Paynesville could have been playing for a share of the Central Minnesota Conference championship, but a 3-0 loss to Kimball Area last week ended both a 10-game win streak and that opportunity.
Nevertheless, Paynesville (15-6, 5-2) can take a series sweep and a confidence-booster into the Class 2A, Section 3 tournament. The Bulldogs beat Eden Valley-Watkins (14-7, 6-1) in a four-set match on Sept. 20.
The Eagles can claim the conference title with a victory. Eden Valley-Watkins stands tied with formerly ranked Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa but has the advantage of having beaten the Jaguars earlier this season.
If that happens, it will be a big step up the conference ladder for the Eagles, who finished fourth in the league standings last season. Middle hitters Madison Mueller and Jose Hiltner are the team's leaders.
Seniors Kyleigh Tangen and Rayna Spanier and juniors Maddie Trieler and Emma Flanders, returning starters from 2021, lead the Bulldogs.