Aug. 28—BENSON — Some top players have graduated, but the Benson volleyball team has plenty back.
It returns a handful of veterans who are looking to improve on their record from last season.
Head coach Erick Hedman and company finished 5-5 in the Prairie Conference and 10-9 overall in 2025.
It is a record that marked the Braves' first winning season since 2011, according to Hedman.
Hedman's staff includes Renee Helgenset and Emma Krusemark.
Four key seniors are Hallie Kobbermann, Kaida Helgenset, Jada O'Leary and Carly Tolifson.
Tolifson is the lone returnee of the four Braves who received conference honors last year. She is an outside hitter who was an All-Prairie Honorable Mention as a junior.
Helgenset is stepping into a major role this season, replacing Julia Claussen with setting duties.
Claussen, a former setter who was an All-Prairie selection last year, is a freshman at the Division III College of Saint Benedict. She had 432 set assists and 124 digs in 2025.
Defensive specialists and juniors Ella Sanders and Payton Hill also have a large task at hand.
They will be tasked with filling in for Sophie Krusemark, an All-Prairie libero who graduated.
O'Leary and Kobbermann return to their spots, serving as outside and middle hitters. They will step into larger roles with Madison Osterbauer, an All-Prairie Honorable Mention, graduated.
Leave a Comment