Milbank Area Lady Bulldogs Look Forward To Upcoming Volleyball Season

Practice began today for the Milbank Area Lady Bulldogs volleyball team.  Nancy Hoeke  sets up for her 15^th season as the head coach for the Lady Bulldogs. She will be assisted by Nancy Pauli as the junior varsity coach and Jolene Rick as the C team coach.

Becky Johnson will coach the eighth grade team and Melissa Bastian, seventh grade. The junior high teams will begin practice Monday, August 24. ImPACT testing is slated for 2 p.m. for seventh grade players and any new eighth grade players. Practice will follow. Team and individual photos will be taken for the junior high teams Tuesday, September 1, at 2:30 p.m.

All athletes are required to attend the mandatory athlete-parent meeting set for Monday, August 24, at 7 p.m. at the high school theater. This is a requirement that must be fulfilled in order to participate in volleyball.

Hoeke takes a 301-112 coaching record into this season. The team went 13-11 last year, which Hoeke felt was a huge improvement from the previous season.

Seniors Katie Cannedy and Rachelle Gabriel and juniors Mikaela Hoeke, Caryssa Mielitz and Mackayla Schuelke return as letterwinners for the Lady Bulldogs. Cannedy is an outside hitter and is viewed to be a solid, steady all-around player, according to Coach Hoeke. Gabriel is a middle hitter with enthusiasm and shows positive support for her teammates. “Her height is a great advantage at the net for blocking and attacking the ball down,” stated Hoeke.

M. Hoeke is a setter with excitement for the game and competition. “Her quick reflexes and reactions keep a lot of balls alive,” noted Coach Hoeke. Mielitz is an outside hitting who has the ability to get a lot of kills by mixing up her shots. “She has a strong ability to read and anticipate opponents which makes her a great defensive player,” mentioned Coach Hoeke. Schuelke is also a setter that shows consistent/steady play. “Her aggressive defensive play makes it difficult for opponents to put the ball away,” explained Coach Hoeke.

Others players that will add into the mix for the Lady Bulldogs include senior Tori Brandenburger, juniors Madi Schulte, MyKayla Thyne, Alexis Folk and Mady Hilbrands, and sophomore Molly Rick.

“Our goal for this season is to continue to learn to be competitive and have a winning attitude,” stated Coach Hoeke. “We also need to learn to play together for the common goal to be successful as a team.”

Teams to watch in the conference and region include Redfield-Doland, Hamlin, Clark-Willow Lake, Aberdeen Roncalli, Groton Area and Webster Area. Teams that make up Region One in Class A include Milbank Area, Aberdeen Roncalli, Britton-Hecla, Groton Area, Sisseton, Tiospa Zina and Webster Area.

Click here to view photos from the first practice today!

Following is the complete season schedule for the Milbank Area Lady Bulldogs: