Six losses added up to one very big victory for No. 1-seeded Mayer Lutheran.

Crusaders coach Joelle Grimsley created a deliberately brutal schedule, knowing that a few regular-season speed bumps could likely result in a smoother postseason road.

“We developed a challenging schedule to prepare us for the postseason,” Grimsley said.

Mayer Lutheran made Grimsley’s strategy look prescient, cruising to a three-set victory over Stephen-Argyle 25-17, 25-13, 25-17. Madi Beck had 10 kills and Madison Hucky had 23 set assists, 11 digs and 8 kills for Mayer Lutheran (27-6). Stephen-Argyle, making its first tournament appearance, fell to 28-4.

JIM PAULSEN

No. 3 seed Caledonia got off to a fast start and had no trouble defeating Cook County 25-11, 25-13, 25-17.

The Warriors (29-5) started the first set with a 10-1 run en route to five aces and 11 kills for the set.

“It gave us a lot of confidence right away,” said senior middle hitter Sam Schroeder. “We always try and start out strong.”

Schroeder led her team with 11 kills for the match. On a particularly lengthy point in the third set, she kept it alive by punching the ball over the net while she was on her stomach. She then helped finish the point with a block at the net.

Caledonia freshman Lydia Lange left the in the second set with “a little tweak” to her ankle, according to Coach Scott Koepke, but she should be ready for Friday’s semifinal match.

For Cook County (22-4), junior Meredith Sutton led her team with nine kills and added seven digs.

HEATHER RULE

After finishing fourth in the Class 1A state tournament last season, Tracy-Milroy-Balaton got off to a good start trying to better that mark this year. 

The Panthers (29-7) defeated the Cubs 25-19, 25-13, 25-20, getting 45 kills to just 26 for their opponent. Senior Kendra Ludeman and junior Sydney Lanoue each had 10 apiece.

It’s the third consecutive state tournament appearance for the Panthers. The Cubs, making their first appearance, finished 20-14.

HEATHER RULE