VERMILLION — The goal for theVermillion club girls’ soccer team in 2009is simple: Go from worst to first.

Last year, the Tanagers finished 0-8-1overall, marking their first year not com-peting at the high school tournament inAberdeen.

And although Vermillion loses two let-terwinners from a year ago, the Tanagersreturn 12 letterwinners, including five sen-iors. It’ll be up to these veterans to leadthe way for the younger players.

“This season, we’re going to be lean-ing on our leadership,” head coach DaveLaCombe said. “They will instill into theyounger players what we’ll need tobecome a winning and successful team.That’s a trait hard to find.”

Vermillion will look to MeganBottolfson (Sr.), Tasha Donnelly (Sr.),Lacey Leichtnam (Sr.), Hannah Nehlich-Arobba (Sr.), Sophie Nehlich-Arobba (Sr.),as well as Morgan Erickson (Jr.).

Joining them will be other returningletterwinners Ashley Brunick (So.), ShelbyGregoire (So.), Stacy Hirsch (So.), TracyHowe (So.), Katie Wasley (So.), as well asKelsey Meadows (Fr.).

“I expect great things from all myreturning players,” LaCombe said. “We’regoing to have to depend on Megan,Morgan and Ashley for scoring this sea-son.”

Also figuring to contribute this seasonwill be Jordyn Mockler (So.), and first-yearplayers Alexis Reich, Teddie Settles, ToriShelby, Cheyenne Steenken, Kortni Walkerand Megan Zimiga.

LaCombe said he expects Harrisburgand St. Thomas More to again be top con-tenders across the state.

“It was very disappointing (last year),but it allowed the girls to look ahead and

challenge themselves to not repeat thesame season,” LaCombe said. “The goalnow is to go from worst to first.”

Freeman Academy BoysCOACH: Nathan Epp (7th year)VITALS: I-90 ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Bobcats (11-4-1) lost to

Sioux Falls Christian in the championship game ofthe state tournament. Freeman Academy won thesportsmanship award at the tourney.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Richard Friesen(Sr., D), Carl Lehmann (Sr., M), Aaron Tschetter(Sr., D), Andre Eisenbeis (Jr., M), Clint Basselman(Jr., G)

ALSO RETURNING: Kenny Birkey (Sr., M),Caleb Gladder (Jr., M), Caleb Epp (Jr., D), BenCarlson (Fr., D), Chris Miller (Fr., F)

NEWCOMER: Tristan Ashwell (8th, F)ASSESSMENT: After coming one win shy of a

state championship, Freeman Academy is lookingto return to that level of competitiveness this sea-son. The Bobcats return three senior letterwinners,and a pair of juniors.

“We’ll be very young, but we have some tal-ented players that we hope develop quickly,” Eppsaid. “We need to also have some young playersstep up to fill in for last year’s seniors.”

Valley Conf. Tourn. (Niobrara, Verdigre); Northeast Neb. ActivitiesConf. Tourn. (Creighton, Crofton, Laurel-Concord, Randolph);Andes Central at Gregory; Canistota vs. Irene-Wakonda at Wakonda;Dakota Valley at Tea; Dell Rapids at Beresford; Freeman at Marion;Gayville-Volin at Avon; Harrisburg at Vermillion; Howard at Parker;Hurley at Alcester-Hudson; Menno at Scotland; Oldham-Ramona-Rutland at Freeman Academy; Parkston at Madison; Tripp-Delmont-Armour at Ethan; Wagner vs. South Central at Bonesteel

VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, MMSS YMS Tourn. (4 p.m.)TTuueessddaayy,, OOccttoobbeerr 2277

FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. First RoundSSOOCCCCEERR,, MMEENN’’SS York at MMC (4 p.m.)SSOOCCCCEERR,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS York at MMC (2 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Lewis & Clark Conf. Tourn. (Allen,

Bloomfield, Coleridge, Hartington, Newcastle, Wausa, Wynot); Mid-State Conf. at Battle Creek and Madison (Hartington CC); NiobraraValley Conf. Tourn. (Niobrara, Verdigre); Northeast Neb. ActivitiesConf. Tourn. (Creighton, Crofton, Laurel-Concord, Randolph)

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, OOccttoobbeerr 2288VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Dakota Wesleyan at MMC (7:30

p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS JJVV Dakota Wesleyan at MMC (6

p.m.)TThhuurrssddaayy,, OOccttoobbeerr 2299

CCHHEEEERR && DDAANNCCEE,, PPRREEPP S.F. Lincoln Inv. (YHS, Centerville,Platte-Geddes, 5:30 p.m.)

FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Neb. First RoundSSOOCCCCEERR,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS USD at Utah Valley (4 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Utah Valley at USD (7 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP YHS at S.F. O’Gorman (7 p.m.); Crow

Creek at Marty; Dell Rapids at Dakota Valley (Sr. Night); Vermillionat Elk Point-Jefferson; Viborg at Marion

VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, JJVV YHS at S.F. O’Gorman (4:30 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, SSOOPPHH YHS at S.F. O’Gorman (5:45 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, 99TTHH YHS at S.F. O’Gorman (4:30 p.m.)

FFrriiddaayy,, OOccttoobbeerr 3300BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Midland Lutheran Classic (MMC

vs. Bethel, Ind., 5:30 p.m., KVHT-FM)SSWWIIMMMMIINNGG && DDIIVVIINNGG,, WWOOMMEENN Iowa State at USD (6 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS MMC at Dordt (7:30 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS JJVV MMC at Dordt (6 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Lewis & Clark Conf. Tourn. (Allen,

Bloomfield, Coleridge, Hartington, Newcastle, Wausa, Wynot);Niobrara Valley Conf. Tourn. at O’Neill (Niobrara, Verdigre);Northeast Neb. Activities Conf. Tourn. (Creighton, Crofton, Laurel-Concord, Randolph)

SSaattuurrddaayy,, OOccttoobbeerr 3311BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Midland Lutheran Classic (MMC

vs. Johnson & Wales, 1 p.m., KVHT-FM)CCRROOSSSS CCOOUUNNTTRRYY,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE Great West Conf. at Newark,

N.J. (USD)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE USD at Northern Colorado (2:30 p.m.,

KYNT-AM; KYBB-FM)SSOOCCCCEERR,, MMEENN’’SS MMC at Nebraska Wesleyan (8 p.m.)SSOOCCCCEERR,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS USD at Houston Baptist (1 p.m.); MMC

at Nebraska Wesleyan (6 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Sioux Falls at MMC (3 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS JJVV Sioux Falls at MMC (1:30 p.m.)

NovemberMMoonnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 22

BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS Dakota State at MMC (7:30 p.m.,KVHT-FM)

FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. QuarterfinalsVVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Neb. Sub-Districts — C1-9 at Norfolk

(Crofton); C2-6 at O’Neill (Creighton, Hartington CC, Laurel-Concord); D1-6 at Winnebago (Allen); D1-8 at Wausa (Bloomfield,Hartington, Randolph); D2-4 at Hartington (Coleridge, Newcastle,Santee, Wausa, Wynot); D2-5 at Stuart (Niobrara, Verdigre)

TTuueessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 33BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS JJVV MMC at Northeast CC (6 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. Districts — 10A (Bon Homme,

Parkston, Wagner); 13A (Platte-Geddes); 7B at Marion (Hurley,Marion, Parker); 8B at Centerville (Alcester-Hudson, Centerville,Gayville-Volin, Irene-Wakonda, Viborg); 11B at Freeman (Avon,Freeman, Freeman Academy, Menno, Scotland); 12B (AndesCentral, Marty, Tripp-Delmont-Armour); Neb. Sub-Districts — C1-9at Norfolk (Crofton); C2-6 at O’Neill (Creighton, Hartington CC,Laurel-Concord); D1-6 at Winnebago (Allen); D1-8 at Wausa(Bloomfield, Hartington, Randolph); D2-4 at Hartington (Coleridge,Newcastle, Santee, Wausa, Wynot); D2-5 at Stuart (Niobrara,Verdigre); Tea Area at Elk Point-Jefferson

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 44BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS JJVV MMC at Northeast CC (7:30 p.m.)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Neb. Second RoundVVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS GPAC First Round

TThhuurrssddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 55SSOOCCCCEERR,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Great West Conf. Tourn. at Newark, N.J.

