The West Central Tribune of Willmar came out with its 2023 All-Area volleyball team recently and included on the team were players from BBE, BOLD, MACCRAY, Paynesville, RCW, Willmar and Minnewaska Area High School.  Representing Minnewaska Area were seniors Avery Fier and Dreya Barsness.

Named to the seven-member All-Area first team were Avery Fier from the Lakers; BBE senior Brooklyn Fischer; BOLD senior Ady Knake; Brielle Janssen, a sophomore from MACCRAY; Paynesville senior Emma Flanders; RCW senior Rachel Jakel and Willmar freshman Ellery DeBoer.

The paper wrote this about Fier’s season:  “Avery Fier was a big component to Minnewaska’s success this season.  She did it all for the Lakers.  Fier, a 5-7 senior middle blocker/defensive specialist and two-year captain, had 345 digs, 229 kills, 52 set assists, 44 blocks and 30 ace-serves in 86 sets played.

“That led Fier to being named the WCC’s Most Valuable Defensive Player of the Year as well an All-WCC selection for a third-straight season.  Avery finishes her Minnewaska career with 1,132 digs, 590 kills, 113 set assists, 90 total bocks and 85 ace-serves.”

Added her coach Michele Johnson, “Avery is a dynamic player not only in the back row but also at the net.  The team relied on Avery to make the second offensive option when needed.  Avery has a keen court awareness that makes her a great defensive player.”

Earning placement on the honorable mention team were Minnewaska Area senior Dreya Barsness, along with players from MACCRAY, Prinsburg, RCW, BBE, NLS, Dawson-Boyd, KMS, BOLD and Willmar.

“Dreya Barsness was an All-WCC selection who had 339 kills, 343 digs, 60 ace-serves, 25 set assists and 16 blocks this season and ended her career with 844 kills, 801 digs, 138 ace-serves, 68 set assists and 40 total blocks.”