Junior setter Sydney Hilley led Champlin Park with 16 kills and 13 assists as the second-seeded Rebels swept sixth-seeded Maple Grove 25-16, 25-23, 25-16 in the Class 3A, Section 5 semifinals Wednesday at Wayzata High School.
The Crimson (17-13) stayed neck and neck in Set 2 with Champlin Park (27-4), ranked No. 5 in the season's final Class 3A coaches' poll. However, the Rebels won the set 25-23 behind several kills from senior outside hitter Jenae Alderson, who finished the match with 16 kills and 11 digs.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re in a different section, when your defending section champs, you have to show up,” Champlin Park coach John Yunker said.
The loss was disappointing for Maple Grove coach Sean Haugen, who gave praise to his team and said eighth-grade libero Allie Hinze played well.
Champlin Park freshman setter Izzy Ashburn said playing in the section tournament and advancing to the championship has been an amazing experience.
Yunker said the opportunity for Ashburn to learn from Hilley, who is one of the top setters in the country, has benefited the team.
“Izzy looks up to Sydney, and Sydney has put in a lot of effort to help (Izzy) learn,” Yunker said.
Hilley was Ashburn's “Big Sister” during their club season at Minnesota Select.
“She’s really good at giving me extra tips and help,” Ashburn said.
The Rebels will play either fifth-seeded Osseo or top-seeded Wayzata for the section title at Anoka High School on Saturday at 1 p.m.
While Yunker said he doesn't have a preference which team Champlin Park faces, Ashburn does and her answer came fast.
“We want to get back at Wayzata,” she said. The Rebels lost twice to the Trojans in the regular season, with both matches coming in tournament play.