(USD)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS USD at New Jersey Tech (6 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. Districts — 2AA (YHS); 8A at Elk

Point (Beresford, Dakota Valley, Elk Point-Jefferson, Vermillion);10A (Bon Homme, Parkston, Wagner); 13A (Platte-Geddes); 7B atMarion (Hurley, Marion, Parker); 8B at Centerville (Alcester-Hudson,Centerville, Gayville-Volin, Irene-Wakonda, Viborg); 11B at Freeman(Avon, Freeman, Freeman Academy, Menno, Scotland); 12B (AndesCentral, Marty, Tripp-Delmont-Armour); Neb. Districts

FFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 66BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS MMC at Black Hills State (8:30 p.m.,

KVHT-FM)BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS MMC at Black Hills State (6:30

p.m., KVHT-FM)

CCHHEEEERR && DDAANNCCEE,, PPRREEPP Eastern South Dakota Conf.Championships at Huron (YHS, 6:30 p.m.); Gregory Inv. (Platte-Geddes)

SSOOCCCCEERR,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Great West Conf. Tourn. at Newark, N.J.(USD)

SSWWIIMMMMIINNGG && DDIIVVIINNGG,, WWOOMMEENN Northern Iowa at USD (6p.m.)

VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Neb. Districts; S.D. Districts — 8A atElk Point (Beresford, Dakota Valley, Elk Point-Jefferson, Vermillion);7B at Marion (Hurley, Marion, Parker); 8B at Centerville (Alcester-Hudson, Centerville, Gayville-Volin, Irene-Wakonda, Viborg); 11B atFreeman (Avon, Freeman, Freeman Academy, Menno, Scotland)

SSaattuurrddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 77BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS MMC at S.D. Tech (7 p.m., KVHT-FM)BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS MMC at S.D. Tech (5 p.m., KVHT-

FM)CCRROOSSSS CCOOUUNNTTRRYY,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE Great Plains Athletic Conf. at

Fremont, Neb. (MMC)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE Southern Utah at USD (4:05 p.m.,

KYNT-AM; KYBB-FM)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. SemifinalsSSOOCCCCEERR,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Great West Conf. Tourn. at Newark, N.J.

(USD)SSWWIIMMMMIINNGG && DDIIVVIINNGG,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE USD at Nebraska (1 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS GPAC Quarterfinals; USD at

Chicago State (3 p.m.)SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 88

SSOOCCCCEERR,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Great West Conf. Tourn. at Newark, N.J.(USD)

MMoonnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 99BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS JJVV Sioux Falls at MMC (7:45 p.m.)BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS JJVV Sioux Falls at MMC (6 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Drake at USD (6 p.m.)

TTuueessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1100FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Neb. QuarterfinalsVVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. Districts — 2AA (YHS); S.D.

Regions — 4A at District 8A Champs; 5A at District 10A Champs;7A; 4B at District 7B Champs; 6B

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1111VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS GPAC Semifinals

TThhuurrssddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1122BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS JJVV MMC at Dordt (7 p.m.)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. State Finals at VermillionSSWWIIMMMMIINNGG && DDIIVVIINNGG,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE USD at Wisconsin-Green

Bay (7 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Neb. State Volleyball at Lincoln

FFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1133BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS Briar Cliff Classic (MMC vs. Ashford,

5:30 p.m., KVHT-FM); Duel In The Desert Classic at Lubbock, Texas(USD vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi)

BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Valley City State at MMC (6 p.m.)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. State Finals at VermillionSSWWIIMMMMIINNGG && DDIIVVIINNGG,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE Border Battle at Stevens

Point, Wis. (5 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. Regions — 1AA (YHS); Neb. State

Volleyball at LincolnSSaattuurrddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1144

BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS Briar Cliff Classic (MMC vs. Clark, 2p.m., KVHT-FM); Duel In The Desert Classic at Lubbock, Texas(USD vs. Oregon State)

BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Jamestown at MMC (2 p.m.)CCHHEEEERR && DDAANNCCEE,, PPRREEPP S.D. State Finals at Brandon (noon)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE USD at Cal Poly (8:05 p.m., KYNT-AM;

KYBB-FM)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. State Finals at VermillionSSWWIIMMMMIINNGG && DDIIVVIINNGG,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE Border Battle at Stevens

Point, Wis. (10 a.m.)SSWWIIMMMMIINNGG,, YYOOUUTTHH Yankton Early Bird MeetVVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS GPAC Championship; USD at North

Dakota (7 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Neb. State Volleyball at Lincoln

SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1155BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS Duel In The Desert Classic at Lubbock,

Texas (USD vs. Texas Tech)BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS USD vs. Wisconsin-Green Bay at

