Volleyball: Paynesville Bulldogs aim higher after tough season

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Aug. 28—PAYNESVILLE — Last season was a down year for the young Paynesville volleyball team.

But, as the Bulldogs enter 2026 with all but three graduates, they hope for a better year ahead.

That is because Paynesville, which was 3-4 in the Central Minnesota Conference, was 8-16.

"We have a team of potential," Paynesville head coach Nicole Humbert said. "We're looking forward to the season and to see how each player steps into their roles."

Humbert and company bring back a pair of All-Central Minnesota players from last year's team.

Ava Martinson, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter, was an All-Central Minnesota First Team pick. The senior led the Bulldogs with 200 kills and contributed 171 digs and 16 ace serves.

Martinson will look to continue building chemistry with Kylin Schaefer, a 5-7 setter who is coming off an All-Central Minnesota Second Team freshman year. The sophomore paced Paynesville with a team-high 292 set assists and tallied 177 digs and 24 ace serves.

Schaefer will be a key defender for the Bulldogs, who graduated libero McKenna Barten. Barten led Paynesville in both digs (329) and ace serves (28) last season.

"It's always difficult to lose a senior libero who had a great attitude and an amazing work ethic," Humbert said.

Rayah Leyendecker, a 5-8 outside hitter, and Samantha Ludwig, a 5-9 right-side hitter, are a pair of seniors who are also seeking strong campaigns on the attack alongside Martinson.

Teagan Glenz is a key returnee for the Bulldogs. She is a 6-0 sophomore middle blocker.

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