Eleven to watch on the WDA volleyball court

BISMARCK – The number of talented players in the WDA is many and that surplus creates high-end play and competitive matches throughout the three-month season. Here’s a look at 11 volleyball players who will have an impact on their rosters and the conference this season.

BISMARCK CENTURY: Eden Fridley

The senior has been on the court in several big matches over her career for the Patriots. And that experience will be important as the Patriots pursue another successful season. Fridley’s athleticism and size allows her to be a six-rotation player, and in addition to her offense at the outside hitter position, the all-WDA and all-state player is strong in the back row. She compiled 400 digs in the back row and her strong serving percentage is counted on as well. Her court vision puts her in position to make an impact on every point.

BISMARCK HIGH: Tayla Andersen

The senior is a dominant force at the net for the Demons and opposing teams have to be wary of her hitting power at the outside position. She is on track to surpass 1,000 kills this season. Like many of the impact players in the WDA, Andersen is versatile and her skills enable her to play all six rotations. She was an all-WDA selection a season ago. She is a difference maker in the BHS lineup.

BISMARCK LEGACY: Reese Duchsherer

The senior will play a pivotal role on the court this season as the Sabers’ lone setter in a 5-1 offensive set. This will be Duchsherer’s third year on the court for the Sabers, including sharing setter duties a year ago. Her strengths extend beyond communicating and setting up attack row players. Duchsherer is also one of the top returning servers in the conference. She is averaging just over 50 aces per season. She represented Team N.D. at the Midwest Battle over the summer. That experience playing against top-level players will only enhance her overall game.

BISMARCK ST. MARY’S: Alexis Gerving

The three-year starter has been a key part of St. Mary’s recent success. Gerving’s leadership will be counted on in her senior year. The captain was an all-conference player a season ago and one of her skills is her high compete level and volleyball IQ. Gerving can adapt her attack quickly at the net, knowing whether to drive the ball through the defense or use a different tactic to get a point. She’s strong in both the front and back court. Gerving is among the team lead in several categories.

DICKINSON: Jenna Decker

The senior is a versatile player in the Midget lineup, playing all six rotations. In addition to being a dominant hitter, Decker is effective on the defensive side with her blocking. The all-WDA player’s compete level is on display with every point with the ball often touching her hands. She was at or near the top in several stat categories, including blocks and aces. As a leader, she provides constructive communication to her teammates and her court smarts enable her to anticipate the play.

JAMESTOWN: Makenna Nold

The senior has been a solid contributor to the Blue Jays roster during her tenure. Nold’s versatility to contribute in the front and back row makes her one of best all-around players in the conference. The captain takes on a new role this fall as an outside hitter. Her offensive skills will garner the attention of opponents. Nold led her team in assists in 2022, but also was a contributor in many other stat categories, including kills, digs and aces. She was an all-WDA selection a season ago

MANDAN: Ellie McElvaney

The senior right-side hitter enters her third year on the Braves varsity and has established herself as a dynamic outsider hitter. McElvaney’s skill set enables her to play all six rotations and be a strong back row player for the team. The captain led the squad in kills a season ago and her presence on the floor is key for Mandan this season.

MINOT HIGH: Zoe Zarr

The outside hitter enters her third year on the Majette’s varsity and her energy and team-first approach make her an important part of the squad. The senior captain has an engaging personality that her teammates rally around. Zarr’s role has increased each and season and she is coming off a productive junior campaign where she led her team in kills and service aces and was among the leaders in digs. Her ability to give a consistent effort in both the front and back rows will be key to Minot’s 2023 season.

TMCHS (BELCOURT): Elahn Marcellais

The senior setter is the spark to the Braves’ play. Marcellais holds team records in assists in a match and a season. She was among TMCHS’ leaders in digs in 2022, making her a valued defender as well. Her teammates feed off her energy and positive attitude. Marcellais puts her hitters in a position to score points at the net with her strong passing and ability to mix up the attack.

WATFORD CITY: Jessica Mogen

She is one of the most veteran players on the WDA court this season. Mogen has been playing key roles in the Wolves’ lineup since eighth grade. The senior’s impact on the court is seen in several statistical categories. The all-conference selection was her team’s best in kills, digs and aces was among the top three in those respective categories in the WDA. Her offseason was spent becoming quicker and stronger and the captain is poised to have another impactful season. Her communication skills and court vision enables her to be involved in nearly every point.

WILLISTON: Madison Collings

A student of the game, Collings is constantly working to improve her play and be an asset to the Coyotes. The junior already has two years of varsity play behind her and is coming off a break out year where she was among the league leaders in kills and digs. Her ability to play both rows keep her involved in every point. Perhaps one of Collings underrated skills is her composure. Her experience enables her to remain calm on the court and help her team stay focused in high pressure moments. That leadership will be counted on as Williston looks to compete in a competitive WDA schedule.

Photo: Williston's Madison Collings