State Bound and Ready—ND Class A-Here’s Who to Watch

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   The moment the three-class system launched in North Dakota volleyball, the landscape of competition changed—fast. In just 12 months, Class A programs have grown sharper, deeper, and far more physical. Teams now face opponents who match up with them in size, speed, and volleyball IQ, creating an environment where high-level adjustments, heavy swings, and clean first contacts determine who survives opening day.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/11/image_383c41.png?w=1024" alt="This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image_383c41.png" /></figure>   Day One of the Class A State Tournament brings storylines everywhere: elite libero play, high-flying pin hitters, fast middles, and setters commanding the court with tempo changes and fearless decision-making. Here are the must-watch athletes in each first-round matchup—and what they bring to the floor against their opening opponents.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">May-Port-CG vs. Des Lacs-Burlington</h1>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">May-Port-CG</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='800396' first='Hudson' last='Zerface'] – Libero Zerface is the definition of defensive discipline. She reads hitters early, holds her platform steady through high-velocity swings, and extends rallies with fearless pursuit outside the court lines. Against a DLB squad that loves to attack the middle of the floor, her ability to absorb pace and transition the Patriots into system could be a game-changer. Expect Zerface to anchor serve-receive and minimize DLB's ability to target seams.   [player_tooltip player_id='834220' first='Kiaza' last='Carlson'] – 6-Rotation Setter/Opposite Few players in Class A impact the match across all six zones like Carlson. In the back court, she delivers a clean, hittable ball—even when running down out-of-system passes. In the front row, her opposite presence gives May-Port-CG a second scoring threat who can tool the block and swing with range. Her matchup against DLB's tall middles will be crucial. If Carlson establishes the right pin early, she could open the entire court for her hitters.   [player_tooltip player_id='809826' first='Paetyn' last='Strand'] – Middle (Tournament-Wide Player to Watch) Strand is one of the most imposing forces in the Class A bracket. Her fast-tempo connection with Carlson pulls blocks off the pins, and her ability to close seams on the block forces hitters into tough angles. Strand's quick attacks—especially the front-1 and slide—will test DLB's defensive discipline. She has tournament-changing potential, and Day One will show whether she sets the tone early.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Des Lacs-Burlington</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='817239' first='Mycah' last='Faken'] – Middle Faken brings a combination of size and lateral quickness that makes her a centerpiece in DLB's front-court strategy. She presses over the net well and thrives in blocking matchups that require patience. Her duel with Strand is one of the most exciting middle-on-middle battles of the day. If Faken can slow Strand's tempo, DLB gains a massive advantage.   Hanna Sundsbak – Middle Sundsbak complements Faken with power and decisiveness. She transitions quickly off the net, allowing DLB to run her in a variety of set locations. Her slide is a daylight-finder that challenges block timing. Expect Sundsbak to be heavily involved in attempting to neutralize Carlson's offensive presence.   [player_tooltip player_id='795367' first='Kati' last='Schaefer'] – DS/L Schaefer's ball control steadies DLB's entire operation. Her serve-receive consistency lets DLB run both middles freely, and her back-row reading makes her critical in long rallies. Against May-Port-CG's aggressive serving, Schaefer's steadiness will keep DLB in system when pressure hits.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Central Cass vs. Dickinson Trinity</h1>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Central Cass</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='726034' first='Aspyn' last='Prien'] – Middle Prien is a dynamic middle who thrives in fast-pace offenses. She attacks the gap with fearlessness and uses her length to impact blocking matchups across the net. Her quick footwork gives Central Cass options—front-1s, 31s, and the occasional slide. Against Trinity's powerful outside attack, Prien's ability to close the block will be one of Central Cass's biggest weapons.   [player_tooltip player_id='832913' first='Izzy' last='Thompson'] – 6-Rotation Outside Thompson is a high-volume, high-production outside who will be the Red Raiders' go-to option when rallies get tight. Her ability to swing with range—sharp cross, high-hands, and the deep corner—is what makes her special. She is also a high-end defender who contributes equally in the back court. Expect Thompson to take 30+ swings in this match and shoulder the scoring load.   [player_tooltip player_id='725046' first='Kendra' last='Braaten'] – Libero Braaten's stability is Central Cass's foundation. Her serve-receive angles are clean, and she communicates early, giving the Red Raiders one of the most structured back courts in the tournament. Her defensive reads, especially against line shots, will be tested by Trinity's strong pins.