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Aberdeen Central sweeps Roosevelt on senior night

Aberdeen Central’s Kyley Wirebaugh dives to dig out a serve during Tuesday night’s match against Sioux Falls Roosevelt at the Golden Eagles Arena. Photo by John Davis taken 11/3/2026

Aberdeen Central capped off its regular season and celebrated senior night with a non-conference volleyball sweep.

The Golden Eagles collected at 25-19, 25-16, 26-22 non-conference win over Sioux Falls Roosevelt Tuesday night at Golden Eagles Arena.

Central came out ready to compete, used strong serving, solid defensive play, and limited hitting errors to control much of the match. The Golden Eagles put pressure on Roosevelt’s serve receive while extending rallies and making plays defensively.

“The past couple of games we have done a good job minimizing our hitting errors. I thought we did a really nice job at scrambling defensively and we continued to serve well,” said Central coach Jackie Bindenagel. “It all starts at the line, and our girls know that and we work on that a lot, and they did a really good job picking apart their serve receive.”

Bindenagel also emphasized the importance of being prepared defensively, knowing the Rough Riders would look to send the ball over whenever opportunities presented themselves.

“We knew that Roosevelt would send it over anytime they needed to. We had to expect it and our girls were ready to move and defend,” Bindenagel said. “We needed to take care of this in three sets, and we did, and so now we get to just focus on practice before next Thursday.”

Outside hitter Annie Bindenagel said the team came together with extra motivation on senior night.

“I think we really played together as a team because it was senior night. We all were playing for something more than just this game,” the junior said. “Being able to see the court and (Monday) night at Watertown, I thought that was something I needed to improve on, so that’s what I came into the game trying to focus on, and trying to see the court and where the open spots are.”

Aberdeen Central’s Annie Bindenagel reaches to hit the ball during Tuesday night’s match against Sioux Falls Roosevelt at the Golden Eagles Arena. Photo by John Davis taken 11/3/2026

With the postseason approaching, Bindenagel said the team has its sights set on reaching the state tournament after falling short last season.

“I think we all know what’s at stake,” she said. “After last year we got disappointed, and we really want to get to state this year and do it as a team.”

While Central is currently in eighth in seed points, which would ensure a home-court match in the SoDak 16, nothing has been secured just yet.

Senior outside hitter Lauryn Burckhard pointed to the team’s chemistry and defensive effort as important parts of the victory. With senior night potentially marking the team’s final home match, Burckhard said the Golden Eagles wanted to make the most of the opportunity.

“Working as a team, we played really well together. Our defense was pretty good, and we were scrappy tonight working together,” Burckhard said. “Senior night, it could be our last home game, and we just made sure we had a good performance and getting a last good one. Hopefully we are here (next) Thursday.”

Aberdeen Central’s Lauryn Burckhard, right, hits the ball as Sioux Falls Roosevelt’s Aubrey Tirrel, left, defends the net during Tuesday night’s match at the Golden Eagles Arena. Photo by John Davis taken 11/3/2026

As the Golden Eagles look ahead, Burckhard said the team wants to build on the performance and carry that momentum into its next opportunity, whether at home or on the road a week from Thursday.

“We just have to use this game to fuel us and get good points,” Burckhard said.

Central capped its regular season with a 16-10 record and will now wait to see where the final seed points fall to determine next week’s opponent and location in the SoDak 16.

Serving: Aberdeen Central 9 aces (Julia Malsam 4, Lauryn Burckhard 3, Camryn Albrecht 1).

Hitting: Aberdeen Central 39 kills (Burckhard 10, Annie Bindenagel 9, Kyley Wirebaugh 8).

Setting: Aberdeen Central 33 assists (Albrecht 15, Alivia Miller 14, Kalli Huff 3).

Digs: Aberdeen Central 60 (Huff 22, Albrecht 10, Burckhard 8).

Blocking: Aberdeen Central 7 blocks (Karlie Nieman 1 solo 2 assists, Wirebaugh 3 assists).

Records: Sioux Falls Roosevelt 8-19; Aberdeen Central 16-10.

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