With two of our preseason No. 1 teams (Lakeville North in Class AAA and Bethlehem Academy in Class A) and two defending state champions (Eden Prairie in Class AAA and BA in Class A) -- along with 13 of the top 15 Class AAA teams, six of the top nine Class AA teams and seven of the top eight Class A teams -- the 3rd annual Minnesota Elite Preseason Tournament should be a terrific test of the state's best to kick off the beginning of the fall season. All those powerhouse programs are among 32 of the best high school volleyball teams going head-to-head Saturday, Aug. 4 at Midwest Volleyball Warehouse (14050 Judicial Road, Burnsville, MN).
Breakdown Sports USA, in conjunction with Midwest Volleyball Warehouse present this elite – and unique – tournament for the third year in a row. Last August, LeSueur-Henderson claimed the tournament title behind the big swing of Jess Thelemann. In our first season, Lakeville North won the crown and later the state championship.
The first round of play will be in pool format with eight pools of four (4) teams, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by playoffs for the top three (3) teams in each pool from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. All pool play matches will be best-of-3, with the first two games to 25 points (no cap) and the third to 15 points (no cap) if needed.
The tournament features two of our preseason No. 1 teams (Lakeville North in Class AAA and Bethlehem Academy in Class A), two defending state champions (Eden Prairie in Class AAA and Bethlehem Academy in Class A) and 26 teams ranked in the top-15 of our preseason polls (13 in Class AAA, six in Class AA and seven in Class A). Also, individuals such as Miss Volleyball candidates Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie), Haley Fogarty (Belle Plaine), Erica Handley (Lakeville North), Riley Hanson (Nevis), Lauren Houg (Wayzata), Jessie Mathews (Bethlehem Academy), Paige and Hannah Tapp (Stewartville), Jessica Thelemann (LeSueur-Henderson), Jessica Yost (Bemidji), Candice Yager (STMA) and many more could be representing their programs.
Pool 1 Breakdown
| Belle Plaine Tigers (No. 6AA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 22-8 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 2 seed Jordan in Section 2AA semifinals, 3-2 |
| Conference: Minnesota River |
| Section: 2AA |
| Coach: Cassie Wolpern |
| Top returning players: Sr. MH Jordan Going, Sr. OH/S Kirsten Johnson (214 kills, 514 set assists), All-State Sr. OH/S Haley Fogarty (386 kills, 257 digs), Sr. LI Claire Otto |
| The Tigers have remained a powerhouse program for the past several years, even as graduation seemingly hits them hard. Itâ•’s no different this year at Belle Plaine, which despite losing several key players does return the terrific setting/hitting duo of Haley Fogarty and Kirsten Johnson. Coach Cassie Wolpern, a Belle Plaine graduate and one of the best hitters to ever come out of the state, will need to find a way to adjust to the graduation of All-State middle Abby Wolpern and libero Lizzy Eischens. |
| Lakeville North Panthers (No. 1AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 27-6 |
| Playoff result: Lost to Eden Prairie in Class AAA final, 3-2 |
| Conference: South Suburban |
| Section: 3AAA |
| Coach: Walt Weaver |
| Top returning players: Jr. RH Sami Flattum, Sr. MH Haley Walker, All-State Sr. S Erica Handley (758 set assists), Jr. OH Alyssa Goehner (716 kills, 342 digs), Sr. LI Laura Larson, Jr. LI Abby Monson (307 digs), So. OH Janae Neuenschwander |
| Yes, you heard that correctly. Legendary coach Walt Weaver returns to the bench at Lakeville North, the Panthersâ•’ third coach in three years following Milan Mader and Steve Willingham. The Panthers have been to the state finals the last two years (winning in 2010) and it would be no surprise to find them back again this fall. North has arguably more veteran talent than any team in the state. It starts on the left side with All-State and All-American junior Alyssa Goehner, who set a new state record with 716 kills last fall. North also benefitted from the transfer of All-State setter Erica Handley from Win-E-Mac in the offseason. |
| Roseville Raiders |
|---|