Sioux Falls (2 p.m.)MMoonnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1166

BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS JJVV Dakota Wesleyan at MMC (7 p.m.)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Neb. Semifinals (D1/D2)

TTuueessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1177BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS MMC at York (5:30 p.m., KVHT-

FM)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Neb. Semifinals (C1/C2)

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1188BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS MMC at Northern State (7 p.m., KVHT-

FM)TThhuurrssddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1199

BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS JJVV MMC at Dakota Wesleyan (6

p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. State Class AA Tourn. at Brookings;

S.D. State Class A/B Tourn. at WatertownFFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2200

BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS Mayville State at USD (7 p.m.)DDIIVVIINNGG,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE USD at Minn. State-Mankato (6 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Great West Conf. Tourn. at

Houston (USD)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. State Class AA Tourn. at Brookings;

S.D. State Class A/B Tourn. at WatertownSSaattuurrddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2211

BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS Concordia at MMC (4 p.m., KVHT-FM)BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS JJVV Independents vs. MMC (11:30 a.m.

p.m.)BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Concordia at MMC (2 p.m., KVHT-

FM)BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS JJVV Concordia at MMC (11:45 a.m.)CCRROOSSSS CCOOUUNNTTRRYY,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE NAIA National Meet at

Vancouver, Wash.SSWWIIMMMMIINNGG && DDIIVVIINNGG,, CCOOLLLLEEGGEE USD at Minn. State-

Mankato (1 p.m.)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Great West Conf. Tourn. at

Houston (USD)VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP S.D. State Class AA Tourn. at Brookings;

S.D. State Class A/B Tourn. at WatertownMMoonnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2233

BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS JJVV MMC at Northwestern (7:45 p.m.)BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS JJVV MMC at Northwestern (6 p.m.)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Neb. State Finals at Lincoln (D2/D1)

TTuueessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2244BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, MMEENN’’SS Northwestern at MMC (8 p.m., KVHT-

FM); USD at MarquetteBBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, WWOOMMEENN’’SS Northwestern at MMC (6 p.m.,

KVHT-FM); Iowa Wesleyan at USD (7 p.m.)FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, PPRREEPP Neb. State Finals at Lincoln (C2/C1)

Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan n Fall Sports 2009www.yankton.net PAGE 9

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Sept. 4 South Central @ BonesteelSept. 11 AvonSept. 18 Tripp-Delmont/Armour @ ArmourSept. 25 Marty Indian SchoolOct. 2 Andes CentralOct. 9 Irene- Wakonda @ WakondaOct. 16 Gayville-Volin @ GayvilleOct. 22 Viborg

SCOTLANDVARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Sept. 1 @ ViborgSept. 8 Centerville/Gayville-VolinSept. 12 @ Platte - TournamentSept. 14 FreemanSept. 15 @ Andes CentralSept. 22 MarionSept. 24 @ EthanSept. 29 @ AvonOct. 1 @ ParkstonOct. 3 @ Marion - TournamentOct. 6 @ WagnerOct. 8 ParkerOct. 13 Bon HommeOct. 15 Armour/Tripp-Delmont @ TrippOct. 19 HansonOct. 23 Irene-WakondaOct. 24 @ Platte

SESD Conference TourneyOct. 26 MennoNov. 3 11B Tournament @ FreemanNov. 5 11B Tournament @ FreemanNov. 6 11B Tournament @ Freeman

CALENDARFrom Page 8

ASSISTANTS: Paula Steffen, Kelsey ArensVITALS: Class C-2, Mid-States ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Lady Trojans finished 14-14

and graduated five seniors.RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Madison Becker

(Sr., S), Shelby Neuhalfen (Sr., MH), Molly Dickes(Sr., OH/MH), Jillian Feilmeier (Sr., OH), AlyssaSteffen (Sr., OH), Dana Dickes (Jr., MH), Tracy Peitz(Jr., OH), Kendra Lammers (Jr., S)

ALSO RETURNING: Shanna Leise (Jr.), MollieSchieffer (Jr.), Kendra Arens (Jr.), Nancee Dendinger(Jr.), Miranda Becker (Jr.), Hannah Schrempp (Jr.),Megan Kaiser (So.), Breanna Becker (So.), McKaePinkelman (So.)

