Maddie McNeil is carrying on her family’s volleyball legacy at Eagan by playing her own game.

Maddie is the youngest of the three McNeil sisters who have starred for the Wildcats’ program in the last few years and the senior has been key in helping Eagan, the defending state Class 3A champion, remain ranked among the state’s top teams.

The Wildcats are No. 3 in the latest Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association’s Class 3A poll.

Maddie, Eagan’s setter, was also key in helping her team improve to 7-2 this season, finishing with 12 assists and 14 digs in a 25-17, 25-23, 25-23 victory over No. 5 Lakeville South on Tuesday night at Eagan High School.

A three-year varsity starter, Maddie may have the same pedigree but brings a higher intensity level than older sisters Taylr, the 2013 Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year, and Kellie.

“She loves volleyball,” Wildcats’ head coach Kathy Gillen said. “She eats, breathes and (lives) volleyball and it shows.”

Gillen saw Maddie’s enthusiasm for the game early on and noticed how well it complimented Taylr’s play last year.

“They are truly sisters and they have a great bond,” Gillen said.

Maddie will join Taylr and Kellie at the University of South Carolina where all three will play for the Gamecocks.

“It’s going to be awesome,” Maddie said. “Me and my sisters, we all get along so well and it’s going to be great to have that opportunity to play a Division I level with them.”

Eagan senior setter Maddie McNeil had 12 assists and 14 digs to help the Wildcats hold off South Suburban Conference rival Lakeville South in a 25-17, 25-23, 25-23 victory Tuesday night at Eagan High School.

Sophomore setter Brie Orr recorded 22 assists, 11 kills, and 15 digs for the Wildcats (7-2), who are ranked No. 4 in the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association's Class 3A poll.

Senior middle hitter Callie Schapekahm and sophomore outside hitter Taylor Olstad each had six kills against No. 5 Lakeville South (7-2).

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