| Last year's record: 18-11 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 3 seed North St. Paul in Section 4AAA quarterfinals, 3-1 |
| Conference: Suburban East |
| Section: 4AAA |
| Coach: Greg Ueland |
| Top returning players: Sr. MH Larissa Graham, So. MH Monica Burich, Sr. OH Melissa Koop (227 kills, 347 digs), Sr. OH Meghan Koop (245 kills, 322 digs), Fr. LI Haley Kauth (359 digs) |
| Roseville may not be ranked in our preseason polls, but the Raiders are more than dangerous and hope to make this tournament their breakout. Roseville has plenty of experience, led by the Koop twins (seniors Meghan and Melissa) and freshman libero Haley Kauth, who helped the program win 18 matches last fall. One big loss is the graduation of setter Amber Arcand. The Raiders must find a new distributor to set up the Koop twins, making the tournament an interesting gauge of that potential. |
| Wabasha-Kellogg Falcons (No. 2A) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 24-8 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 1 seed Bethlehem Academy in Section 1A final, 3-2 |
| Conference: Three Rivers |
| Section: 1A |
| Coach: Tara Biever |
| Top returning players: All-State Sr. S Kalyn Biever (956 set assists, 372 digs), Jr. RH Ellen Vanwey, Jr. MH Lexi Kanz, Sr. OH Kenzie Freihammer (215 kills, 305 digs), Sr. OH Katie Cavalco (399 kills, 289 digs) |
| Wabasha-Kellogg took powerful Bethlehem Academy to five games in the section final before succumbing last fall. It can be argued that the two best teams in Class A go head-to-head in Section 1A ╨ we╒re making that argument for certain. Wabasha-Kellogg remains strong, as the Falcons only graduated one letter winner (libero Jordan Wolfe). Many veterans of the Falcons' state championship run of two years ago are back, such as All-State setter Kalyn Biever and outside hitter Katie Cavalco. |
Pool 1
| Time | Court # | Team | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 am | 1 | Lakeville North | Belle Plaine |
| 10 am | 1 | Wabasha-Kellogg | Roseville |
| 11 am | 1 | Lakeville North | Roseville |
| 12 pm | 1 | Wabasha-Kellogg | Belle Plaine |
| 1 pm | 1 | Belle Plaine | Roseville |
| 2 pm | 1 | Lakeville North | Wabasha-Kellogg |
Pool 2 Breakdown
| Chanhassen Storm (No. 10AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 21-5 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 2 seed Hutchinson in Section 2AAA semifinals, 3-1 |
| Conference: Missota |
| Section: 2AAA |
| Coach: Kelli Katherman |
| Top returning players: Jr. S Madison Entinger (581 set assists), Sr. OH Emily Zahn, So. DS Taylor Soine |
| Chanhassen is returning four primary starters from last season, including two players who have seen a substantial amount of court time, such as setter Madison Entinger and outside hitter Emily Zahn, and up-and-coming players ready to show what they can do in open positions. This is a program rising quickly in the ranks since the school opened just a few short years ago. |
| Eden Prairie Eagles (No. 2AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 27-6 |
| Playoff result: Beat Lakeville North in Class AAA final, 3-2 |
| Conference: Lake |
| Section: 6AAA |
| Coach: Chad Becker |
| Top returning players: All-State Sr. OH Sarah Wilhite (636 kills, 278 digs), Sr. S Maddie Reese (974 set assists), Sr. DS Jamie Cairncross (436 digs), So. S/RH Elizabeth Mohr |
| Eden Prairie broke through with its first state tournament title last fall, riding the strong and capable shoulders of All-State hitter Sarah Wilhite and a strong supporting cast. Coach Chad Becker joked that he was smart enough to write No. 9 into the lineup every day and he's more than happy to do it for one more season. Wilhite is back along with fellow veterans Maddie Reese and Jamie Cairncross. The trio has played together since sixth grade and give the Eagles a top attacker (Wilhite), setter (Reese) and back row defender (Cairncross). It should be another successful season for Eden Prairie, although the Eagles will have a target on their backs as the defending champions. |
| Nevis Tigers (No. 3A) |
|---|
| Last yeLast year's record: 26-10 |
| Playoff result: Lost to Bethlehem Academy in Class A final, 3-0 |
| Conference: Northwoods |
| Section: 5A |
| Coach: Stephanie Hanson |
