The Gayville-Volin Raiders volleyball program “took a long time to get into the swing of things” last season, according to head coach Allison Jones. The final result was a 21-14 record and the program’s first-ever state tournament appearance. This year, with much of the team returning, Jones and the Raiders hope to build on that result.
Jones, in her second season at the helm of the Raiders after playing collegiately at Mount Marty, said part of the slow start was due to the learning process. “We were still getting to know each other,” she said. “The girls getting to know me, my coaching style.
I was getting to know how they play, what works for them.” By the end of the season, the Raiders earned their way out of Region 4B, then traveled halfway across the state to beat Faith in the SoDak 16. Just two players who started in more than half of the Raiders’ matches last season graduated, leaving a talented group for Jones this season.
“This year, I think we’re a lot more prepared,” she said. “It’s been a little bit easier. We’re still pretty young, so we’re going to capitalize on that.
” Gayville-Volin returns its top five players in kills (stats entering 2023 state tournament): sophomore Maia Achen (466), sophomore Aliza Westrum (152), sophomore Jolie Westrum (72), freshman Paisley Dimmer (63) and senior Alya Dimmer (62). Junior Taylor Hoxeng (607 digs), Achen (355 digs), Ayla Dimmer (309 digs) and Jolie Westrum (278) led the Raiders’ floor defense. Those returning players put in the work to be ready for this season.
“We already had a taste of it and how hard it is to get there, so I think we’re ready to go again,” Hoxeng said. “Obviously it’s not going to be easy, but we’re really excited. We just want to keep getting better.
” Several other players who were not varsity regulars a year ago are also pushing for playing time. “It’s a good group for showing up to play, that’s for sure,” Jones said. One thing that has propelled the Raiders, not only last season but as they prepare for this season, is the connection the players have with each other.
“We’re super close as a team,” Ayla Dimmer said. “We play every sport together as a team, the same group of girls.” While the Raiders were able to sneak up on some teams last year, state-qualifying teams from the previous season typically don’t have that luxury.
“We played the underdog role a lot last year,” Hoxeng said. “This year I feel like we do have a little more of a target on our backs.” No matter what the 2024 season has in store for the Raiders, Coach Jones wants to see one thing for sure: progress.
“We’ve got a good core group,” Jones said. “They’re still young, and I believe that they’ve gotten so much better since the first day I was ever at this school. “I hope to see them succeed in the future, and hopefully this prepares them a little bit.
” The Raiders open their 2024 season today (Thursday) at home against Sioux Falls Lutheran. Follow @JCimburek on X (Twitter)..
