Whether pounding down kills from the front row, orchestrating the offense, or preventing the ball from hitting the floor, top returning volleyball players in the region find ways to make a difference on their teams.

There is no shortage of talent in the Class B ranks, led by state runner-up Warner. The Monarchs feature multiple weapons in the likes of all-stater Jaycee Jung along with Miah Leidholt. While Northwestern led key members to graduation, Breelyn Satter and Lila Johnson will make major contributions.

One of the state’s top basketball players Addison Heinje will also make her presence known in volleyball for Waubay-Summit. Langford Area will feature a balanced attack led by a strong senior class including Emily Olson and Lizzie Gustafson. Jada Baloun will be a force to reckon with for Highmore-Harrold, and Cydni Kudrna will run the offense for Castlewood.

In Class A, Hamlin has already gotten off to a fast start, including a victory over Class AA Brookings. Addie Jensen is a powerful hitter at the net for the Chargers, while Issie Steffensen gets the ball in the right spots from her setter position.

Returning all-stater Shelby Begeman is back to lead Clark-Willow Lake, while Webster’s Mallory Steiner will be a driving force for the Bearcats this season. Groton has a variety of proven players including sophomore Tevan Hanson. Emma Pugh will be a top hitter for Miller, which dropped down the Class B ranks this season.

Previews on Aberdeen Central, Aberdeen Roncalli, and Aberdeen Christian were posted previously.