NEWCOMERS: Lexi Steffen (Fr.), Natalie Arens(Fr.), Katelyn Dickes (Fr.), Morgan Steffen (Fr.), EmilySchrempp (Fr.), Liz Steffen (Fr.), Maggie Steffen (Fr.),Siera Becker (Fr.), Erin Hochstein (Fr.)

ASSESSMENT: With five seniors and a strongjunior class that includes a pair of all-conference hon-orees, Cedar Catholic has the experience necessary toimprove on last year’s 14-14 record.

Junior Dana Dickes was named first team All-Mid States Conference last year, while fellow juniorearned honorable mention accolades. HartingtonCedar Catholic will play for first-year head coachJamie Backstrom.

“We have young talent, as a new coach, I lookforward to bringing fresh ideas to this team,”Backstrom said. “Our keys will be communicationand teamwork.”

Laurel-ConcordCOACH: Patti Cunningham (16th year) ASSISTANTS: Shelley GroeneVITALS: Class C-2, District C2-6, Northeast

Nebraska Athletics ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Lady Bears finished their sea-

son 15-12 including the post-season. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Taryn Dahlquist

(Sr., MB), Emma Engelbretson (Jr., MB), Ashley Lunz(Jr., DS), Leanna Gubbels (Jr., OH), ChelseyWolfgram (Jr., OH), Amy Pritchard (So., OH), MandyNelson (So., OH), Jade Christiansen (So., S), AudryKastrup (So., L), Lexi White (So., OH)

ALSO RETURNING: Nicole Nitz (So., S), TaylorLinn (So., MB), Carrie Dahlquist (So., MB), MeganHartman (Jr., OH), Blair Madsen (Jr., OH)

NEWCOMERS: Kiley Thompson (Fr., OH/S),Cassie Camezind (Fr., S), Erica Brandon (Fr., MB),Demi Schulte (Fr., MB), Devin Horschma (Fr., OH),Lexy Camezind (Fr., OH)

ASSESSMENT: The Lady Bears enter the 2009season with a chance to have another solid year.

The Bears will be led by lone senior TarynDahlquist who 250 kills last season.

The strength of this year’s team comes throughthe sophomore class. Setter Jade Cunningham fin-ished her freshman season with 695 set assists. AmyPritchard finished her freshman year with 166 kills.

Coming out strong could be a key forCunningham’s team. The Bears have an immediatehurdle to overcome with their first four matchesbeing on the road.

NewcastleCOACH: Robin Mohr (17th year)ASSISTANTS: Tyler Williamson, Brittney PetersVITALS: Class D-2, Lewis and Clark Conference

LAST YEAR: The Raiders finished second in theLewis and Clark Conference and would later lose insubdistrict action. Gone from that team are JuliaMohr and Brittney Peters.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Taylor Pollard(Sr., RH), Abbey Lowe (Sr., MH), Ann Kneifl (Sr.,Libero), Alex Olsen (Jr., OH), Kelei Kneifl (Jr., OH/S),Hanna Conrad (Jr., RH/OH), Sheila Sorenson (Jr., OH)

NEWCOMERS: Devin Jacobs (Fr., MH), LaurenMetzger (Fr., S), Emilee Schmidt (Fr., OH)

ASSESSMENT: All-conference and All-State hon-oree Taylor Pollard will lead the Raiders, who arelooking to make a playoff run in 2009. Any successNewcastle has this season will depend on the contri-butions on the team’s other two seniors and a groupof five other juniors who return from last year.

“Passing is the key for us, along with defense,”Mohr said. “We should be a solid club.”

NiobraraCOACH: Kandi Eisenhauer (11th year)ASSISTANT: Tara HoppingVITALS: Class D-2, Niobrara Valley ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Lions were 1-19 last season.RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brittany Sage

(Sr.), Kim Proctor (Sr.), Marissa Stark (Jr.), TaneshaSutta (So.), Crystal Coutts (So.), Samantha Beaudette(So.)

ALSO RETURNING: Robyn Klug (Sr.), ChelseyThomson (Jr.), Savannah Reynolds (So.)

NEWCOMERS: Mackenzie Rettig (Fr.), CyrinaForman (Fr.), Shelby McCardle (Fr.), Racyn Gonzalez(Fr.), Breann Minarik (Fr.)

ASSESSMENT: Led by the efforts of two seniors,the Lions will look to reverse its recent volleyballtrends. Niobrara has posted back-to-back one-winseasons. But with a veteran group of returning letter-winners, the 2009 season looks more promising.

