The Mustangs' Angel Vo (4) dives to save a ball. Photo by Chris Juhn
With an older and younger brother, Mounds View senior setter Annie Hentges is used to competition.
Her desire to win was centerstage Tuesday night in the eighth-seeded Mustangs’ 25-14, 25-14, 25-21 home victory over ninth-seeded Woodbury in Round 1 of the Class 3A, Section 4 playoffs.
Hentges finished the game with 23 assists and one kill - the result of a drop shot that brought Mounds View some momentum.
“She’s a great competitor and she holds everyone accountable,” Mustangs coach Tom Weko said.
Hentges’ siblings all play sports, with older brother Sam starring for Mounds View's baseball team before being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2014.
Hentges said her brothers keep her competitive, a trait she displays on the court.
That competitive edge has helped Hentges adjust to playing with several different teammates this season. Junior outside hitter Sarah Larsen had a concussion and sat out the last three games, meaning a few junior varsity player had to fill in.
Weko said Hentges has excelled at managing the different players and has followed his advice on who to set to and what situations to avoid.
“I try to mix up my hitters,” Hentges said. “But all of our hitters have done really well, even ones who haven’t played as much.”
Hentges also plays center field for the Mustangs softball team and said her sport of choice comes down to whichever one is in season.
Because of softball, Hentges has never completed in a full winter Junior Olympic volleyball season. But that has never bothered Weko.
“I didn’t worry about her catching up,” he said.
Hentges is still deciding whether she wants to play volleyball in college, but her focus right now is on finding a way to beat Roseville. The Raiders are ranked No. 9 in the season's final Class 3A coaches' poll.
“We have to be really focused and mentally ready,” Hentges said.
Woodbury ends its season with a 9-16 overall record after the loss, and coach Laura Taggart said she was proud of her team's effort in Set 3. She also said Mounds View is facing a touch challenge ahead.
“I'm hoping this (victory) gives them a little fire and they can give Roseville a run for their money. But Roseville’s got a great team this year,” Taggart said.
Woodbury's Kelsey Moorhouse (5) and Jordan Bretwisch block a Mound View shot. Photo by Chris Juhn
Senior outside hitter Nicole Martin had seven kills, helping No. 8 seed Mounds View defeat No. 9 seed Woodbury 25-14, 25-14, 25-21 in the first round of the Class 3A, Section 4 playoffs Tuesday night at Mounds View High School.
The Mustangs struggled to put a ball down against the Royals' tenacious defense for the first 10 points. But Woodbury's numerous rotation and service errors allowed Mounds View to take a 17-11 lead that the Royals couldn’t close.
The Mustangs stuck to their game plan of using the block, and junior right side hitter Laura Cerkvenik took advantage by recording two of her four kills using the strategy.
Woodbury fought back by utilizing senior middle hitter Katie Schultze, but Mounds View’s diverse offense kept the Royals at bay. Schultze recorded one kill, one block and one ace on the night.
Woodbury rallied to grab a 15-13 lead in Set 3 with kills from senior outside hitter Rylie Lonetti, who finished the game with six kills and seven digs.
However, tough serving from the Mustangs ended the match in three sets.
Mounds View advances to play No. 1 seed Roseville in the quarterfinals on Oct. 29.
