Tigers prepare for next step in postseason

HURON — Tonight, at 7 p.m. CST, the 6th-seeded Huron Tigers (14-10)  will take their second step toward a state volleyball title, as they take on the No. 3 Rapid City Stevens Raiders (28-6) in the first round of the Class “AA” State Tournament, at the Rushmore Civic Center in Rapid City.
In the first year of utilizing the “Sweet 16” format, all of the top eight teams prevailed in the “win-and-you’re-in” playoff system, with only top-seeded Harrisburg and No. 8 S.F. O’Gorman dropping a set in the process. Scores in the other six matches were not very close.
So the argument that the best AA teams are playing this weekend can be made.
Huron head coach Shelly Buddenhagen has her squad of overachievers playing at the top of their game down the stretch, closing the regular season with a five-set win over No. 2 Mitchell and then a straight set demolition of S.F. Roosevelt in the first step of the post season.
“With a little bit of luck going our way, at this time we are capable of not only competing with the best teams,” Buddenhagen said as her team prepared for the state tournament, “but we know we can beat any team on a given night.”
When Huron and Stevens met earlier this season, in mid October, it came at the end of a long bus trip for the Tigers, and took place on the Raiders home floor. The result was a grueling five-set win for the Rapid City school, which ignited a late-season run for Huron, which included the Mitchell win. In addition, although the final score favored top-seeded Harrisburg, Huron pushed the defending champions to four competitive sets.
“It was at that match (against Stevens) that we realized that we were a pretty good volleyball team,” Buddenhagen said. “It was that realization - combined with a new-found belief - which motivated us to work even harder at practices and to dig deeper in games to find ways to improve over the final two weeks of the season.”

Buddenhagen said that undoubtedly Harrisburg, the defending “AA” champion and top seed this season, is the favorite heading into the tournament.
“But at this point, nearly every team is playing at its best, which again means that at any time on any given day, any team can win this tournament,” she said. “In fact, it might be the most wide-open state tournament in a long time. We are familiar with Stevens, so we feel it is a good draw for us.”
The Tiger offense will run through All-ESD setter Jayda Shillingstad, who has amassed 746 assists on the season. Hollee Niehus, with 366 kills and Kayla Schimke who had 261 on the season, spearhead a balanced Tiger offense that has two other players with more than 100 kills.
Serving has been a priority for Buddenhagen this season, and six players average more than an ace a game. And her back row “Littles” have been led by All-ESD defensive specialist Havyn Heinz, who has a whopping 617 digs on the season.
Stevens has its own one-two punch, of Kyah Watson and Litzy Schefer, who have notched 244 and 277 kills on the season. Marlee Schneider has more than 900 assists on the season and a variety of Raiders have stepped up on the defensive front.
“We have come such a long way this season and have improved so much,” Buddenhagen said. “I’m proud of the work that each player has put in and how the team has ramped up its work. They have collectively worked so hard to be the most competitive that they can be. I sincerely believe that right now, at this moment, we can play with any team when we are playing well.”
Ultimately, it comes down to how the players on the court react and adapt through the course of the game, which determines whether the team wins and advances.
“We are going to concentrate on our effort and our preparations,” Buddenhagen said. “We’ll work for every point and let the chips fall where they may. Our key players are among the best in the state. If we all concentrate on doing our jobs to the best of our ability and being good teammates, well, you just ever know!”

Photos:

Huron’s Hollee Niehus plays a volley during a match against Aberdeen Central on Oct. 5 at Huron Arena.

Next, Huron’s Kayla Schimke spikes the ball during a match against Sioux Falls Roosevelt on Nov. 9 at Huron Arena.

Mike Carroll/plainsman file photos