DEVILS LAKE – The Bismarck Crossover opening on Aug. 26 will officially begin Devils Lake’s 2022 volleyball campaign.
A 4-21 overall record in 2021 and a 2-13 record in East Region action certainly didn’t need to paint the picture for the Firebirds. They could see the writing on the wall quite well where they stood. After all, nine seniors from the 2021 season have since departed the ranks. A transitional period between the former guard and the up-and-coming producers will be one particular storyline to watch as the Megan Sylling-led Firebirds begin the everyday grind associated with a volleyball season.
Here are three Devils Lake players to watch on the volleyball court in 2022:
1. Alayna Olson, Utility
Olson’s importance to Devils Lake’s success might transcend the counting numbers. Of course, the ability to adapt on the fly and be an all-around player can speak for itself. The ability to play any position if needed – especially given Devils Lake’s losses on the offensive and defensive side – certainly brings value. But so does experience. Olson will be one of only two seniors on the roster this season.
2. McKenley Anvik, Outside Hitter
Anvik rounds out the senior experience the Firebirds will bring into the 2022 season. Such a presence on the outside will be critical toward Devils Lake’s ability to replicate firepower lost from last season, not to mention produce more this season. Whether Anvik remains on the outside or slots into the middle spot might depend on how the rest of the roster shapes out.
3. Jadyn Frelich, Libero
Let’s take a glimpse back to 2020. Not only did Frelich start as a freshman over the final quarter of the 2020 campaign, but she excelled, too. As a libero, Frelich amassed 99 digs during her time as a first-year high school player.
2021 looked to be a breakout season from start to finish for Frelich. However, Frelich missed all last year due to injury and thus didn’t have that opportunity to take that next step. And so, 2022 will be critical for the junior in Frelich, who will look to bounce back from injury and build off momentum from two seasons prior. Devils Lake will undoubtedly take everything they can get from her – their top producer in the dig department last season (Brynn Johnson, 186) now plays volleyball next door with the Lake Region State Lady Royals.
Bonus: Claire Heilman, Middle Hitter
Rachel Dahlen was a force for the Firebirds last season. Any attendee quickly noticed as such just from simply watching the senior. Dahlen set a single-season school record in blocks during 2021 (105) and additionally led the team in kills (286).
The Firebirds will now look for the next offensive presence to step up and provide a touch of consistency similar to what Dahlen brought. Enter Heilman. As a freshman, Heilman amassed 55 kills and 15 aces. Heading into her sophomore season, Heilman will be relied upon to help shore up the middle in a way that can help offset Dahlen’s departure. Heilman’s ability to serve well will only heighten her significance to the team.
Double Bonus: Torri Fee, Setter
Despite being only a sophomore, Fee brings starting experience from last year. However, after playing as a libero over the last half of the 2021 season (she collected 145 digs last season), Fee will instead transition to being a setter full-time, with select appearances elsewhere. Torri will have big setting shoes to fill, though – Genna Fee departed the team as the 2021 team leader in assists (286) and aces (39).
John Crane is a sports/general assignment reporter for the Devils Lake Journal. Feel free to contact John via work phone (701-922-1372), cell phone (701-230-4339), email (jcrane@gannett.com) or Twitter (@johncranesports) with any story ideas.
