Wagner's Tolliver named to Class A all-state first team

WAGNER -- Two years ago, Wagner's Brooklyn Tolliver was asked to learn a new position.

The results paid off for the Red Raiders and head volleyball coach Amy Tyler, as Tolliver was named to the Class A all-state first team after serving as the defensive specialist, or libero, this season.

"She had a really productive year," Tyler said. "She had to learn the role, and she filled it just like I wanted her to. She did an awesome job."

Tolliver, who also played as an outside hitter, finished with 499 digs, 133 kills and 102 aces for the Red Raiders. In addition, she converted 91.3 percent of her serves and recorded 296 points for Wagner. Tolliver helped lead Wagner to the Region 5A championship, where Red Raiders fell to Mount Vernon/Plankinton 3-2.

MV/P's Makaela Karst and Winner's Sydney Fritz were named to the Class A all-state second team. Area athletes making the honorable mention team include Bon Homme's Alie Adams, Wagner's Emily Brunsing and MV/P's Mikayla Weiss.

Tyler said she was happy that Tolliver, a 5-foot-7 senior, was a first-team selection despite many members of the media not being able to witness her play in a state tournament this year.

"I'm really excited for her," she said. "It's quite an honor. She's worked hard to become a good volleyball player. Other coaches that have seen her play know she has a passion for the sport."

The Red Raiders made a state appearance a year ago, with Tolliver being named to the all-tournament team. She was also an all-state second-team selection as a junior.

Tyler mentioned Tolliver's improvement over the past year was tremendous, adding Tolliver was a key influence on her teammates.

"Every day she walked into the gym and she wanted to get better," Tyler said. "She drove herself to be the best volleyball player she could be. It was so fun for her."

According to Tyler, it's likely that Tolliver will be playing volleyball at the next level. She also estimated that she will wind up at an NAIA college.

"She does want to play collegiately, but she doesn't know where she wants to go yet," Tyler said.

CLASS A ALL-STATE

(As selected by the South Dakota Volleyball Coaches Association)

FIRST TEAM

Jamie Mentzer, Miller, Sr., 5-7, MH, 350 kills, 39 ace serves, 44 blocks, 394 digs

Kristen Peterka, Miller, Sr., 5-7, MH, 405 kills, 28 ace serves, 66 blocks, 326 digs

Kourtney Pollema, Sioux Falls Christian, Sr., 5-4, L; 344 digs, 50 ace serves

Lindsey Smith, Dakota Valley, Sr., 5-8, S; 1,018 assists, 98 kills, 83 ace serves, 54 blocks, 190 digs

Brooklyn Tolliver, Wagner, Sr., 5-7, OH/DS; 119 kills, 96 ace serves, 11 blocks, 435 digs

Shelby Zomermaand, Sioux Falls Christian, Jr., 5-10, MH; 257 kills, 72 ace serves, 34 blocks, 44 digs

SECOND TEAM

Sydney Fritz, Winner, Jr., 5-9, OH; 309 kills, 58 ace serves, 33 blocks, 315 digs

Serena Hopf, Madison, Jr., 5-9, MH; 283 kills, 56 ace serves, 65 blocks, 192 digs

Makaela Karst, Mount Vernon-Plankinton, Jr., 6-0, OH; 226 kills, 42 ace serves, 20 blocks, 222 digs

Meredith Lammers, Dakota Valley, Fr., 5-11, OH; 331 kills, 54 ace serves, 36 blocks, 198 digs

Sarah Rozell, Redfield-Doland, Jr., 6-1, MH; 210 kills, 28 ace serves, 81 blocks, 164 digs

Mariah VanderWal, Sioux Valley, Sr., 5-9, MH; 357 kills, 41 ace serves, 47 blocks, 88 digs

HONORABLE MENTION

Alie Adams, Bon Homme, Jr., 5-6, S; 847 assists, 66 ace serves, 92 digs

Kenzie Brands, Sioux Falls Christian, Sr., 5-7, OH/LB; 156 kills, 59 ace serves, 28 blocks, 187 digs

Emily Brunsing, Wagner, Jr., 6-0, MB, 316 kills, 79 blocks, 69 digs

Miranda Gallagher, Lead-Deadwood, Jr., 6-0, MH; 317 kills, 44 ace serves, 91 blocks, 276 digs

Jamie Tebben, Redfield-Doland, Jr., 5-11, OH; 168 kills, 51 ace serves, 18 blocks, 137 digs

Emma Tuttle, Dakota Valley, Sr., 5-9, MH; 184 kills, 32 ace serves, 30 assists, 44 blocks, 65 digs

Mikayla Weiss, Mount Vernon-Plankinton, Jr., 5-4, S; 558 assists, 69 kills, 66 ace serves, 195 digs