| Top returning players: Sr. OH Katie Becker, Jr. OH Megan Norby (355 kills, 274 digs), All-State Sr. MH Riley Hanson (681 kills, 346 digs), Jr. S Olivia Toft (798 set assists) |
| Nevis surprised many by reaching the Class A state final last year, but it shouldn’t have been a shock. The Tigers have a natural advantage with bookend hitters Riley Hanson and Megan Norby, who are as strong both offensively and defensively as any pair in the state. The duo are set by Olivia Toft, who knows how to find her best two options at any time. Coach Stephanie Hanson is hoping the final year together with her daughter proves to be even better than last fall. |
| Totino-Grace Eagles |
|---|
| Last year's record: 21-9 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 2 seed Centennial in Section 5AAA semifinals, 3-2 |
| Conference: North Suburban |
| Section: 5AAA |
| Coach: Michelle Hockersmith |
| Top returning players: Sr. RH Andrew Gagnon, So. OH Hope Schiller, Sr. S Delaney Rohan (813 set assists) |
| Totino-Grace won 21 matches last fall and took powerhouse Centennial to the brink before falling in five sets in the Section 5AAA semifinals. The Eagles have been sneaky good for years now and with another strong group of players, the unranked Eagles may not be unranked for long. Senior setter Delaney Rohan is the anchor of a team that also features sophomore outside hitter Hope Schiller. |
Pool 2
| Team | Court # | Team | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 am | 2 | Eden Prairie | Chanhassen |
| 10 am | 2 | Nevis | Totino-Grace |
| 11 am | 2 | Eden Prairie | Totino-Grace |
| 12 pm | 2 | Nevis | Chanhassen |
| 1 pm | 2 | Chanhassen | Totino-Grace |
| 2 pm | 2 | Eden Prairie | Nevis |
Pool 3 Breakdown
| Blaine Bengals (No. 6AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 27-4 |
| Playoff result: Lost to Owatonna in Class AAA consolation semifinal, 3-2 |
| Conference: Northwest Suburban |
| Section: 5AAA |
| Coach: Celeste Gorman |
| Top returning players: Jr. OH Brooke Christenson, So. MH Taylor Morgan, Sr. OH Katherine Hawkins, Jr. MH Jessica Jorgensen, Sr. S Sierra Trost (214 digs), All-State Jr. S/RH Lydia Dimke (221 kills, 611 set assists), Sr. DS Alex Brown (252 digs), (282 kills, 301 digs) |
| Last year, the Bengals earned the No. 1 seed in the Class AAA state tournament but were bounced after just two matches -- a disappointing ending to an otherwise great season. Blaine hopes to make a return trip with better results, something that will fall on a great group of returning veterans. The Bengals have a great talent in setter/right-side hitter Lydia Dimke along with a host of other key veterans. |
| Delano Tigers (No. 9AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 21-8 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 4 seed Waconia in Section 2AAA quarterfinals, 3-0 |
| Conference: Wright County |
| Section: 2AAA |
| Coach: Rebecca Rue |
| Top returning players: So. S Kristin Kreklow (748 set assists), Jr. MH Shelby Seurer (247 kills), So. MH Alex Wittinger, Sr. OH Amanda Hanson (282 kills, 301 digs), Jr. LI Elle Heinonen (305 digs) |
| Looking for an up-and-coming program that could make a big breakthrough at the Class AAA level this fall? Delano brings back all 11 letter winners from last fall's 21-victory team, making the Tigers one of the most experienced and veteran teams in the state. A few spots on this year’s squad seem to be locked in, such as middle Shelby Seurer, outside hitter Amanda Hanson and setter Kristin Kreklow. |
| Hopkins Royals (No. 13AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 16-14 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 1 seed Eden Prairie in Section 6AAA semifinals, 3-2 |
| Conference: Lake |
| Section: 6AAA |
| Coach: Vicki Seliger Swenson |
| Top returning players: Sr. MH Nora Reed, Sr. OH/MH Emmy Koppe, So. S Samantha Seliger-Swenson (856 set assists) |
| Hopkins may have finished just 2-6 in the tough Lake Conference, but make no mistake, the Royals were a dangerous team. They gave eventual state champion Eden Prairie a run in the Section 6AAA semifinals before falling in five games. This fall, the Royals remain dangerous, as they return a core group of players who saw considerable playing time last season. Not many programs have a core any better than senior hitter Emmy Koppe, senior middle Nora Reed and sophomore setter Samantha Seliger-Swenson, arguably the best player at her age level in the state. |
