Jackson County Central vs. Marshall

7:15 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 13

Having Minnesota volleyball powerhouse Marshall in your conference is one thing. Having the Tigers in your section, too, is another thing.

Jackson County Central has had some good teams over the years, but often being paired in the same section as a team that nearly never misses a trip to the state tournament has hindered the Huskies' success. 

Marshall has been a participant in 18 of 20 state tournaments since 2000; the Huskies have reached the state tournament four times, winning three championships.

So Marshall's move to Class 3A last season was big news at Jackson County Central. The Huskies took advantage, winning the Class 2A, Section 3 championship and advancing to the state tournament title match.

But that doesn't mean the Tigers are out of the Huskies' hair. The two meet in a Big South West Conference matchup Tuesday night. Marshall (6-1, 1-0) is ranked No. 1 in Class 3A; Jackson County Central (2-0, 0-0) is ranked No. 3 in Class 2A.

Lauren Wherry replaces graduated senior Maysa Gillingham at setter, but the Tigers have several players back from last season's state title team. Leah Jones, a 6-2 outside hitter and 2021 kills leader, 6-foot seniors Randi Wendorff and Brooke Andries and senior defensive specialist and 2021 digs leader Caitlyn Christenson all are back.

Jackson County Central has returning leaders, too, in senior setter Maci Farmer, junior middle hitter Emma Haren, senior middle hitter Peyton Hanson and senior defensive specialist Alexis O'Reilly.