MN high school volleyball state tournament

Apple Valley made a match of it. But Lakeville South prove to be too much.

Elleora Utecht finished with 14 kills and Romi Chlebecek added 12 to lead the top-seeded Lakeville South over the eighth-seeded Apple Valley 25-21, 25-18, 25-17 in a Class 4A quarterfinal Wednesday afternoon at the Xcel Energy Center.

The Eagles had their opponent beat in one category: length of time between state tournament appearances. 

The Cougars, who ended the regular season ranked No. 1 in the Class 4A coaches poll after holding that position for most of the season, made the state tournament for the first time since 2018, a span of six years. 

Apple Valley last made state in 2001 — a 23-year gap. 

For more on Lakeville South's victory, click here to read the story on startribune.com.