| Mabel-Canton Cougars (No. 8A) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 31-4 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 3 seed Lewiston-Altura in Section 1A quarterfinals, 3-2 |
| Conference: Southeast |
| Section: 1A |
| Coach: Lonnie Morken |
| Top returning players: Jr. S Carly McCabe (912 set assists), Sr. RH Kristina Mengis, Sr. MH Christy Welscher, Jr. OH Lydia Geving (250 kills, 311 digs), All-State Jr. OH Belle Sand (388 kills, 416 digs), Jr. LI Christine Lee (304 digs) |
| Don't let Lonnie Morken fool you. The legendary -- and now Hall of Fame -- Mabel-Canton coach thought his young team might be heading into a rebuilding year last fall. Instead, the Cougars again won more than 30 matches and were ranked among the best in the state. With 11 of those 12 regular players returning, there certainly won't be any hints at rebuilding this year. It helps to have talented -- although not tall -- players such as two-time All-Southeast player of the year Belle Sand and Lydia Geving at outside hitter, Carly McCabe at setter, Christine Lee at libero and other hitting options Christy Welscher and Kristina Mengis. |
Pool 3
| Time | Court # | Team | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 am | 3 | Blaine | Hopkins |
| 10 am | 3 | Delano | Mabel-Canton |
| 11 am | 3 | Blaine | Mabel-Canton |
| 12 pm | 3 | Delano | Hopkins |
| 1 pm | 3 | Hopkins | Mabel-Canton |
| 2 pm | 3 | Blaine | Delano |
Pool 4 Breakdown
| Andover Huskies (No. 14AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 28-6 |
| Playoff result: Beat Hutchinson in Class AAA third-place match, 3-2 |
| Conference: Northwest Suburban |
| Section: 7AAA |
| Coach: Connie Huberty |
| Top returning players: Sr. S/RH Marissa McNallan (662 set assists), Sr. MH McKensey Miller, Sr. MH Olivia Graham, Sr. DS Laura Peterson, Sr. S Jessica Hayko, Sr. OH Alexandra Munson |
| Andover has been to the state tournament five straight seasons and there is no reason to believe the Huskies can't make it again, despite tough graduation losses among their top hitters. The Huskies must find a way to replace the attacking and blocking power of All-Stater Karlie Hauer, Janelle Rupkalvis and Kaytlin Turner -- but they will remain competitive. Expect the leadership to come from players such as setter/right-side hitter Marissa McNallan and middle McKensey Miller. |
| Lakeville South Cougars |
|---|
| Last year's record: 26-2 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 3 seed Lakeville North in Section 3AAA final, 3-2 |
| Conference: South Suburban |
| Section: 3AAA |
| Coach: Steve Willingham |
| Top returning players: Sr. S Jazzmyn Tingelhoff (804 set assists), So. OH Jade Tingelhoff |
| Steve Willingham comes over from crosstown rival Lakeville North after leading the Panthers to the state final, but his introduction isn't the only new one to the South Cougars. With very steep graduation losses almost the entire roster will be different. One area Willingham need not worry is the setting-hitting combination of sisters Jazzmyn Tingelhoff setting to sophomore Jade Tingelhoff. |
| Minnetonka Skippers (No. 11AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 20-10 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 2 seed Wayzata in Section 6AAA semifinals, 3-0 |
| Conference: Lake |
| Section: 6AAA |
| Coach: Karl Katzenberger |
| Top returning players: Jr. LI/OH Mikaela Purnell (309 digs), Sr. OH Ida Steingas, Jr. RH Hannah Weidner (320 kills), Sr. DS Emily Siefering, Jr. LI Laura Herman (471 digs) |
| Another program that has been building over the past few years, Minnetonka graduated its setter and top outside hitter, but returns nearly everybody else for coach Karl Katzenberger. The Skippers won 20 matches last year, a number they could equal or even surpass should they find newcomers to fill in at those key spots. |
| Stewartville Tigers (No. 2AA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 26-7 |
| Playoff result: Lost to Marshall in Class AA final, 3-1 |
| Conference: Hiawatha Valley |
| Section: 1AA |
