Chaska vs.

Bloomington Jefferson

7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11

Chaska’s run as a state powerhouse dates to 1975, when the Hawks made their first state tournament appearance. They’ve made 15 trips to state in all, winning titles in 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2005, 2006, and 2014. Bloomington Jefferson has had its moments in the statewide spotlight, too, making seven state tourney appearances and finishing second in 1999. Both teams lost in their respective Class 3A section championships a year ago — Jefferson fell 3-2 to St. Louis Park in the Section 6 final; Chaska lost 3-2 to Minnetonka in the Section 2 title game.

Although there likely won't be a state tournament this season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, No. 10-3A Chaska appears primed to make another deep section playoff run. The Hawks (8-1, 8-0) have swept five straight opponents after suffering their lone loss — a 3-0 blemish on Oct. 22 to No. 9-3A St. Michael-Albertville.

Chaska junior outside hitter Mallory Heyer reached the career 1,000-kill mark in a straight-sets sweep of Robbinsdale Cooper on Nov. 5. She tallied 14 kills in the win.

Bloomington Jefferson (8-1, 7-1) has a lone defeat this season, a 3-0 setback which came against Chaska on Oct. 15. The Jaguars have gone unbeaten since, sweeping five of their six opponents.

Cassie Sieling (100 kills) is the Jaguars' top hitter, and her sister Ellie (76 kills) is another top returner from a team that graduated eight players from last season. Both are in their junior campaigns.