ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Much like its quarterfinal win, No. 2 Lakeville North cruised to a relatively easy first-set win, had to battle for a second-set win and finally cruised to a third-set win in defeating Rochester Century, 25-12, 25-23, 25-16.
The victory sets up the Panthers' third consecutive Section 1AAA championship appearance as they will take on No. 4 Lakeville South at the Mayo Civic Center, Saturday, at 11 a.m.
After Century grabbed the early lead, the teams were tied twice before an Abbey Milner gave North a 6-5 lead and the Panthers would give up consecutive points only once the remainder of the set as they pulled away to the 13-point win.
The second set saw Century lead on three occasions, including a 23-22, but another Milner kill tied the game, Macy Winter's kill set up set point and Tori Thompson and Maddy Hornyak combined for a block to close out the middle frame.
Winter served North to a 7-0 lead in the final set but Century closed to within three, at 11-8, before a 7-1 run made it a nine-point lead and effectively ended the match.
Elizabeth Juhnke recorded a double-double with 16 kills and 12 assists to lead North. She also recorded a pair of solo blocks and a service ace to account for 19 points.
Elizabeth Juhnke recorded her eighth double-double of the season with 16 kills and 12 digs.
Winter and Thompson also reached doubled figures in kills, with 12 and 10 respectively. Thompson added four blocks while Winter chipped in with five digs.
Amelia Wherland record a career, three-set high of 40 assists while also registering two kills and seven digs.
The back row was anchored by libero Halle Wolfe, who led both teams with 25 digs, and defensive specialists Ella Wheatcraft, who added 13 digs.
