Lady Bulldogs Earn Season-End Awards

Following a seventh place finish at the State Class A tournament in Sioux Falls, the Milbank Area Lady Bulldogs volleyball team ended their season with an awards potluck.

Four seniors were named to the Academic All-State team for their contributions in the classroom. To receive the award, the player must participate in the sport for at least three seasons and maintain a 3.5 grade point average or higher throughout their high school career. Named to the team were Rachelle Gabriel, Katie Cannedy, Tori Brandenburger and Hannah Rick.

The Lady Bulldogs also received the team Academic All-State award for having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The award is sponsored by the South Dakota High School Activities Association.

Head Coach Nancy Hoeke presented the awards. Carissa Mielitz, a junior was named the most valuable player. Rachelle Gabriel, a senior, was voted the most inspirational player. Mackayla Schuelke was chosen as the player with the best attitude and Madi Schulte as the hardest worker.

Mikaela Hoeke was recognized for being named to the State Class A All-Tournament team at the state tournament.

Members of the C team were recognized with a Minor M certificate. The C team players included Kylie Kasuske, Elisabeth Schwenn, Kim Hoffmeyer, Mackenzie Weinkauf, Kimberly Van Sambeek, Kellie Christians, Makayla Johnson, Christena Whitman, Anna Mathews, Kylie Roggenbuck, Abby Michels, Tori Quade and Chloe Bender.

Junior Varsity team members were presented their Minor M certificates. Members of the JV team were Katie Wollschlager, Tonya Meyer, Katie VanderWal, Gabbi Cummins, Jaecy Engebretson, Montana Swenson, Jaden Hoeke, Sadie Holland and Ashley Wollschlager.

Varsity members who earned their Major M award were Molly Rick, Mackayla Schuelke, Mikaela Hoeke, Alexis Folk, Madi Schulte, Caryssa Mielitz, Tori Brandenburger, Katie Cannedy, MyKayla Thyne, Rachelle Gabriel, Mady Hilbrands and Maty Lightfield.

The Lady Bulldogs finished the season with an 18-12 overall record, a Region 1A championship title and a seventh place finish at the state Class A tournament.