Aug. 28—DAWSON — The Dawson-Boyd volleyball team is looking to put a tough 2025 season in the rear-view mirror.
The Blackjacks bring back six players from last year's squad with the goal of bouncing back from a 1-21 record. That includes an 0-11 mark in the Camden Conference.
"Although we only won one game last season, we have returned an incredibly dedicated group of girls who have one more year of experience and maturity under their belt," said fifth-year head coach Hailey Gritmacker. Her assistants are Amber Omland, Kate Dahl and Patti Mork.
"I expect us to be a balanced team who can get the job done anywhere on the court,' Gritmacker said. "We have two defensive specialists who bring great serve-receive and defensive skills as well. It is going to be a great season for us."
Hoping to lead D-B's offense is a four-year starter in senior outside hitter Kadyn Perkins. An All-Camden pick last season, Perkins hopes to lead an offense that lost a pair of starters in middle blocker Rylan Plessner to graduation and Kylar Hjelmeland to a knee injury.
"She is a smart outside hitter who hits from anywhere on the court," Gritmacker said of Perkins. "She has also spent many hours in the gym."
Joining Perkins in the front court by a pair of setters in junior Claire Stratmoen and freshman Emma Stotesbery. There's also a pair of junior blockers in Stella Roth and Lilly Lee.
Stotesbery and Lee are a pair of players Gritmacker is looking for big things from.
"Emma played three rotations for us in the later part of last season as an eighth grader," Gritmacker said. "She has a high volleyball IQ and has spent many hours in the gym. She also brings in a lethal serve.
"Lilly is an athletic middle who can jump out of the gym. She is explosive and quick. She works very hard and has come so far in the last year."
The back row will be anchored by a pair of defensive specialists in sophomore Hattie Kemen and junior Kate Gruwell.
Leave a Comment