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dickinson Trinity</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='795316' first='Kate' last='Glaser'] – Libero Glaser's fearless pursuit and lightning-fast reactions make her one of the most entertaining liberos in the Class A bracket. She thrives in scrappy rallies and is strong at keeping her shoulders forward on deep-driven balls. Against Central Cass's heavy-swinging Thompson, Glaser's ability to control hard-driven attacks will be critical.   [player_tooltip player_id='835482' first='[program_tooltip program_id='432170' first='[program_tooltip program_id='432088' first='[program_tooltip program_id='431000' first='Madison' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='Wegleitner'] – Outside Wegleitner is a powerful, physical outside hitter who demands a well-formed block. She elevates high and drives the ball with pace, especially from high-outside. If she can win her matchup against Thompson, Trinity becomes incredibly dangerous. Expect the two outsides to trade big swings all match.   [player_tooltip player_id='891938' first='Annabel' last='Scheeler'] – Setter Scheeler runs Trinity's offense with fast tempo and clean decision-making. She does a great job using her middles to stretch blockers, which opens up 1-on-1s for Wegleitner. Look for Scheeler to challenge Central Cass early with aggressive setter dumps when she's in the front row.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">South Prairie-Max vs. Hazen</h1>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">South Prairie-Max</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='741473' first='Reagan' last='Trudell'] – Setter Trudell is a tempo setter who excels at finding rhythm early. She's patient with her middles and fearless feeding her outsides in out-of-system moments. Trudell's connection with Beck will determine how balanced South Prairie-Max's offense can be against a disciplined Hazen defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='838322' first='Skotti' last='Beck'] – Outside Beck is a point-scoring machine. She attacks with power from both the front and back row and has no hesitation taking big swings in tight moments. She also plays assertive defense, which keeps her involved even when she's in the back court. Expect Beck to be South Prairie-Max's first option on Day One.   Kinley Schilla – Middle Schilla brings size and blocking presence. She closes the block well and forces opposing hitters into roll shots. Her offensive role will be crucial against Hazen's scrappy back court—if Schilla can find ways to score in the middle, South Prairie-Max becomes much harder to slow down.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hazen</h3>   Kinley Schilla – DS Hazen's version of Kinley Schilla brings defensive grit and sharp reading skills. She anticipates tips early and handles tough serves with confidence. Her consistency will be key to keeping Hazen in system against South Prairie-Max's strong serving unit.   [player_tooltip player_id='843568' first='Macey' last='Van Inwagen'] – Setter Van Inwagen is a creative setter who isn't afraid to vary tempo and location. She loves challenging blockers with quicks and pushing the ball pin-to-pin. Her ability to keep South Prairie-Max guessing will define Hazen's offensive success.   [player_tooltip player_id='844792' first='Tia' last='Klein'] – Right-Side Klein is Hazen's stabilizing force. Her right-side blocking could be the key to slowing Beck, and offensively she hits smart, high-IQ shots that force defenses to stay honest. In rotations where she matches up with Beck, the battle on the pin will be must-watch.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Valley City vs. Thompson</h1>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Valley City</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='727713' first='Kadie' last='Kocka'] – Outside Kocka is a firepower-driven outside who plays with confidence and poise. She takes fearless swings and has the ability to terminate in transition, which becomes crucial in tournament play. Thompson's strong defensive system will test her ability to hit angles and find hands.   [player_tooltip player_id='724946' first='Morgan' last='Larson'] – Outside Larson gives Valley City a strong secondary scoring option. She elevates well on the pin and keeps the ball in play when rallies extend. Larson's ability to pass in serve-receive also unlocks Valley City's ability to run middle tempo.   [player_tooltip player_id='883400' first='Brynn' last='Lueck'] – Setter Lueck runs a balanced offense with smart ball distribution. She's patient, skilled at reading blockers, and creates hittable windows for both outsides. Against Thompson, Lueck's ability to keep the defense moving laterally will be key.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thompson</h3>   Kya Hurst – Libero Hurst controls Thompson's back court with poise. She takes large chunks of serve-receive and rarely breaks platform angle under pressure. Her matchup with Kocka and Larson will be one of the defining storylines of this match.   [player_tooltip player_id='829501' first='Andie' last='Schwab'] – 6-Rotation Outside Schwab is one of the most complete outsides in the Class A field. She terminates, she digs, she serves tough, and she brings leadership through her consistency. Her ability to score from all zones will force Valley City to commit blockers to her side constantly.   [player_tooltip player_id='809954' first='Danica' last='Gross'] – Middle Gross brings physicality in the middle with strong blocking instincts and the ability to hit off one foot. If she can slow Valley City's outside attack, Thompson immediately takes control of the match. Her net presence is massive on Day One.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas

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