Sydney Larson (12), left, of Minneota and teammate Natalee Rolbiecki (8) jump to block a hit by Elle Scherfenberg (5) of Ada-Borup. Photo: LEILA NAVIDI ¥ leila.navidi@startribune.com
Minneota coach Hayley Fruin played on the Vikings’ one and only state championship team in 2006. Fruin, who was known as Hayley Hennen at the time, will get a chance at a player/coach exacta thanks to Minneota’s 23-25, 25-16, 25-16, 25-14 victory over Ada-Borup in the Class 1A semifinals.
“I just want these kids to have that feeling, more than anything,” Fruin said. “It’s a great feeling. They’re more than deserving of it.”
For one set, at least, it looked like the No. 1-seeded Vikings might not get that opportunity. Senior outside hitter Lizzy Gillingham, a six-rotation player, went out when she rolled her right ankle. While Minneota was adapting, Ada-Borup (31-2) swooped in and won the first set.
Minneota earned a chance to get the Class 1A state title that eluded it last year by defeating Ada-Borup 23-25, 25-16, 25-16, 25-14 in the first semifinal on Friday.
The Vikings (35-1) were led by Lydia Sussner, a Ms. Volleyball finalist, who had 18 kills, and Natalie Rolbiecki, who recorded 13. Setter Morgan Kockelman had 49 set assists.
Check back later for more on the match.