BLANCHAT & FRIESEN TO LEAD LADY VIKING SPIKERS IN 2024
By Staff
LINDSBORG – The Smoky Valley volleyball program continues to find success after going 32-13 in 2023 and finished second to Olathe-Heritage Christian at the Class 3A state tournament.
Overall, it was the Lady Vikings fourth straight trip to the Class 3A state tournament, the second time they finished runner-up since 2020 and the fourth time in school history. In the past three seasons Smoky Valley has recorded an overall record of 139-32.
Back at leading the Lady Viking volleyball program will be Dough Schneider, who will be in his third season after being gone for eight seasons. Schneider has an overall head coaching mark of 233-188 at Smoky Valley though he has 12 seasons as head coach and 20 overall with the program. Assisting him this season will be Kelsie Anderson and Nicole Biegert.
First job to get done is find replacements for five graduates like setter Adrian Hazelwood who led the team in assists, and Hope Duncan who topped the team in both kills and digs while Tinley Scott, Breanne Peters, and Avery Ahlstedt all contributed meaningful minutes of playing time as well.
“Our primary goal this season is to play our best night in and night out,” noted coach Schneider. “We want to give ourselves a chance to be back in Hutchinson for our fifth straight trip to the 3A State Tournament in November.”
Not all is lost for coach Schneider as senior middle hitter Katja Blanchat returns to lead the Lady Vikings in 2024. Blanchat earned second team all-state honors and first team all-league after leading the team in both blocks and aces while running second in kills.
Other top returnees for 2024 include seniors Rylie Tolle and Taytum Reed plus juniors Trista Spitler and Ceeley Friesen who will be switching from libero to setter.
Another plus for the Lady Vikings will be the return of Elsie Boughfman for her senior season after being injured in 2023.
Schneider continued with his pre-season reflections by adding, “Our strength will be quickness and athleticism. Our one weakness to begin the season will be inexperience although we have some quality juniors and sophomores who will be pushing for opportunities to shine in 2024.”
The Lady Viking spikers will kick off the 2024 season on Saturday, August 31 at a pre-season Central Kansas League Invitational in Halstead. The remaining 2024 varsity schedule includes:
Thursday, September 5 – at Abilene Quad (with Thomas Mor Prep and Concordia
Tuesday, September 10 – host Triangular with Hays and Nickerson
Saturday, September 14 – at Southeast of Saline Tournament in Gypsum
Monday, September 16 – at Ellinwood Triangular (with Haven)
Tuesday, September 17 – at Nickerson Triangular (with Pratt)
Tuesday, September 24 – at Hesston Triangular (with Larned)
Tuesday, October 1 – at Hoisington Triangular (with Halstead)
Thursday, October 3 – at Nickerson Triangular (with Chapman)
Saturday, October 5 – at Belle Plaine Tournament
Tuesday, October 8 – host Triangular (with Haven and Hillsboro)
Thursday, October 10 – host Triangular (with Clay Center and Central Plains)
Monday, October 14 – at Southeast of Saline Triangular in Gypsum (with Halstead)
Monday, October 21 – Class 3A State Regionals
Saturday, October 26 – Class 3A Sub-State Tournament
Friday/Saturday, November 1/2 – Class 3A State Tournament in Hutchinson
(The Staff covering McPherson County Activities can be reached by email at macks.people.places@gmail.com)
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