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Lakeville North puts away Eagan in straight sets to end season on high note

By Sarah Johnson, SportsEngine, 11/19/20, 11:45AM CST

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Abbey Milner's 15 kills powered the Panthers past the Wildcats, giving her team at least a share of this year's South Suburban Conference title.

Lakeville senior Abbey Milner (11) with a spike attempt Thursday against Eagan. Milner had 15 kills, helping the Panthers to victory in their season finale. Photo by Korey McDermott, SportsEngine

Lakeville senior Abbey Milner (11) with a spike attempt Thursday against Eagan. Milner had 15 kills, helping the Panthers to victory in their season finale. Photo by Korey McDermott, SportsEngine

Eagan's Sienna Ifill (9) with a block on Lakeville North's Maddy Hornyak (2) during their match Nov. 19. Ifil had 12 kills in the Wildcats' 3-0 loss to Lakeville North on Thursday. Photo by Korey McDermott, SportsEngine

Eagan's Sienna Ifill (9) with a block on Lakeville North's Maddy Hornyak (2) during their match Nov. 19. Ifil had 12 kills in the Wildcats' 3-0 loss to Lakeville North on Thursday. Photo by Korey McDermott, SportsEngine

At their last game of this pandemic-shortened season, there was a sign in the Lakeville North gym that read: “Last one, best one, we found a way.” 

With an answer for every Eagan attack, the Panthers, ranked no. 4 in Class 3A coaches’ poll, swept the Wildcats 25-21, 25-18 and 25-23 on Thursday night at Lakeville North High School. With the win, the Panthers (10-2) guaranteed themselves at least a share of this year’s South Suburban Conference title.

“These girls have taken advantage of every game as a gift,” said Lakeville North coach Jackie Richter. “I just reminded them to be aware of Eagan’s tendencies, and they went out and played their game.” 

By the time Eagan (8-2) took a timeout in the first set, senior middle hitter Abbey Milner already had four kills.

First Report

With an answer for every Eagan attack, Lakeville North finished its pandemic-shortened 2020 season on Thursday night with a 25-21, 25-18, 25-23 sweep of South Suburban Conference rival Eagan at Lakeville North High School.

The Panthers (10-2) never trailed and stayed ahead until the Wildcats (8-2) tied it at 21 apiece in the third set. Lakeville North, ranked No. 4 in the Class 3A coaches’ poll, was fueled by senior middle hitter Abbey Milner who had 15 kills. Senior outside hitter Maddy Hornyak added eight kills.

Eagan, which began its season on Oct. 9 with a 3-1 defeat of Lakeville North at home, was led by junior outside hitter Sienna Ifill’s 12 kills.

The No. 2-3A Wildcats finish their season tomorrow with a match against No. 3-3A Shakopee. The Panthers, meanwhile, guaranteed themselves at least a share of this year’s South Suburban title by beating Eagan.

With the Governor Walz's decision to suspend all youth and high school sports Wednesday, Lakeville North parents show their appreciation for the season the Panthers were able to have. Photo by Korey McDermott, SportsEngine

With the Governor Walz's decision to suspend all youth and high school sports Wednesday, Lakeville North parents show their appreciation for the season the Panthers were able to have. Photo by Korey McDermott, SportsEngine

MN Volleyball Hub polls are for entertainment purposes only. 

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