MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University volleyball team has released its 2025 schedule, which features a competitive mix of non-conference contests and Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) matchups as the Tigers look to build momentum and make a strong postseason push this fall.
DWU will spend its first eleven matches on the road, beginning the season in Valley City, N.D., on August 16 with games against Dickinson State and Valley City State in an early tournament. The following weekend, August 22–23, the Tigers head to Sioux City, Iowa, for a two-day tournament that will showcase strong non-conference competition. In Sioux City, they will face William Penn, Rocky Mountain, McPherson, and Missouri Valley. From there, the team travels to Salina, Kan., for another two-day tournament hosted by Kansas Wesleyan, where they will face some opponents from across the NAIA.
Before entering conference play, the Tigers will renew their in-state rivalry with Dakota State, facing the Trojans twice during the season.
GPAC action kicks off on September 8 against Waldorf, marking the team’s home opener. Other key conference matchups include Northwestern (Sept. 10), Morningside (Sept. 24), Midland (Sept. 27), and Concordia (Oct. 18).
Click Here for 2025-26 Schedule!
Anchors of the 2025 Squad
The Tigers’ success this season will be powered by a strong group of returners who are set to lead the team. Among them are several key players who played pivotal roles last season and are ready to step up once again.
Emily Dale (Sr., Huron, S.D., Business Management and Digital Media Design) –Honorable Mention (2024-25 Season)
Dale played in 29 matches last season, starting 28 and appearing in 114 sets. She recorded 261 kills (2.29 per set) with a hitting percentage of .217. In conference play, she had 158 kills (2.55 per set) with a hitting percentage of .262. Additionally, she tallied 51 digs, 97 blocks, 8 aces, and 327 points. Her leadership and versatility will be key for the Tigers in 2025.
Karly VanDerWerff (So., Platte, S.D., Business)
VanDerWerff competed in 22 matches last season, starting 19 and playing 80 sets. She posted 154 kills (1.93 per set) with a hitting percentage of .295. In GPAC play, she recorded 77 kills (2.26 per set) and a hitting percentage of .341. Defensively, she contributed 68 blocks and 23 digs. With her ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, VanDerWerff is poised to be a key asset in the upcoming season.
Kayleigh Hybertson (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D., Nursing) – Setter of The Year / First Team (2024-25 Season)
Hybertson played 29 matches last season, starting 27 and appearing in 114 sets. She tallied 82 kills and 982 assists (8.61 per set), along with 306 digs (2.68 per set) and 32 service aces. Hybertson’s all-around game, including her ability to set up the offense and contribute defensively, makes her one of the team’s most valuable players heading into 2025.
Lily Ranschau (Sr., Garrettson, S.D., Business)
Ranschau played 24 matches last season, starting 9, and recorded 180 kills (2.25 per set) with a hitting percentage of .120. She also contributed 60 digs, 24 blocks, and 4 service aces. Ranschau’s experience and leadership will be essential to the Tigers’ success in the upcoming season.
Elizabeth Tyler (So., Mitchell, S.D., Elementary and Special Education) – Second Team (2024-25 Season)
Tyler appeared in 29 matches last season, contributing 57 assists, 673 digs, and 21 service aces. She was a key defensive presence, recording 374 digs in GPAC play. Her consistent passing and digging abilities will be critical to the Tigers’ defense in 2025.