Photo by Sam Thiel The 2019 Yellow Medicine East volleyball team includes front row (L to R): Alli Steffen, Alexis Smith, Madison Hinz and Abby Jaenisch. Back Row (L to R): Yansi Flores, Jadyn Sakry, Sydnee Skjefte, Shelby Mortenson and Lily Jaenisch.

GRANITE FALLS – A lot was expected of the 2018 Yellow Medicine East volleyball team and by and large they delivered with an impressive 19-6 overall record and a 10-1 record in conference play. Though the Sting were unexpectedly bounced from the section playoffs in the first round, the disappointment has only served to fuel the team for an even deeper run in 2019.

Hoping to guide them there is first-year head coach Alyssa Johnson, who previously served as assistant coach of the Sting for six seasons. Johnson says she will look to seniors Abby Jaenisch and Madison Hinz to step up as team leaders, as they both possess a great deal of experience at the varsity level.

“Madison Hinz has been setting at the varsity level for five years now, and the way she leads, sees the floor and controls our offense will continue to be a strength of ours,” said Johnson. “This will be Abby Jaenisch’s 4th year playing at the varsity level as a defensive specialist and now libero, so her serve receive and defensive ability will help us greatly again this season.”

Even with experienced varsity players Hinz and Jaenisch leading the way, Johnson acknowledged that the team has large shoes to fill with the departure of last year’s seniors Meeghen Dahlager and Mackenzie Dyrdahl. Still, Johnson is confident that there are players willing and able to fill those roles.

“Those two were an integral part of our defense and offense last season, so we have some work to do as far as building trust amongst the six who are now on the floor and figuring out how we’re going to score our points,” said Johnson. “Fortunately, we have players who are hungry to fill these shoes.”

YME will open up the regular season with a road-matchup against Paynesville on Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. The Sting are scheduled to begin Camden Conference play the following week at home against Renville County West. Looking ahead, Johnson is approaching each and every game as a unique challenge.

“I think every team we compete against provides a challenge, and we’re going to have to be focused, self-disciplined, enthusiastic, and work hard to win each night,” said Johnson. “Minneota is always one of the toughest teams in our conference and section, and I think Canby and RTR will also have really nice squads this fall.”