“Our keys are hardwork, good attitudes and fix-ing what needs to be fixed,” Eisenhauer said.

RandolphCOACH: Tara HillmanASSISTANTS: Mary Miller, Joe GreonVITALS: Class D-1, Northeast Nebraska Activities

ConferenceRETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kristy Owens (Sr.,

OH), Brandi Sullivan (Sr., MB), Hannah Janssen (Sr.,S/RS), Taylor Conner (Jr., S), Cali Wurdinger (Jr.,MB), Lacey Thies (Jr., OH), Kati Lackas (Jr., Libero)

ASSESSMENT: The Cardinals will look to sevenreturning letterwinners, including three seniors andfour juniors. It’s that experience at the varsity levelthat has Randolph optimistic for 2009.

“The squad has many returning varsity playersand dedicated members,” Hillman said. “We’re hop-ing to greatly improve our game and record this sea-son.”

Verdigre COACH: Patrick Svec (14th year)ASSISTANT: Regina PaeslVITALS: Class D-2, Niobrara Valley ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Lady Hawks finished with a 5-

17 record.RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Angela Boggs

(Sr., OH), Amanda Grim (Sr., S), Macey Liska (Sr.,OH), Caroline Cook (Jr., MH), Brianna Hamilton (Jr.,OH)

ASSESSMENT: The senior trio of Angela Boggs,Amanda Grim and Macey Liska will lead a Verdigreroster that only features 14 members. Yet, the experi-ence of the team’s returning letterwinners should pro-pel the Lady Hawks to an improvement on last year’s5-17 record.

“The girls are optimistic about the upcoming

season, and are ready to go out and prove to every-one that they can compete in the NVC,” Svec said.“Our roster is small, so they are going to get lots ofcourt time, and should improve with each practiceand game.”

The always-tough NVC features last year’s statechampion Ewing, as well as state runner-upChambers.

WausaCOACH: Greg Conn (25th year)ASSISTANT: Dawn FriedrichVITALS: Class D-2, District D2-4, Lewis and

Clark ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Lady Vikings (9-11) had a 3-4

mark in league play and advanced to the district tour-nament. Gone are five players, including all-confer-ence honorees Savannah Wakeley and TiAndraWilken.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Emily Anderson(Sr., S), Stephanie Banks (Sr., LS), Laura Claussen(Sr., MH), Leslie Kumm (Jr., Libero), Kayla Munten(Jr., RS), Peyton Swanson (Jr., MH)

ALSO RETURNING: Toni Lange (Jr., S), MichelleHaselhorst (So., LS), Kourtany Albrecht (So., LS),Keesha McQuay (So., RS), Kaity Rischmueller (So.,LS)

NEWCOMERS: Kaity Knox (Sr., OH), AlexCunningham (Fr., OH), Abby Hegge (Fr., OH), SamKey (Fr., RS)

ASSESSMENT: Led by senior all-conference hon-oree Emily Anderson, the Lady Vikings have a solidnucleus of experienced players who will look to fillthe void by Wausa’s graduated seniors. SeniorsStephanie Banks and Laura Claussen will also becounted on for leadership roles in 2009.

“We have some big shoes to fill, but we havesome very experienced kids back,” Conn said. “Wejust have to be consistent with our offense and keepthe temp of the matches on our side. Defense will bea major key as well.”

WynotCOACH: Tammy Wieseler (6th year)ASSISTANTS: Marissa Sims, Janice HigginsVITALS: Class D-2, District D2-4, Lewis and

Clark ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Blue Devils (21-3) won the

Lewis and Clark Conference title for the first time in30 years with a perfect 4-0 record. But Wynot wasdefeated by Coleridge in the sub-district finals. Gonefrom that team are two letterwinners.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ashley Schmidt(Sr., MH), Sarah Schulte (Sr., MH), Karley Jackson(Sr., OH), Heather Koch (Sr., DS), Nicolette Kuchta(Sr., OH), Shelby Wieseler (So., S), Bailey Kuchta(So., OH)

ALSO RETURNING: Cassie Schmidt (Sr., OH),Brittney Heine (Jr., OH), Falon Goetz (Jr., LH), NicoleHans (Jr., MH), Katie Savoy (So., OH/S), Heidi Klug(So., MH), Haley Gowery (So., OH/MH)

NEWCOMERS: Erica Burbach (Fr.), KelseyHiggins (Fr.), Nicole Pinkelman (Fr.), Camie Wiepen(Fr.), Angelique Stapport (Fr.), Megan Koch (Fr.), SamWieseler (Fr.), Zoey Heimes (Fr.), Ashley Schmidt(Fr.), Shelby Hochstein (Fr.), Taylor Laver (Fr.)

