Kasson-Mantorville senior Peyton Suess goes up for a kill against Eastview Tuesday night in Apple Valley. Seuss had 13 kills in the KoMets' straight sets victory. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine
Kasson-Mantorville freshman Maddie Converse sets a shot against Eastview. The KoMets defeated the Lightning 3-0 in Apple Valley Tuesday night. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine
Even the state’s highest-ranked volleyball programs have an annual need to groom younger athletes as players leave or graduate.
This is no different for Kasson-Mantorville. Coming off a state tourney trip last year, the program has made a key switch earlier than expected.
Senior outside hitter Peyton Suess helped Kasson-Mantorville make it a happy road trip when the KoMets had a 25-14, 25-22, 25-17 three-set victory at Eastview on Tuesday.
The KoMets (2-0) jumped out to an early lead, going on a 12-1 run to force an Eastview timeout. Kasson-Mantorville, ranked No. 4 in the Class 2A coaches’ poll, rode that momentum to a double-digit first-set victory.
Eastview (2-1) settled in with a competitive second set, as neither team led by more than three points throughout. With both teams tied at 22-22, Kasson-Mantorville won the final three points to take the second set.
The KoMets returned to form in the third set. After trading points to a 6-6 tie, Kasson-Mantorville pulled ahead on its way to a 25-17 win in the final set.
Suess, a Wake Forest commit, had 17 kills. Right-side hitter Lauren Crowl led the Lightning with six kills.
Eastview libero Caylee Christian lunges to save a play against Kasson-Mantorville. The Lightning fell at home to the KoMets 3-0. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine
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