New Look Volleyball Team Ready for the Season

The Royals volleyball team will look very different this year. With 12 new faces and only 1 returner, they are a completely different team than last year. New faces means they are bringing in a lot of exciting players from many different places. 

Lexi Telehey, an outside hitter from Thompson, ND, comes in with a lot of experience with winning. She played for a Thompson team that took 3^rd place at the Class B ND State Tournament this past fall, where she was named player of the game for 2 of the 3 matches that she played in. Along with that honor, she also played in the Optimist Match this past summer, representing the East. Although she is a bit undersized, she plays a lot bigger than she is.

Josie Jenkins, an outside hitter from Mitchell, NE, also played in an all-star match; she played in the Western Nebraska All-Star Match this past summer. She played for a very strong Mitchell team where she had a banner career. She jumps very well, and she can play all six rotations.

Mencia Rodriguez is joining us from Spain. She played a very high level of volleyball while in Spain, and she brings a lot of excitement to the setter position. The team is still getting used to some of her athleticism, but once it clicks, it will be very fun to watch. She is a very polished setter who can put up a solid set from virtually anywhere on the floor.

Audrey Welle, a middle blocker/opposite hitter from Melrose, MN, comes from a very strong program in Central Minnesota. Her team played in one of the toughest sections in MN, and she was a leading hitter for her squad for three seasons. She is a dynamic player who can block, hit, play defense, and be a positive leader for our volleyball team.

Tangi Jenson, a setter from Foley, MN, is our lone returner. She has made huge growth over the summer, and she is putting up a very nice ball. She set all six rotations for us last year, but she'll split duties this season. Her defense has improved a ton, and you can see that she is hungry to help turn this program around. She also has emerged as a very strong leader for the Royals Volleyball Team. She's going to be very exciting to watch.

Abbey Wieber, an opposite hitter/defensive specialist from Albany, MN, also comes out of the tough section 6AA in Central Minnesota. Her team last season was undefeated in sets and would've pushed to make a run for the State Tournament, had it happened. She played for one of the most competitive athletic schools in the state, and she has made huge gains for us this year. She can play pretty much anywhere on the floor, and she is one of the hardest workers I've ever coached.

Kayahna Hopfauf, a middle hitter from New Rockford, ND, comes from a solid program. She was the go-to hitter for her team for the last two seasons, and she is really starting to find herself in the faster style of college volleyball. She is extremely athletic, but her ability to be coached is amazing. She is going to keep growing and be a player to watch for the Royals this season.

Maddie Stefonowicz, an opposite hitter from Thompson, ND, also comes from a winning tradition. She is an extremely bubbly personality, and she works hard every single day! She will continue to get better, and she will be a force in our conference. She's a left-handed opposite, which is a very powerful tool for us. Her personality will help her to continue to grow and help our team to get better every day.

Chandie Haryung, setter and defensive specialist from Rocanville, SK, is an extremely tough player. She has incredible ball control, and she can read hitters very well. She brings a lot of depth to our program, and she will push for a spot at our setter position and defense.

Ashley McFadgen, outside hitter/defensive specialist from Barnes County North High School in ND, is a very well-rounded player. She is a powerful outside hitter, and she plays strong defense. I have been impressed with her mental toughness already this season, and she will push for an outside hitter spot this year. You could also see her wearing the white jersey a bit as our libero.

Jozey Goodall, middle hitter/opposite hitter from Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa High School in Central Minnesota, comes from another strong tradition in Central MN. BBE is one of the top athletic programs in Central MN, and Jozey was a 3-sport athlete. She also played a lot of club volleyball which helps to bring a different style of play to our program. She hits well from both the middle and the right, and she will push for a spot throughout the season.

Jenna Ellingson, defensive specialist from Edgeley, ND, came to LR late in the summer. She has adjusted well, and she is making huge improvements in her ball control and serving. She will add a lot of depth to our back row for this season.

Grace Scherr, outside hitter/defensive specialist from Valley City, ND was another late addition this year. She is extremely athletic, and she is getting back into playing volleyball. Although she has only been with us a short time, she has really stepped up her play, and she has started to settle into her own on the court.

Head Coach Steve Waddell had this to say about his team, "This team is incredibly deep, and we have a lot of players who could play in multiple different roles. Don't be surprised if you see a few line up changes as we move through the season. Above all, this group genuinely knows what it means to be a team and the work it takes to compete. It should be a very exciting volleyball season for the Royals and Lake Region State College."

The Lady Royals volleyball team will kick off the season Wednesday, August 25th in Bottineau, ND versus Dakota College at Bottineau in an early season MonDak match. The match will be at 7pm. You can watch it HERE. The first home match of the season will be Thursday August 26th versus Trinity Bible College. It will take place at the Devils Lake Sportscenter at 7pm. Admission will be free for everyone.  The following Wednesday, September 1st versus Miles Community College, there will be a tailgate prior to the game located behind the sportscenter that is a free will offering.

Go Royals!