Players to watch on the volleyball court

BISMARCK – The volleyball season is underway and should be another entertaining one for WDA programs. There are a number of talented  players in the conference. Here’s a look at several to follow this season.

Bismarck High, Jordyn Rood
The senior was a standout player in the Demon lineup. Rood averaged over 10 kills per match and was among the top five in blocks in regular season matches. She provides plenty of big-match experience to a BHS lineup looking to return to the state tournament.

Bismarck Century, Sylvia Taylor
She had a breakthrough junior season on the right side of the Patriots attack. She expecially came on strong during the state tournament. This season she is moving an outside position and her athleticism will make her an offensive weapon for Century. Her past experience will serve the squad well as it looks to defend its WDA and state crowns.

Bismarck Legacy, Finley Fettig
The junior is a first-year starter in the program and is a dominant blocker at the net, thanks to her quickness and athleticism. She tracks the play well and on offense has the knack for creating a variety of shots to generate kills for her squad.

Bismarck St. Mary’s, Mataya Messer
 The senior right hitter was a dominant net player for the Saints a year ago. She averaged just over 10 kills and 2.3 blocks. The all-conference player was also one of the top servers. If the squad is going to have a turnaround season, the senior will play a big role.

Dickinson: Jenna Nelson
 The senior was part of a solid Dickinson team a season ago which turned in one of its best seasons in more than a decade. This marks here fourth varsity season and she led the conference in kills-per match with 17.5. She is one of the most versatile players who can play in all six rotations. The returning captain will be called upon to play an even bigger role as the program pursues a state tournament appearance.

Jamestown, Mari Anderson
The senior is a two-year starter and a big presence at the net for the Blue Jays. She led the squad in blocks a season ago and was among the team leaders in kills. She had shoulder surgery in the offseason. She had a tremendous recovery, thanks to her work ethic to get back in playing shape. Her positivity rubs off on her teammates and will be a key part of the Blue Jays pursuit of another state tournament berth.

Mandan, Hadley Harris
 The sophomore returns to her second season filling the libero position. Her court composure and high volleyball IQ has vaulted her into a leadership role. She brings energy and confidence to the squad. Her tenacity and ball pursuit enables her to make incredible saves to keep rallies alive. She also is a strong, dependable server. Her level of play will only improve has she gets more matches under her belt.

Minot High: Mackenzie Dufner
The senior was part of a Minot High team that made significant strides last season. The setter led the squad in assists the past two seasons. Her work ethic and positivity on the court continue to set the standard for her teammates. Her experience will be leaned on, especially early in the season to help new faces fill roles and enable the team to develop successful offensive and defensive systems.

Minot North: Aven Kelly
 The senior had a solid junior year helping the squad post a .500 record and sixth place n the Sentinels’ first season of varsity WDA play. She is effective at the net, both on offense and defense. She anticipates the play well and seems to always get in position to make the play. She averaged five kills and just over one block per WDA match.

TMCHS Belcourt, Irelei Zerr
The junior is the definition of a leader on the court. Her experience and insight into the game allows her to know when to make adjustments on the court. Andhow to help her teammates get into better position to defend or go on the attack. Her name is all over the Braves’ scoresheet each match. She is among the leaders in kills, blocks and digs.

Williston, Rylee Irgens
 The sophomore libero is stepping into her first year of varsity for the Coyotes. The multi-sport athlete is used to playing in high pressure situations, helping the school to a state softball title last sports season. That experience will help her develop into a key role on the volleyball court. Her athleticism and high energy level make her a key cog in the lineup.

Photo: Aven Kelly, Minot North