Concordia Academy finished second at last year's Class 2A state tournament, and a win over Hill-Murray on Tuesday could signal the Beacons are ready for another long postseason run this year. Photo by Chris Juhn
Concordia Academy returns six letterwinners from a team that was the Class 2A state runner-up and posted a 27-7 record last year.
The Beacons, ranked No. 6 in the Class 2A coaches' preseason poll, have made the last two state tournaments and have enough tools to make a third consecutive trip even more fruitful.
Senior outside hitter and Concordia (St. Paul) commit Erin Fallert (406 kills, 334 digs) is the gem of the Beacons lineup and returns after earning all-state honors a year ago.
Hill-Murray finished as the Class 2A state consolation champions last season, helping send longtime coach Tim Walen off on a high note.
An early season victory over a ranked team could be a perfect way to start the tenure of the team's head coach Angie Houk while also boosting the Pioneers’ confidence.
All-Metro East honorable mention selection Alina Gartner (122 digs, 384 assists) returns to give Hill-Murray much-needed experience at the setter position.
The Pioneers and Beacons bring impressive postseason pedigrees into this contest, making the matchup our Top Game of the Week.
Tab over to see details on each game.
Tag(s): MSHSL Conferences Big 9 Rochester Century Hiawatha Valley Kasson-Mantorville Lake Hopkins Metro East Hill-Murray North St. Paul Minneapolis City Minneapolis Southwest MCAA Heritage Christian Southwest Christian Minnesota River Mayer Lutheran Northwest Suburban Centennial Champlin Park Elk River Totino-Grace South Suburban Eagan Prior Lake Rosemount Shakopee Suburban East Roseville Tri-Metro Concordia Academy Wright County Wright County West Watertown-Mayer