State Tournament Set: SD Class AA Who You Need 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>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/11/image_8fe644.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-906478" /></figure>   Thursday kicks off a jam-packed slate in Class AA as South Dakota begins its three-day push to crown a state champion. The bracket is loaded, the margins are thin, and every team walking into the PREMIER Center knows that postseason volleyball is a different game. Rotations tighten. Serves get tougher. Defensive schemes sharpen. And the teams that can handle the pressure in first-ball contact and win the long rallies are the ones that survive.   Harrisburg enters with history on the line, chasing a fourth straight title—an incredible run built on discipline, firepower, and championship-level composure. But the field is deep, and there are plenty of teams ready to disrupt the Tigers' dynasty and write their own story.   The best part? The moment that whistle blows, it becomes a brand-new season. Records reset. Momentum shifts. Anything can happen.   And yes—we'll be locked in, streaming every point, because this is the kind of volleyball you simply don't miss.   Before the first serve even goes up, one thing is already clear: this year's Class AA field is stacked with game-changers. Every team entering the state tournament brings a core group of athletes who can flip momentum, command the pace, and take over a set with a single rotation. These are the players who have carried their teams through the grind of the regular season, elevated in pressure moments, and now step onto the state stage ready to make their mark. From elite six-rotation outsides and lockdown liberos to setters who run the show with precision, the talent pool is loaded. Here are the players we cannot wait to watch as the chase for the state title begins.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Harrisburg </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='536783' first='Gabi' last='Zachariasen'] – Outside Hitter Zachariasen is the type of six-rotation outside who elevates her game exactly when the lights get brighter. Harrisburg leans heavily on her ball control in serve-receive, but it's her ability to score out-of-system that makes her so dangerous. When the Tigers are in scramble mode, Zachariasen becomes their stabilizer—smart with her shot selection, fearless with her line swing, and capable of beating a double block. Expect her to be at the heart of every momentum run Harrisburg makes.   [player_tooltip player_id='809729' first='Kya' last='Keegan'] – Middle/Right-Side Blocker At 6'4", Keegan is the matchup problem nobody wants to solve. Her lateral speed across the net and her timing on the block can erase an opponent's best hitter. Whether she's fronting the middle or setting up on the pin, Keegan creates chaos for opposing attackers who are used to seeing the court—because with her, that court shrinks dramatically. Look for her to impact this tournament first with her block and then with her fast-tempo offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels'] – Setter Samuels is the definition of a floor general. Her tempo is quick, her decision-making is poised, and she knows exactly when to spread the offense or when to feed the hot hand. Under pressure, her calm demeanor is one of Harrisburg's greatest assets. Expect Samuels to run a balanced offense built on speed and unpredictability—especially in transition, where Harrisburg thrives.   [player_tooltip player_id='764763' first='Lindsay' last='Langner'] – Libero Langner is the kind of libero who wins you matches without ever needing the spotlight. Her platform is clean, her angles are precise, and her motor never dips. In long rallies, she becomes the one Harrisburg depends on to keep balls off the floor. Expect her to shine in the back row battle—reading hitters early, controlling seams, and giving her setter the perfect first-ball contact that turns into points.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mitchell </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='765211' first='Kenna' last='Soulek'] – Defensive Specialist Soulek's defensive range has been a difference-maker all season. She reads the attackers well and isn't afraid to throw her body into any play. At state, expect her to be Mitchell's sparkplug—especially behind the service line, where she can put teams out of system for extended stretches.   Addie Siemsen – Setter Siemsen runs a steady, disciplined offense with a high volleyball IQ. Her connection with her middles is strong, and she isn't afraid to run the slide or feed the pipe when she sees a mismatch. Mitchell will rely heavily on her ability to stay composed and keep their offense balanced on the big stage.   [player_tooltip player_id='829887' first='Audrey' last='Miller'] – Outside Hitter Miller is pure firepower. When Mitchell needs a point, they look her direction. Her heavy arm combined with her ability to tool the block makes her one of the tournament's most intriguing outsides. Look for her to take big swings in big moments.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sioux Falls Lincoln </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='802191' first='Julia' last='Blom'] – Libero One of the cleanest passing liberos in the field, Blom brings stability to every rotation. Expect her to anchor Lincoln's serve-receive and extend rallies with her elite ball control.   [player_tooltip player_id='790239' first='Mallory' last='Schneider'] – Setter Schneider runs a fast offense and thrives in tempo. Her ability to make tough sets look routine allows Lincoln's attackers to stay aggressive. Expect sharp decision-making under pressure.   [player_tooltip player_id='766274' first='Camila' last='Langenfeld'] – Outside Hitter Langenfeld is a high-volume scorer with a fearless approach. She swings hard, she swings often, and she loves taking big rips in clutch situations. Her competitiveness alone makes her a player to watch.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Watertown </h2>   Andi Olson – DS Olson is a gritty defender who isn't afraid to take the toughest servers. Expect her to shine in serve-receive and give Watertown consistent first-ball contact.   Kynsee Russell – Setter Russell distributes the ball with confidence and has the kind of court awareness that keeps blockers guessing. Watertown will rely on her to maintain rhythm and push the tempo.   [player_tooltip player_id='829565' first='Anna' last='Hirtz'] – Outside Hitter A shot-maker with a smooth arm, Hirtz is the key to Watertown's offensive pressure. Expect her to attack from all zones and be a scoring threat in tight sets.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brandon Valley </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='725206' first='Mya' last='VanWesten'] – Libero One of the most athletic liberos in the tournament, VanWesten covers the entire back row with ease. Expect her to turn potential kills into playable balls and control the serve-receive lanes.   [player_tooltip player_id='833091' first='Jayaunna' last='Stroh'] – Outside Hitter Stroh brings physicality and confidence on the pin. She can go high hands, hit seam, or bury it cross. She will carry a big offensive load for BV.   [player_tooltip player_id='728032' first='Logan' last='McGuire'] – Setter McGuire is a high-energy setter who loves speeding up the offense. Look for her to establish her middles early before opening up the pins late in sets.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sioux Falls Washington </h2>   Emily Akkerman – Setter Akkerman runs a clean, well-structured offense with impressive consistency. Expect her to lean on tempo and aggressive second-touch decisions when needed.   [player_tooltip player_id='805799' first='Jade' last='Jere'] – Outside Hitter Explosive and dynamic, Jere can take over sets with her athleticism. Washington will depend on her to generate points in transition and at critical moments.   [player_tooltip player_id='794375' first='Hannah' last='Nesdahl'] – DS Nesdahl brings grit and discipline to the back row. Expect her to be a difference-maker in serve-receive stability and defensive coverage.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">O'Gorman </h2>   Katie McKay – Libero McKay's passing platform is as reliable as it comes. She reads the game extremely well, bringing poise to every defensive rotation. Expect her to keep O'Gorman in system all tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='742823' first='Londyn' last='Smith'] – Setter Smith is a dynamic setter with strong hands and a competitive edge. She loves to push the tempo, especially when O'Gorman is firing on all cylinders. She will dictate the Knights' offensive pace.   [player_tooltip player_id='725174' first='Makenzie' last='Walsh'] – Right Side Walsh is a strong blocker and a capable point scorer on the right pin. Expect her to match up with the opposing outsides and swing confidently in transition.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sioux Falls Jefferson </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='731835' first='Sienna' last='Sabers'] – Outside Hitter Sabers is electric—high contact point, fearless swings, and elite competitiveness. Jefferson will lean on her to be a go-to scorer in every rotation.   [player_tooltip player_id='758371' first='Olivia' last='Wachal'] – Setter Wachal brings consistency and creativity. She runs a smooth offense and knows how to get her hitters one-on-one. Expect her to stay composed under pressure.   [player_tooltip player_id='807166' first='Riley' last='Fodness'] – Defensive Specialist Fodness plays with energy and grit. She'll be key in serve-receive consistency and extending rallies against high-powered offenses.

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