RAPID CITY - The Rapid City Stevens Raiders girls volleyball team has big shoes to fill as it begins defense of its 2007 state championship. The first hurdle was leaped successfully as the Raiders defeated visiting Brookings, 25-17, 25-20, 25-21, Friday night at Carold Heier Gym in Rapid City.

Kelly Herrmann, the only returning starter from last year's team, led the way as she paced the offense with eight kills - one more than younger sister Kacey - and also played excellent defense, recording nine digs. Nikki Gleich led the Raiders in digs with 14. Up front, Margaret McCloud and Justine Blade provided a formidable blocking wall that made it difficult for the Brookings hitters to find uncontested space.

Kelly Herrmann found the challenge of playing with a new cast of characters exciting, certainly made more so by the victory.

"It was difficult at first because I played with different players my first three years, but it was great to have my little sister out there playing with me," she said. "We played well for our first time out there together. We were definitely nervous at first but the younger players handled it well I thought and really stepped up."

Stevens (1-0 overall) hosts Watertown today and then hosts Rapid City Central in the evening.

Stevens coach Josh Lien was satisfied if not elated with the win.

"We did enough to win tonight though we better be ready tomorrow for a couple good teams."