St. Michael-Albertville won its only state championship way back in 1983. Minnetonka’s lone title, and only previous appearance before last season, came in 1976. Both programs have experienced something of a renaissance as of late, with the Knights going 22-6 in the regular season before reaching the Class 3A, Section 5 title game last fall. The Skippers advanced to the Class 3A state semifinals, losing in five sets to Eagan.
Both teams are off to a hot start this fall. Minnetonka (5-0, 4-0) has swept all but one of its opponents while St. Michael-Albertville (3-1, 2-1) suffered its lone defeat to perennial powerhouse and defending state champion Wayzata in four sets on Oct. 14.
Junior Abby Stanwood (46 kills), and seniors Kali Engeman (36 kills) and Sonia Dahlin (35 kills) are the leaders on offense for the No. 4-3A Skippers.
Seniors Emma VanHeel (27 kills) and Liv Carel (23 kills) pace the No. 8-3A Knights' attack. The duo combined for 27 kills in their loss to the top-ranked Trojans. Carel also has 21 digs this season.