Adapting to changes to start this season, Ellie Rabenberg and her teammates are working toward similar past results.
Already off to a solid start, Mobridge-Pollock's volleyball squad continued that trend last week, adding four wins during its own tournament, defeating Timber Lake in the championship match. Rabenberg, who was named to the All-Tournament team, made 22 of 28 spike attempts with eight kills to go with three ace serves.
Mobridge-Pollock has gone to the past four state tournaments. With the team off to a 8-1 start, Rabenberg thinks the Tigers, ranked third in the Class A poll, are on track for another run deep into post-season play.
"I feel like we're playing well right now," Rabenberg said. "I am sure we'll keep improving. We have some new people and are playing pretty good for all the changes."
Earlier last week, the outside hitter gathered eight kills and six aces in a victory over Eureka-Bowdle. For her efforts, Rabenberg is the American News Athlete of the Week.
The tournament at Mobridge last Saturday resulted in four more wins for the Tigers. The match against the Panthers provided a lengthy beginning as the Tigers won the opening set 34-32.
"We kind of battled back and forth in that one," Rabenberg said. "We came together as a team and pulled it out. I felt like it made us stronger and got us going for the rest of the match."
Rabenberg contributed a kill during the marathon game that helped turn the tide. Her fellow hitters include Kayleigh Henderson and Kylee Wagner (middle), Aundrea Kramer (outside) and Chelsy Hoffman (right). The team concept is important to the Tigers.
"We have played quite a bit together and have really good team chemistry," she said. "We are all good friends and that helps a lot."
Coach Keri Bolduan described Rabenberg as a very solid all-around player who works hard to improve her game.
"Ellie is a great leader, both on and off the court. She is hard-working and dedicated at whatever she does," said Bolduan. "She is always willing to make changes and adjust as her coaches tell her."
Rabenberg, a second-year starter, agrees that a good coaching staff combined with talented athletes equals a successful program year after year.
"We have awesome coaches, everyone loves them," Rabenberg said. "That makes it fun and really helps. They encourage us to go to camps and open gym, and do anything (to help us)."
Personal
Family: Parents, Jason and Pam Rabenberg; sister, Erin (20).
Favorite athlete: Kerri Walsh.
Other sports: Cheerleading, track.
Hobbies: Playing piano, yoga.
Future plans: Undecided.
Toughest competitor: Haylee Biel of Herreid-Selby Area. "She's pretty tall and can block. She hits really well, and she's strong."
Favorite athletic memory: "Going to the state tournament last year in volleyball."