| Coach: John Dzubay |
| Top returning players: Sr. LI Liz Waugh (239 digs), All-State Sr. MH Hannah Tapp (296 kills), Sr. MH Paige Tapp (323 kills), Sr. S Blair Honsey |
| Stewartville is easily one of the winningest programs in the state, qualifying for 21 of the last 25 state tournaments. The Tigers finished second to Marshall last year, but lost five seniors from that team including starting setter Danielle DeGeus and libero Katie Bauman. Of course, the Tigers still do bring back the middle-hitting twin-tandem of Hannah and Paige Tapp, both of whom have committed to the University of Minnesota. That?s not a bad start to a strong team. |
Pool 4
| Time | Court # | Team | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 am | 4 | Stewartville | Andover |
| 10 am | 4 | Minnetonka | Lakeville South |
| 11 am | 4 | Stewartville | Lakeville South |
| 12 pm | 4 | Minnetonka | Andover |
| 1 pm | 4 | Andover | Lakeville South |
| 2 pm | 4 | Stewartville | Minnetonka |
Pool 5 Breakdown
| Bemidji Lumberjacks (No. 15AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 24-10 |
| Playoff result: Lost to Cretin-Derham Hall in Class AAA consolation semifinal, 3-0 |
| Conference: Independent |
| Section: 8AAA |
| Coach: Teresa Colligan |
| Top returning players: Sr. MH Blake Bardwell, Sr. MH Allie Heifort (361 kills), Sr. OH Jessica Yost (471 kills, 447 digs) |
| Last year, Bemidji made its very first appearance at the state tournament. Coach Teresa Colligan and the Lumberjacks don't want it to be the last. The Lumberjacks are the likely favorite in Section 8AAA, as they have a terrific 1-2 punch at the net in outside hitter Jessica Yost and middle Allie Heifort, who combined for more than 800 kills last fall. |
| Bethlehem Academy Cardinals (No. 1A) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 26-7 |
| Playoff result: Beat Nevis in Class A final, 3-0 |
| Conference: Gopher |
| Section: 1A |
| Coach: Franz Boelter |
| Top returning players: Sr. RH Erin Lipinski, Sr. RH Taryn Ashley, So. MH Lauren Mathews, So. OH Payton Schultz (403 digs), All-State Sr. OH Jessie Mathews (320 kills, 448 digs), All-State Sr. MH Maddie Borwege (398 kills), 8th S Payton Nutter |
| Bethlehem Academy continued its juggernaut-like domination of Class A in odd-numbered years, winning another state title with a resounding victory over Nevis. The Cardinals have now been to nine of the last 10 state tournaments, each time advancing all the way to the championship match. They've won it all in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011. While history is against the Cardinals, this could be the year Franz Boelter's club breaks that trend with another crown. The Cardinals are loaded with veterans of the state tournament experience, including All-State outside hitter Jessie Mathews and middle hitter Maddie Borwege. Both are seniors, as are right-side hitters Taryn Ashley and Erin Lipinski. Sophomores Lauren Mathews and Payton Schultz and eighth-grader Payton Nutter are talented young players who played key roles, as well. |
| Osseo Orioles |
|---|
| Last year's record: 16-12 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 4 seed Mounds View in Section 5AAA quarterfinals, 3-2 |
| Conference: Northwest Suburban |
| Section: 5AAA |
| Coach: Bill Quan |
| Top returning players: Jr. S Megan Pekarek (645 set assists), So. OH Hannah Pekarek, So. OH Shiah Sanders, Jr. OH Jackie Jones (240 digs), Sr. MH Phillis Webb |
| Osseo coach Bill Quan runs a terrific program that always has high goals no matter the offseason changes. The Orioles were very young last year and the experience that the underclass players got at the varsity level should make them a more aggressive and confident team. The Orioles return setter Megan Pekarek, three top outside hitters (Jackie Jones, Hannah Pekarek and Shiah Sanders) and a middle (Phillis Webb) who all saw extensive playing time last fall. |
| Wayzata Trojans (No. 7AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 20-10 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 1 seed Eden Prairie in Section 6AAA final, 3-1 |
| Conference: Lake |
| Section: 6AAA |
| Coach: Scott Jackson |