ASSESSMENT: Following the school’s first volley-ball conference title in 30 years, the Blue Devilsreturn seven letterwinners who gained valuable expe-rience in 2008. Leading the way this year are seniorsAshley Schmidt and Sarah Schulte, who both earnedall-conference honorable mentions accolades.

“We have experience and height with the girlswe have this year,” Wieseler said. “We just need tostay healthy and win games early to build confi-dence.”

VERMILLION — Over the past fouryears, the Vermillion Tanagers have beenamong the state’s best when it comes toboys golf.

The Tanagers earned back-to-back run-ner-up finishes in 2005 and 2006, followedby a Class A state title in 2007. And lastyear, Vermillion again finished second,behind state champion Sioux FallsChristian.

Leading the way for Vermillion at lastyear’s state tournament was Aaron Steele,who finished fourth. Cole Andre finished23rd, while Jake Hogen was 25th and EricUstad was 30th.

And this year, the Tanagers returnSteele, Andre and Ustad — who are allseniors this season.

“We have three solid seniors, but we’llhave to secure a fourth and fifth position,”head coach Kirk Hogen said.

Figuring to compete for those finalspots will be Patrick Haught (Sr.), ZachMcDonald (Jr.) and Mitchell Nelson (So.).

Dakota ValleyCOACH: Paula WilsonVITALS: Class A, Big Sioux ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Panthers qualified five

golfers for the Class A state tournament and fin-ished ninth. Gone are Kyle Hooks and Josh Oakley

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Taylor White(Jr.), Eliot Bacon (Jr.), Keegan Johnson (So.)

TOP PROSPECTS: Joey Feilmeier (Jr.), TaylorMennenga (So.), Blake Nesje (So.), Zach Selby(So.), Anthony Roeber (So.), Dylan Strickholm(So.), Ben Williams (8th), Peyton Sanders (8th),

Thomas High (8th)ASSESSMENT: Dakota Valley returns five

golfers who competed at the state meet, includingTaylor White (t-19th), Eliot Bacon, Josh Oakley,Keegan Johnson and Kyle Hooks.

Also joining the fray will be a group of nineother golfers who figure to compete for varsitytime.

ParkstonCOACH: Tyler Hockett (2nd year)VITALS: Class A, Southeast South Dakota

ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Trojans finished 13th at the

Class A state tournament. Gone from that team arethree golfers.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Beau Dehrend(Sr.), Dillen Lideman (Sr.), Blake Proehl (Jr.),Sterling Kinnederg (So.), Ryan Alley (Fr.), JakeWeder (8th), Ty Kinnederg (7th)

ASSESSMENT: Parkston will lean on the statetournament experience gained by senior BeauDehrend and sophomore Sterling Kinnederg froma year ago. A group of other five returning letter-winners will look to keep Parkston competitivethroughout the season.

“We just need to be patient and have consis-tent practice showings,” Hockett said.

WagnerCOACH: Jim Jaeger (1st year)VITALS: Class A, Region 3ARETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jonathon Cuka

(Sr.), Jon Bouza (Sr.), Branson Tolliver (So.), JonBouza (So.)

ASSESSMENT: With just four members out forgolf this season, Wagner will lean heavily on itstwo seniors to lead the way in 2009. If the twosophomores can contribute, the Red Raiders willonly benefit.

Nebraska GirlsCrofton

COACH: Gregg BailyVITALS: Class C-1, District C1-3, Northeast

Nebraska Activities ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Warriors won the NENAC

and District C1-3 meet, and went on to earn a

third-place finish at the state tournament. Gonefrom that team is Courtney Foxhoven.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Crystal Evans(Sr.), Sara Kohles (Sr.), Christina Schroeder (Sr.),Molly Zavadil (Jr.)

ALSO RETURNING: Gina Dendinger (So.)NEWCOMER: Alysha Pavlik (Jr.)ASSESSMENT: The Warriors return four

golfers that earned all-conference honors a yearago, not to mention valuable experience at thestate tournament.

