Returning Prospects from 2019 1A State Title Match

<p>Minneota claimed another state championship in 2019 with a 3-0 sweep of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown. The Vikings’ relentless pressure and low-error execution was indicative of their season as they put together some of their best volleyball on the final weekend to maintain their dominance in class 1A. However, WEM had moments in which they were able to showcase their skills and athleticism that helped them reach the title match. For us volleyball fans the best part is that several key performers from this match representing both teams are set to return in 2020 and will certainly have these two teams among the early-season favorites. Here is a look at key returning prospects from these two teams:</p> <p><strong>Minneota</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72787" first="Abby" last="Frie"] - 2022 | 6’0 | MH</strong></p> <ul> <li>Frie is a key member of this offense as their best option from the middle. She has ability to score in front and behind the setter as she has good size and mobility. Some of her best contributions though come on the defensive side as she can put up a big block with quick hands and press across the tape. As Minneota typically has good ball control Frie should see continue to see ample offensive opportunities in 2020. </li> </ul> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72033" first="Abby" last="Hennen"] - 2021 | 5’7 | OH</strong></p> <ul> <li>Hennen has a big arm. A state tournament all-star, she is dynamic at the net as she can score points through a variety of options. Whether on the pin or a quick attack in the middle, she is versatile and tough to stop. A multi-sport athlete, she is a competitor and will return as the one of the most veteran leaders for this squad in 2020.</li> </ul> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72762" first="Natalee" last="Rolbiecki"] - 2022 | 5’9 | OH</strong></p> <ul> <li>Rolbiecki has received so many accolades throughout her career and certainly seen her fair share of coverage on Prep Dig. As she is a terrific attacker and blocker she also is a terrific defender in the back row as she can develop good range to dig the ball. A great leader and teammate as well, she does a lot of intangible things to support the Vikings’ effort whether its service pressure, hitter coverage, or flat out hustle. Its hard to believe she will just be a junior.</li> </ul> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72811" first="McKenna" last="Yost"] - 2022 | 5’8 | S</strong></p> <ul> <li>One of two setters that led this offense in 2019, Yost was a state tournament all-star selection. She has good command of this offense and does a great job of utilizing her attacker’s strengths and putting them in position to be successful at the net. She delivers an up tempo set to the pins when in system and involves her middles well in a variety of ways. She returns with increased leadership and experience that will absolutely have Minneota in the conversation for a three-peat.</li> </ul> <p><em>Other Key Minneota Returners</em></p> <ul> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72055" first="Ellie" last="Pesch"]</strong> - 2021 | L</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="73494" first="Ireland" last="Stassen"]</strong> - 2023 | S</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72825" first="McKenzie" last="Tolk"]</strong> - 2022 | DS</li> </ul> <p><strong>Waterville-Elysian-Morristown</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72080" first="Kylie" last="Pittman"] - 2021 | 5’9 | OH</strong></p> <ul> <li>Pittman was a key offensive factor for WEM and will return to her role as a primary left side attacker certain to get a lot of swings again in 2020. She has good athleticism and an aggressive arm. She is a six-rotation player and will contribute in a variety of ways. Increased awareness and arm control of the blockers in front of her will expand her range and create more opportunities for point scoring for her this fall. </li> </ul> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72056" first="Ellie" last="Ready"] 2021 | 5’5 | Setter</strong></p> <ul> <li>An all-state tournament selection, Ready is the floor leader of this offense. She has good extension and location with ability to set a full range of options. She moves around the floor with good quickness and balance to get her hands on the second touch so she can maximize her offensive options. Her distribution and ability to find balance in their offense this fall will be important as they will be replacing two good middles. She has the skills and veteran experience to get all these parts performing well together. </li> </ul> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71956" first="Toryn" last="Richards"] - 2021 | 5’10 | OH</strong></p> <ul> <li>Richards is a terrific athlete and was both an all-state and all-state tournament selection 2019. She jumps extremely well and can bring a lot of power with her arm. A dynamic attacker she can score from a variety of locations and with good range. She combines with Pittman to form a great pin hitter duo that will be relied upon a lot in 2020. With the graduation of a great middle tandem, WEM will need to get some production there in order to take some of the attention away from Richards. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Autumn Taylor - 2021 | 5’4 | L</strong></p> <ul> <li>This team’s libero last year, Taylor’s increased experience on the biggest stage should benefit her and her team well. She has good quickness and will increase her production and effectiveness with improved vision and reaction with her first step in serve receive and defense. She can create good pressure from the service line and this will be important to get the opponent’s offense out of system to make her job in the back row easier. </li> </ul> <p><em>Other Key WEM Returners</em></p> <ul> <li>Lindsay Condon - 2021 | RS</li> <li>Allison Rients - 2021 | DS</li> </ul>