| Top returning players: Sr. MH Sarah Watne, Jr. OH Mariah Halverson, Sr. OH Natalie Wilson (308 kills, 228 digs), Sr. OH/DS Taylor Krienke, Sr. LI Lauren Houg (481 digs), Sr. S/RH Lauren Watne |
| Under coach Scott Jackson, Wayzata has always had a strong team that is anchored by its good ball control and balanced attack. That shouldn't change this year, despite the graduation of All-State setter Julia Doyle and middle Toni Okuyemi. It will just take on even more importance. The Troans do return a solid nucleus and expect significant contributions from their JV team members who enjoyed outstanding success last fall. |
Pool 5
| Time | Court # | Team | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 am | 5 | Bethlehem Acad | Bemidji |
| 10 am | 5 | Wayzata | Osseo |
| 11 am | 5 | Bethlehem Acad | Osseo |
| 12 pm | 5 | Wayzata | Bemidji |
| 1 pm | 5 | Bemidji | Osseo |
| 2 pm | 5 | Bethlehem Acad | Wayzata |
Pool 6 Breakdown
| Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars (No. 7A) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 25-8 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 1 seed Nevis in Section 5A final, 3-2 |
| Conference: Central Minnesota |
| Section: 5A |
| Coach: Kevin Weller |
| Top returning players: Sr. RH Miriah Dekok, Jr. MH Becca Gruber, Sr. OH Taylor Braegelman (308 kills, 332 digs), All-State Sr. OH Brittany Roelike (339 kills, 318 digs), Sr. S Mariah Rach |
| The Jaguars have qualified for four of the last seven state tournaments, so they have a culture of winning -- and it certainly helps to have players such as All-State outside hitter Brittany Roelike and fellow terminator Taylor Braegelman. |
| LeSueur-Henderson Giants (No. 3AA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 22-9 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 2 seed Jordan in Section 2AA final, 3-0 |
| Conference: Minnesota River |
| Section: 2AA |
| Coach: Dave Nixon |
| Top returning players: Sr. S Ali Plieseis (900 set assists), Sr. MH Danica Tiegs, Sr. OH Gabby Thomas, All-State Sr. MH Jessica Thelemann (358 kills, 279 digs), Sr. LI Allison Murphy (322 digs) |
| LeSueur-Henderson has numerous strengths, such as experience at setter (Ali Plieseis), libero (Allison Murphy) and middle blocker (Jess Thelemann). Thelemann, a two-time All-State choice, has the ability to take over a match and is a fiery competitor that hates to lose. Also providing big contributions this fall will be senior hitters Gabby Thomas and Danica Tiegs. |
| Mayer Lutheran Crusaders (No. 5A) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 21-14-2 |
| Playoff result: Lost to Win-E-Mac in Class A consolation final, 3-0 |
| Conference: Minnesota River |
| Section: 4A |
| Coach: Joelle Grimsley |
| Top returning players: Sr. S Ashlyn Hucky (585 set assists), Jr. OH Rachel Schmidt (261 kills), All-State Sr. OH Nico Schmidt (341 kills) |
| Mayer Lutheran should again remain among the best Class A teams in the state, despite losing key players such as All-State libero Jen Krentz and middle Taylor Rollo. The Crusaders return two very strong outside hitters in Nico Schmidt and Rachel Schmidt, who will receive their sets from veteran Ashlyn Hucky. |
| Shakopee Sabers (No. 5AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 25-4 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 2 seed Hutchinson in Section 2AAA final, 3-2 |
| Conference: Missota |
| Section: 2AAA |
| Coach: Matt Busch |
| Top returning players: Sr. RH Taylor Koehn, So. MH/OH Kenzie Pieper, Sr. OH Carlee Hoppe (274 kills), Sr. S Maggie Holcombe (683 set assists), Jr. MH Kaylee Lemke |
| It's been a couple of years since Shakopee capped off its three straight state championships, although coach Matt Busch continues to field immensely talented and competitive teams. That shouldn't change this fall, despite big graduation losses from a 25-victory team that fell in five games in the Section 2AAA final to Hutchinson. |
Pool 6
| Time | Court # | Team | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 am | 6 | LeSueur-Hend | Mayer Lutheran |
| 10 am | 6 | Shakopee | B-B-E |
| 11 am | 6 | LeSueur-Hend | B-B-E |
| 12 pm | 6 | Shakopee | Mayer Lutheran |
| 1 pm | 6 | Mayer Lutheran | B-B-E |
| 2 pm | 6 | LeSueur-Hend | Shakopee |
Pool 7 Breakdown
