Four Royals Volleyball Players Move On

Lake Region State College Volleyball Program is proud to announce that three Royals from the 2016-17 year have moved on to continue their college volleyball career at the university level. Hannah Swartz (Park River, ND) has signed to the University of Mary, Payton Kritzberger (Hillsboro, ND) has signed to Mayville State University, Katie Dufner (Glenburn, ND) has signed to Minot State University and Hannah Hextall has signed to University of Antelope Valley in Lancaster, CA.

Hannah Swartz, (Park River, ND) competed at LRSC as a setter. She earned All-Conference and All-Region awards her first and second season with the Royals. Over her two season career for the Royals, she played in a total of 72 matches and 232 sets. She did not sit very often, if at all. She collected a total of 167 kills finishing with a .200 kill average, had 1733 assists averaging 7.47 assists per set, and chipped in with digs totaling 535 over her career and 2.31 per set. She aided the Royals in blocking with 27 solo blocks over her career and 78 assisted blocks. Coach Greywater says of Swartz, "She will be an asset to U of Mary as she is a great heads up player and analyzes game situations quickly to change tempo."

Katie Dufner, (Glenburn, ND), competed at LRSC as a utility hitter. She came in as a freshmen setter and transitioned with her six foot wing span into a dynamic hitter who could also set when needed. Dufner played in a total of 72 matches and 226 sets. She had a total of 329 career kills averaging 1.46 per set. She finished her career with 48 assists earning most in her second season for the Royals. She finished her career as a Royals with 23 service aces, 149 digs, and 4 solo blocks and 65 block assists. Coach Greywater says of Dufner, "She will do whatever it takes to find her way onto Minot State's court. She will change positions, work extra with the coach and on her own while also finding herself supporting her teammates indefinitely. Her positive attitude is contagious."

Payton Kritzberger, (Hillsboro, ND), competed at LRSC as a middle blocker. She had tons of speed as she came in, but needed to work on strength. She hit the weight room hard and got stronger through her two seasons as a Royal. She was a dynamic middle with a quick first step, she had the ability to change the dynamic of a game. Kritzberger played in a total of 66 matches and 213 sets. She finished with 369 kills averaging 1.73 per set. She had 46 career aces, 50 solo blocks and 150 block assists. Coach Greywater says of Kritzberger "She was a leader for us on and off the court. She was a vocal middle learning and growing with each match. She will work hard to transition into Mayville's program and will do it on and off the court. She has a diehard attitude that allows her to find success in every walk of life."

Hannah Hextall, (Weyburn, SK, Canada), competed at LRSC as an outside hitter transitioning from middle her freshman year. She constantly worked on passing and hitting around the block to earn her All-Region recognition her sophomore season. Hextall played in a total of 66 matches and 217 sets throughout her career. She finished with 490 kills generating 100 more kills her second season and averaging 2.26 per set. She had 71 career aces, 613 career digs, 11 solo blocks and 47 block assists. Coach Greywater says of Hextall, "She is a mature player with her mindset. She carries her teammates on her back when needed and will go above and beyond to improve her skillset. She will find her way onto U of Antelope Valley's court as any position, she just wants to play the game she loves."

All four athletes will be greatly missed for the Royals as they spilled out discipline, excitement and love for the game. "I would expect that volleyball is a huge part of these young ladies lives for many years to come, they will be missed," states Greywater. "In a young program, athletes like this are hard to find."