Bloomington Jefferson (6-4, 2-1) looked like it was off and running with a special season and a goal to make the state tournament. And then the injuries came.
First it was setter Olivia Opstad, who was sidelined before a Metro West matchup with No. 3-3A New Prague. Then it was senior Ellie Sieling, a senior hitter who has received plenty of attention in the Miss Volleyball conversation, who limped off the court against New Prague after a bad landing.
Opstad leads the team in assists and Ellie Sieling leads the Jaguars in kills, digs and service aces. Her intensity and competitiveness have been missed. New Prague won the three sets after Sieling's injury in a 3-1 victory last week.
The Jaguars lost at No. 10-4A Eden Prairie and their season hit a speed bump. A victory over crosstown rival Bloomington Kennedy (1-5, 0-2) could help in the short run. The return of Opstad and Sieling will be needed in the long run.
Cassie Sieling, second to her sister in kills and digs, will be looked to for leadership and big plays in the absence of Opstad and Ellie Sieling. Melanie Meyer (14 blocks, 33 kills) also will counted on.
Bloomington Kennedy will need its best game to beat the Jaguars even with the two stars. The Eagles' lone victory came at South St. Paul on Sept. 2. But in this rivalry game, anything can happen.
The Eagles, 1-11 in 2020, are young and less experienced. Sophomore middle Latasha Carter and freshman setter Jorie Houk received All-Metro West honorable mention last season.
Seniors Alyssa Stamer, a 5-foot-7 setter, and Adri Rhoda, a 6-foot-2 outside, lead the Tigers. Middles Madyson Heller and Hannah Peterson and senior libero Kiera Young form a solid lineup.