Crofton will look to Crystal Evans, SaraKohles, Christina Schroeder and Molly Zavadil forcontinued leadership, as well as step forwards intheir developments. The key, though, will be thedepth beyond those four.

“We’ll look to get more consistent play fromour fourth and fifth players this year,” Baily said.

HartingtonCOACH: Barb Bowers (2nd year)VITALS: Class C, Lewis and Clark ConferenceRETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kelsey Konken

(Sr.), Tara Loecker (Sr.), Casey Steimer (Jr.),Rebecca Fiseker (So.)

ALSO RETURNING: Kayla Benson (So.)ASSESSMENT: Led by its two seniors, Kelsey

Konken and Tara Loecker, the Wildcats will look forimprovement in 2009.

“They have a year’s experience and they willhard at improving their game,” Bowers said. “Thegirls will be more competitive this season than last(year).”

Hartington Cedar CatholicCOACH: Jessica SvehlaVITALS: Class CRETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Megan

Rothluebber (Sr.), Allison Schieffer (Jr.), JoslynWiebelhaus (So.)

ASSESSMENT: With four golfers back fromlast season and four new golfers, the key for CedarCatholic in 2009 will be overall team improvement.Veterans such as Megan Rothluebber and AllisonSchieffer will be counted on for leadership.

“We should have a good season,” Svehla said.“The mix of experience and inexperience allows fora lot of opportunities to help and encourage eachother.”

Tanagers Looking To Seniors In 2009Centerville

COACH: Kari HarmerVITALS: Class BTOP PROSPECTS: Kelsey Brue (Sr., captain),

Hannah Knutson (So.), Jessica Morgan (So.),Megan Hilt (So.), Samantha Bryant (So.), StacyHecht (So.), Logan Wieseler (Fr.), Sara Nothdurft(Fr.), Tessa Slechta, Brittany Austin

ASSESSMENT: This will be Centerville’s firstyear with a competitive cheer and dance squad.And joining coach Kari Harmer for the debut willbe youthful roster, which can only build momen-tum for future years.

“We have good unity and great attitudes,”Harmer said. “The key will be good spirit all sea-son.”

Platte-GeddesCO-COACHES: Marla Tegethoff, Melanie

SondgerothVITALS: Class ALAST YEAR: At the Class A state competition,

Platte-Geddes finished first in small group HipHop, second in large group Pom, and third in largegroup stunting/non-tumbling. Gone from that teamare five members.

TOP PROSPECTS: Deni Meyerink (Sr.), ToreyAlberda (Sr.), Dakotah Taylor (Jr.), Jaclyn Dykstra(Jr.), Elaina Deadrick (Jr.), Mattea Stokke (Jr.),Mica Graves (Jr.), Haley Whalen (So.), KelleeGriese (So.), Lauren Millar (So.)

NEWCOMERS: Kendra Knutson (Sr.), Jill Olson(So.), Acacia Deadrick (Fr.), Cayla Slattery (Fr.),

Kelli Sprik (Fr.), Lexi Stokke (Fr.), Mackenzie Millar(Fr.), Shelby Rabenberg (Fr.)

ASSESSMENT: In just two years competitingin the newest state-sanctioned sport, Platte-Geddes have found success in cheer and dance.Last year, PG earned three top-3 finishes in differ-ent events at the state competition.

With a veteran roster back for 2009, as wellas several newcomers, the goal is set high for thisseason.

“Our team members are very focused andhave set high goals for this season,” the coachessaid. “We’re combining our cheer and dance teamsto make competitive squad. United, we feel thatour team dynamic can achieve more.”

NE VBFrom Page 7

VERMILLIONBOYS’ GOLF

VERMILLIONGIRLS’ SOCCER

GOLF • WAKEFIELD INV. Aug. 28: Area girls’teams all open season in Wakefield.• HARRISBURG INV., Sept. 1: Five areateams converge in Harrisburg.

EVENTS TO WATCH• CRYSTAL EVANS, Crofton: Two-timestate qualifier in Class C.• AARON STEELE, Vermillion: Fourth inClass A a year ago.

PLAYERS TO WATCH CHEER & DANCE • YANKTON INV., Sept. 12: Seasonopener for over half the state’s teams.• LINCOLN INV., Oct. 29: Area teamsconverge for final time before state

EVENTS TO WATCH

Vermillion Girls Look For Rebound This Season