Centerville, SD — In a thrilling and hard-fought match on November 12, 2024, the Dakota Valley High School volleyball team secured their return to the Class A state tournament, defeating No. 13 Hanson in four sets (25-15, 16-25, 25-12, 25-7). The Panthers, ranked No. 4 in the state, overcame a challenging second set to clinch their spot in the upcoming state tournament, a place they’ve become familiar with over the years.
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The Panthers (29-5), champions of the Dak XII Conference, will now prepare for a quarterfinal showdown against No. 5 Mount Vernon/Plankinton (27-5) on Thursday, November 21, at 12:45 PM in Sioux Falls at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.
The Rollercoaster Ride to Victory
The match started with Dakota Valley asserting their dominance in the first set, claiming it comfortably at 25-15. However, Hanson wasn’t willing to go down without a fight. The Beaverettes rallied in the second set, capitalizing on some uncharacteristic errors from the Panthers, ultimately claiming a 25-16 victory.
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The second-set loss served as a wake-up call for the Panthers, who quickly regained their composure and came out swinging in the following sets. They took control of the third set with a 25-12 win, and in the fourth, they sealed the deal with a dominant 25-7 performance.
Key Players Lead the Charge
While the team effort was undeniable, it was junior Claire Munch who stole the show with an outstanding performance. Munch led the match with 19 kills, a testament to her offensive prowess. Her younger sister, sophomore setter Madelyn Munch, provided excellent distribution, tallying 31 assists and contributing two kills herself. The Munch sisters’ connection on the court was undeniable, and it was a key factor in the Panthers’ success.
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Samantha Kimbell, a junior outside hitter, also played a pivotal role, contributing 8 kills and 8 digs. She spoke highly of the team’s attacking versatility, saying, “We feel like we can go anywhere for kills. It makes us hard to defend and a lot easier for us to get a side out when we need it.” The Panthers’ diverse offensive strategy kept Hanson guessing and allowed them to spread the attack across multiple players.
The Defense Behind the Offense
While the Panthers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, their defense was equally impressive. Senior middle hitter Cameryn Sommervold and freshman Aubree Worden contributed nine kills each, and senior libero Reagan Granstrom and sophomore defensive specialist Coryn Kimbell anchored the backline with double-digit dig totals. Their consistent play helped keep rallies alive and gave the Panthers the edge they needed to control the match.
Dakota Valley’s ability to dominate both sides of the ball was also evident in their service game. The Panthers notched six team aces, with Kimbell accounting for half of them. Emersen Mead, the senior middle, also added to the team’s serving strength, contributing an ace of her own.
Krenz, the head coach of Dakota Valley, emphasized the importance of a balanced attack and disciplined defense, saying, “We did a good job with distribution on the attack. We were getting our middle and right side involved. It’s the little things that kill you. So we really tried to focus back in on discipline and being careful and smart with the ball.”
Hanson Fights Hard but Falls Short
While Hanson fought valiantly, particularly in the second set, they couldn’t keep up with the Panthers’ relentless attack. Ava Doyle, a standout sophomore for Hanson, led her team with 11 kills, but the Beaverettes were ultimately outmatched in every aspect of the game. Hanson struggled to find consistency in their serve receive, which allowed Dakota Valley to gain momentum and rattle off a series of runs.
Despite the setback, Hanson’s head coach, like Krenz, acknowledged the importance of discipline and focus in high-level competition.
A Road to Redemption
For the Panthers, this win is especially meaningful after their performance in the previous year’s state tournament, where they won the consolation bracket. This time around, they are determined to stay on the winner’s side and make a deep run. The Panthers’ mix of experienced seniors, like Kimbell and Granstrom, and talented younger players, like Madelyn and Claire Munch, makes them a formidable force in the state tournament.
“I’m looking forward to playing with my team for a few games,” said Samantha Kimbell, reflecting on the upcoming state tournament. “Claire and I enjoy playing with our younger sisters. They bring the energy.”
With their sights set firmly on the Class A state title, Dakota Valley will need to maintain their focus and discipline to overcome their next challenge in Mount Vernon/Plankinton. Krenz knows the importance of keeping his team grounded, saying, “At the highest levels, everyone is a threat. You have to have a lot of attackers who can put down kills, and everyone’s gotta play defense. Even my middle that serves (Mead).”
A Future of Promise
Looking ahead to the state tournament, Dakota Valley enters with a deep sense of confidence and a track record of success. The Panthers have qualified for the state tournament every year since 2012, except for 2018, and have a strong chance of adding another trophy to their collection. Their collective mindset, team chemistry, and depth of talent make them one of the most dangerous teams in Class A volleyball.
As the Panthers gear up for their quarterfinal match against Mount Vernon/Plankinton, the energy within the team is palpable. With players like Claire and Madelyn Munch leading the charge and a supportive team effort across the board, Dakota Valley is poised to make another deep run in the state tournament.
In the world of high school volleyball, where anything can happen, one thing is for certain: Dakota Valley is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. With their eyes on the prize and a team dynamic that is firing on all cylinders, the Panthers will look to extend their state tournament streak and continue their legacy of success.
As the team prepares for what promises to be an exciting and competitive state tournament, fans and supporters will be watching closely to see how far the Panthers can go — and whether they have what it takes to bring home the Class A state title.
