The Results
#3 Lakeville North def. Orono, 25-6, 25-12
#3 Lakeville North def. Prior Lake, 25-20, 25-17
#4 Eagan def. #3 Lakeville North, 25-21, 24-26, 15-11
#8 East Ridge def. #3 Lakeville North, 26-24, 25-14
The Highlights
Few would argue that one of the most exciting matches in the state this year was Eagan's semifinal win over North.
Although the match featured two of the state's top two player in the Panthers' Elizabeth Juhnke and the Wildcats' Kennedi Orr, the match was highlighted by the defense both teams played.
Each team had seven blocks but 36 digs by Eagan helped limit North to an .071 hitting percentage on the night and the Wildcats were able to side out on 10 of the Panthers' 11 third-set serves to put the match away.
Juhnke's 12 kills topped both teams but Ellie Husemann had 11 kills and hit .421, and record five blocks, for the Wildcats while Orr added 10 kills.
Six of North's seven blocks were solos with Tori Thompson recording three, while also recording a block assist, and Abbey Milner had two solos.
Tori Thompson hit .298, with 19 kills, and added eight blocks in four matches over the weekend.
Freshman Bailey Leeke came off the bench and contributed eight kills and three blocks in four matches.
How They Got There
North got to the semifinals with a pair of wins, Friday. Making quick work of Orono before picking up its third win over Prior Lake this season.
The Wrap
After a hard-fought opening set, North, which defeated East Ridge on the Raptors' home court in five sets earlier this season, saw its opponent cruise to an 11-point second set win.
East Ridge had 17 kills and hit .571 in the second set and had a sideout percentage of .933, record 14 points of the Panthers' 15 serves.
Up Next
North will has a pair of South Suburban Conference matches on tap this week.
The Panthers will be at Eastview, Tuesday, for a 7 p.m. match, before meeting up with Eagan once again, Thursday, at 7 p.m. at Lakeville North.