| Caledonia Warriors (No. 4AA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 26-6 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 1 seed Stewartville in Section 1AA final, 3-1 |
| Conference: Three Rivers |
| Section: 1AA |
| Coach: Scott Koepke |
| Top returning players: Sr. S Taylor Winjum (854 set assists), Sr. MH Maria Fruechte (329 kills, 221 digs), All-State Sr. MH Emma Lange (336 kills, 207 digs) |
| Caledonia coach Scott Koepke expects to remain competitive in the Three Rivers Conference and within Section 1AA. He's just being modest, as the Warriors are loaded with great talent, including D1 middle hitters Emma Lange and Maria Fruechte. The problem is that within Caledonia's conference, Wabasha-Kellogg, Fillmore Central and Chatfield will all be very strong, as well --- and Stewartville is awaiting in section play. |
| Owatonna Huskies |
|---|
| Last year's record: 24-9 |
| Playoff result: Beat Cretin-Derham Hall in Class AAA consolation final, 3-2 |
| Conference: Big 9 |
| Section: 1AAA |
| Coach: Jason Kaytor |
| Top returning players: Sr. S Mikayla Bock (871 set assists), Sr. OH Emily Spatenka, Sr. OH Rachel Malo (292 digs), So. LI Kaylea Ahrens (572 digs) |
| Owatonna surprised many observers with a state tournament run that ended with a consolation title victory over Cretin-Derham Hall. It didn't surprise the Huskies or coach Jason Kaytor, however. He knew he had a talented team led by outside Michelle Mattke and middle Lauren Schlobohm. But both graduated, leaving the Huskies looking for a new go-to hitter -- which they may have in powerful Rachel Malo. The Huskies also boast of a veteran setter (Mikayla Bock) and libero (Kaylea Ahrens). |
| Southwest Christian Stars (No. 6A) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 25-8 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 2 seed Mayer Lutheran in Section 4A final, 3-2 |
| Conference: MCAA |
| Section: 4A |
| Coach: Greg Sayuk |
| Top returning players: Jr. DS Lauren Robertson, Sr LI Courtney Sheets, Jr. MH Abby Palkert, Jr. OH Camille Piche, Sr. MH Ellie Johnson, All-State Sr. S Katie Lubben (898 set assists), All-State Jr. OH Mackenzie Horkey (404 kills, 349 digs) |
| Southwest Christian has a foundation any program would be happy to build on, as the return of All-State setter Katie Lubben and All-State hitter Mackenzie Horkey make the Stars a very dangerous team. The Stars will also be buoyed by the opening of their new school building, which will have a home gym for the first time in the program's history. |
| Waconia Wildcats (No. 4AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 21-10 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 1 seed Shakopee in Section 2AAA semifinals, 3-1 |
| Conference: Wright County |
| Section: 2AAA |
| Coach: Jim Lee |
| Top returning players: Jr. MH Kirsten Wagener, So. OH Jessica Wolf, Sr. MH Morgan Iverson, Sr. MH Stephanie Dressen, All-State Sr. OH Anna Pioske (459 kills, 270 digs), Jr. DS Samantha Paulson (209 digs), Sr. LI Caroline Jacobs (473 digs) |
| Waconia has all the appearances of a state championship contender, as the Wildcats return a deep lineup coming off a great season. Laura Schmitt was the lone regular to graduate off last year's squad, meaning coach Jim Lee can count on the contributions of players such as powerful All-State hitter Anna Pioske and other veterans. |
Pool 7
| Time | Court # | Team | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 am | 7 | Waconia | SW Christian |
| 10 am | 7 | Caledonia | Owatonna |
| 11 am | 7 | Waconia | Owatonnna |
| 12 pm | 7 | Caledonia | SW Christian |
| 1 pm | 7 | SW Christian | Owatonna |
| 2 pm | 7 | Waconia | Caledonia |
Pool 8 Breakdown
| Chaska Hawks (No. 8AAA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 14-13 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 1 seed Shakopee in Section 2AAA quarterfinals, 3-1 |
| Conference: Missota |
| Section: 2AAA |
| Coach: Sue Murphy |
| Top returning players: So. OH Erin Schindler (252 kills, 338 digs), So. S Makayla Wenzel (732 set assists), Jr. S Allie Duenow |
