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Summer Elite Saturday preview

By Tim Kolehmainen, Breakdown Sports Media, 08/03/15, 10:00PM CDT

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We preview our 6th annual "Best of the best" preseason invitational


Chaska won last year's Saturday Summer Elite title.

The sixth year of the Breakdown's Summer Elite Volleyball Invitational is bigger and better than ever. Our event features two single-day tournaments over the Aug. 8-9, 2015 weekend at Midwest Volleyball Warehouse in Burnsville. Thirty-two teams play each day, a terrific field that includes all three of our preseason No. 1 ranked teams (Prior Lake, Belle Plaine, and Bethlehem Academy) and all three defending state champions (Chaska, Stewartville, and Bethlehem Academy).

In all, 24 of the participating programs are ranked in our preseason top-15 rankings, including eight of the top 15 programs in Class AAA, 10 of the top 15 programs in Class AA and six of the top 15 programs in Class A. It’s tough to imagine a better field to open the high school volleyball preseason.

Breakdown Sports USA, in conjunction with Midwest Volleyball Warehouse present this elite – and unique – tournament for the sixth year in a row. Last August, we crowned two worthy champions: eventual Class 3A state champion Chaska on Saturday and Hopkins with Ms. Volleyball winner Sam Seliger Swenson on Sunday.

In addition to the top teams, top individual will be playing across all courts on both days, such as Mariena Hayden and Dakotah Poitra (Belle Plaine), Payton Nutter and Madi Strodtman (BA), Laura Snyder and Sophey Stepanek (Blaine), