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Maple Lake makes statement in four-set win over Mayer Lutheran

By Ryan Williamson, SportsEngine , 09/26/17, 10:30AM CDT

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The No. 1-2A Irish prevailed over the No. 1-1A Crusaders in battle of top teams.


Maple Lake's Brynn Paumen (6) makes a block for the game-winning point at Mayer Lutheran High School on Tuesday night. Paumen tallied 10 blocks, helping the Irish defeat the Crusaders in four sets. Photo by Cheryl Myers, SportsEngine

With both teams ranking No. 1 in their respective classes and boasting undefeated records, the match between Maple Lake and Mayer Lutheran was already a big-time draw.

But the numbers were just part of what made Tuesday’s match a hit.

Hundreds of fans from both schools filled every nook of the tiny gym at Mayer Lutheran High School, and those in attendance saw two of the state’s best battle until the very end.

The Irish ultimately prevailed in the battle of top-ranked programs, as they defeated the Crusaders 25-23, 25-18, 25-27, 26-24.

There were plenty of reasons for the rowdy pre-match excitement. Both teams are coming off state championships — Mayer Lutheran won the school’s first volleyball title since 1982 by capturing the Class 1A crown, and Maple Lake won the 2A title in a competitive field.

Adding to the anticipation, both teams had history with each other. They faced off in 2016 at Maple Lake, where the Irish won the first set in a 32-30 shootout. Maple Lake ended up winning last year in four sets.

“We knew this game was a big one on our schedule,” Maple Lake coach Marty Kiebel said. “A year ago, it was crazy. We were all fired up.”

The Crusaders (17-1) faithful appeared to match the atmosphere of last year’s matchup. Fans for both teams showed up in large numbers, ready to cheer. At times, players had trouble talking to each other over the crowd's noise.

While most of the fans cheered for Mayer Lutheran, ranked No. 1 in the Class 1A coaches’ poll, the Crusaders faithful watched as the No. 1-2A Irish got off to a strong start.

In each of the four sets, Maple Lake (18-0) found itself with an early lead.

“We came out frazzled while they were coming out like gangbusters,” Mayer Lutheran coach Joelle Grimsley said. “We definitely saw some things we need to work on tonight.”

But throughout the night, the Crusaders kept themselves in the match. In the third set, Mayer Lutheran fell behind 11-2 before rallying to force a fourth set.

“They served tough and made a lot of really solid plays at the net,” Kiebel said. “When teams do that and get us out of system, we become more of an average team.”

Thankfully for Kiebel, his team was able to battle through the tough stretches. After the Crusaders got within one point in the first set, Maple Lake senior outside hitter Linsey Rachel struck a powerful kill that quieted the home crowd and gave the Irish the first set. She ended the match with 19 kills.

Rachel got help from her teammates along the way, including senior middle hitter Brynn Paumen. Using her 6-foot-2 frame in the middle, Paumen stood strong offensively and defensively, and the senior came away with 14 kills and 10 blocks.

“This year, we’ve really been able to spread it out,” Paumen said. “This is an experienced group. While we’d all like to get the ball on every play, it’s really fun to see everyone succeed.”

While there was a playoff-like atmosphere to Tuesday’s match, smiles were seen by both the players and coaches on the floor. 

“I couldn’t stop smiling,” Paumen said. “Even if they got a point, I could come away thinking we did well and had a really strong rally.”

Though the teams won't face each other for the rest of the season, they hope to be on similar paths. Based on the both teams' strong records and high rankings, they could end up at the Xcel Energy Center for their respective state tournaments.

“Tonight, I looked out and could genuinely see both teams getting better,” Kiebel said. “We’ll continue to communicate with each other and root for each other. Let’s hope we both get to St. Paul.”


Martina Saulsbury (5) and her Crusaders teammates celebrate a comeback point in the fourth set. Mayer Lutheran rallied to win the third set but fell to Maple Lake in the fourth. Photo by Cheryl Myers, SportsEngine

First Report

In a highly anticipated battle of top-ranked and undefeated teams, Maple Lake scratched and clawed for every point on its way to a win over Mayer Lutheran.

The Irish kept its undefeated season alive as they defeated the Crusaders 25-23, 25-18, 25-27, 26-24 on Tuesday at Mayer Lutheran High School.

The Irish, who are ranked No. 1 in the Class 2A coaches’ poll, took the first two sets by relying on two of its veteran leaders. Senior outside hitter Linsey Rachel led Maple Lake with 19 kills in the match, while senior hitter Amber Klug had 21 assists.

Senior middle hitter Brynn Paumen also stood out for the Irish. The 6-foot-2 senior had 14 kills and 10 blocks in the win.

The No. 1-1A Crusaders kept the match close in front of a raucous home crowd. Senior setter Madison Hucky had 20 assists and 9 kills in Mayer Lutheran’s first loss of the year.

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