Photo Gallery: Minneota vs. Bethlehem Academy
Minneota coach Hayley Fruin knows what it’s like to be in the state title game. She was there as a player in 2006 when Minneota won its only championship by defeating Bethlehem Academy.
She’s back as a first-year head coach with Minneota (29-5), which swept Bethlehem Academy 25-19, 27-25, 25-11.
“It’s fun from each side, being a player or a coach,” Fruin said. “It’s just as fun, and I’m so excited for these kids.”
The first two sets were tight. In the second, the score was tied seven times starting at 16-16 when the Cardinals went on a 5-0 run for a set point and chance to tie the match. But the Vikings responded with a pair of kills from junior Lydia Sussner to close out the second.
“We really had to just clean up our side,” said Sussner, who finished with 18 kills.
Up two sets, the Vikings didn’t let go of the momentum as they coasted to victory in the third.
Junior Morgan Kockelman had 42 assists, 16 digs and two kills for the Vikings. Freshman Abby Hennen had 22 digs.
Mary Campbell led the Cardinals (17-15) with 11 kills and added nine digs.