PIERRE – Volleyball’s Ayvrie Kaiser and cross country runner Hayden Shaffer have been named as the Pierre Athletic Coaches Association-Avera Athletes of the Week for the week ending September 11.
Kaiser recorded 53 kills in wins over Mitchell, Sturgis and Spearfish, including a career-high 28 in a five-set win at Mitchell on September 7. Kaiser is averaging 18 kills a match, serving over 90 percent, has 12 aces, and has 14 blocks. Head coach Tiffany Stoeser said of Kaiser, “She is an all-around player on the floor. What we need most from Ayvrie is the excitement and energy she brings to each practice and in every game. She is competitive and holds others accountable while making sure we have the excitement we need to play well. Other players work harder when she is on the floor. It is that energy that has driven us to 7-0 on the season. Ayvrie is a leading part of our success and a great leader for our program. Other teams are really starting to recognize Ayvrie as one of the best outside hitters in the state and she will continue to be relied on heavily throughout the season. We are grateful she is on our side of the net.”
Shaffer won the Salhi Salmi Invitational in Aberdeen on September 9 with a personal best 16:30. This is the first time that Shaffer has outrun Josh Martin of Aberdeen Central, the 2020 AA state champion. Head coach Jim Keyes said, “Getting beat by the same person repeatedly and eventually beat that person by the time you are a senior is an awesome feeling. I am so happy for Hayden, but Hayden would be the first to tell you that this doesn’t mean a thing unless it is at the state meet. But it is a step in the right direction and hopefully gives Hayden the needed confidence the rest of the season. Cross Country is one of those sports that a lot of people outside of the parents don’t get to see when it comes to the competitions but watching Hayden race this past week would have made any sports fan get excited.”
Comments