Volleyball: Benson Braves hope to make a run
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 ...
Benson Braves volleyball team, despite losing some top players, remains optimistic for a successful season. The Braves, head coached by Erick Hedman, returned several veterans who are determined to surpass their 2025 record of 10-9 overall and 5-5 in the Prairie Conference. This marked their first winning season since 2011, according to Hedman.
The coaching staff consists of Hedman, Renee Helgenset, and Emma Krusemark. Four key seniors returning for the team are Hallie Kobbermann, Kaida Helgenset, Jada O'Leary, and Carly Tolifson. Tolifson, the only returning player to receive conference honors last year, is an outside hitter and an All-Prairie Honorable Mention as a junior.
Helgenset, a junior, assumes a significant responsibility this season by stepping in for Julia Claussen, who is now a freshman at the Division III College of Saint Benedict. Julia Claussen was an All-Prairie selection last year and had 432 set assists and 124 digs in 2025. The defensive specialists and juniors Ella Sanders and Payton Hill will also need to step up, filling the shoes of Sophie Krusemark, an All-Prairie libero who graduated.
O'Leary and Kobbermann will return to their spots, serving as outside and middle hitters respectively. They are set to step into larger roles with Madison Osterbauer, who was an All-Prairie Honorable Mention as a senior, having graduated.
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