Senior setter Jade Tingelhoff recorded 16 assists to help lead second-seeded Lakeville South to a 25-19, 23-25, 25-17, 25-17 victory over third-seeded Rosemount in a Class 3A, Section 3 semifinal match Tuesday night at Bloomington Jefferson High School. 

The victory is the Cougars' second this season over the Irish. Lakeville South defeated the Rosemount 3-1 in the regular-season finale. 

Cougars' coach Stephen Willingham said Tingelhoff plays an essential role in the Lakeville South's success on the court. 

“Jade is really steady out there and the kids really trust her to do the right thing.” Willingham said. “(She) makes the team run.”

Outside hitter Claire Ritchie had eight kills for the Cougars, who are ranked No. 7 in the final Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association Class 3A poll of the season.

Sophomore setter Erin Slinde and junior outside hitter Brittany McLean led Rosemount, connecting on 17 of the Irish’s points in the semifinal loss.

Tingelhoff, who played at the same club team with Slinde and McLean, said Lakeville South was fortunate to defeat a Rosemount team led by Slinde and McLean.   

“They’re good strong players, who know where to put the ball and they’re smart players,” Tingelhoff said. “We’re lucky to play against those players and we’re lucky to beat those players.”   

The Cougars advance to the section championship match at Prior Lake High School on Saturday, Nov. 1, where they take on reigning state champion and No.1 seed Eagan. 

The Wildcats recorded a 3-0 victory over the Cougars in a conference match on Sept. 16, but Lakeville South upended Eagan 2-0 in the Eagle Invitational Volleyball Tournament on Sept. 20.

“We have a more personal rivalry with Eagan,” Tingelhoff said. “We’re very similar competitive-wise and players-wise, so I think we want to see them again.”

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