| Chaska has long been one of the powerhouse programs in the state, winning six state titles in the past 21 years. The Hawks endured a reloading season last year, but still managed to post a winning record -- and got the attention of more than a few opponents along the way. The Hawks were anchored by a pair of great freshmen, setter Makayla Wenzel and outside hitter Erin Schindler, who will vault Chaska right back into state championship consideration very quickly. |
| Jackson County Central Huskies (No. 7AA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 26-4 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 1 seed Marshall in Section 3AA final, 3-0 |
| Conference: Southwest |
| Section: 3AA |
| Coach: Teresa Van Epps |
| Top returning players: Sr. OH Sydnee Donnelli, So. OH Kaylee Burmeister, Sr. RH Lydia Brandt, Sr. S/RH Michelle Van Epps (531 set assists), Sr. MH Jasmine Erickson, So. LI Kathryn Nasby, So. MH Sydney Eddy |
| Jackson County Central quite possibly has had the second best team in Class AA the past few years, but the Huskies have had the misfortune to play in the same section as juggernaut Marshall. Last fall, JCC again won 26 matches and advanced to the Section 3AA final, but lost to Marshall in three straight games. The Huskies graduated All-State outside hitter Whitney Burmeister, a huge part of that success, but JCC has five seniors returning. |
| Kasson-Mantorville KoMets (No. 9AA) |
|---|
| Last year's record: 24-5 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 1 seed Stewartville in Section 1AA semifinals, 3-0 |
| Conference: Hiawatha Valley |
| Section: 1AA |
| Coach: Larry Hegerle |
| Top returning players: Sr. OH Abby Manitz, Jr. RH Brooklyn Lewis |
| Abby Manitz will be leading a great Kasson-Mantorville team with many good athletes coming back from last year's 24-victory squad. The KoMets are loaded with great athletes, explosive jumpers, tenacious defenders and great coaching. The loss of All-State setter Kaia Buck will be felt, though. |
| St. Michael-Albertville Knights |
|---|
| Last year's record: 15-13 |
| Playoff result: Lost to No. 3 seed Totino-Grace in Section 5AAA quarterfinals, 3-0 |
| Conference: Mississippi 8 |
| Section: 5AAA |
| Coach: Ryan Dehnel |
| Top returning players: Sr. MH/OH Becky Hackenmueller, Sr. OH/LI Candice Yager, Sr. DS Paige O'Connor, Jr. MH Courtney Wooters, Jr. S Malissa LeClaire, Sr. MH Jennifer Olejar |
| The Knights have a majority of their starters back this fall, as well as some key newcomers who could vault the program back to the state tournament. Coach Ryan Dehnel believes he has an athletic team with a great work ethic. Serving, passing, and defense will be major keys for STMA this year, as well as continued development at the setter position. The Knights have a strong, experienced group of seniors who will provide good leadership. |
Pool 8
| Time | Court # | Team | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 am | 8 | Chaska | Kasson-Mantorville |
| 10 am | 8 | Jackson CC | STMA |
| 11 am | 8 | Chaska | STMA |
| 12 pm | 8 | Jackson CC | Kasson-Mantorville |
| 1 pm | 8 | Kasson-Mantorville | STMA |
| 2 pm | 8 | Chaska | Jackson CC |
Playoff brackets
Gold Division
| Game # | Time | Court # | Team | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 | 3 pm | 3 | Pool 1 champ | Pool 8 champ |
| G2 | 3 pm | 4 | Pool 4 champ | Pool 5 champ |
| G3 | 3 pm | 5 | Pool 2 champ | Pool 7 champ |
| G4 | 3 pm | 6 | Pool 3 champ | Pool 6 champ |
| G5 | 5 pm | 3 | G1 winner | G2 winner |
| G6 | 5 pm | 4 | G3 winner | G4 winner |
| G7 | 6 pm | 3 | G5 winner | G6 winner |
Silver Division
| Game # | Time | Court # | Team | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | 4 pm | 3 | Pool 8 runner-up | Pool 1 runner-up |
| S2 | 4 pm | 4 | Pool 5 runner-up | Pool 4 runner-up |
| S3 | 4 pm | 5 | Pool 7 runner-up | Pool 2 runner-up |
| S4 | 4 pm | 6 | Pool 6 runner-up | Pool 3 runner-up |
| S5 | 5 pm | 5 | S1 winner | S2 winner |
| S6 | 5 pm | 6 | S3 winner | S4 winner |
| S7 | 6 pm | 5 | S5 winner | S6 winner |
Bronze Division
| Game # | Time | Court # | Team | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | 3 pm | 7 | Pool 1 third | Pool 8 third |
| B2 | 3 pm | 8 | Pool 4 third | Pool 5 third |
| B3 | 4 pm | 7 | Pool 2 third | Pool 7 third |
| B4 | 4 pm | 8 | Pool 3 third | Pool 6 third |
| B5 | 5 pm | 7 | B1 winner | B2 winner |
| B6 | 5 pm | 8 | B3 winner | B4 winner |
| B7 | 6 pm | 7 | B5 winner | B6 winner |
Tag(s):
