Traphagen'], [player_tooltip player_id='827626' first='Peyton' last='Hohn'], Ashtyn DeKnikker, [player_tooltip player_id='802150' first='Jolie' last='Palmer'], [player_tooltip player_id='796127' first='Libby' last='Kotab'], [player_tooltip player_id='794900' first='Jerica' last='Locke'], [player_tooltip player_id='832605' first='Hannah' last='Holzbauer']</p>
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<p>From pin hitters who can change a match with one swing to liberos digging everything in sight, these are the players who will define their teams' postseason journeys. Their leadership, grit, and relentless drive could be the difference between going home — or heading to State.</p>
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<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>
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<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>
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<p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p>
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<p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p>
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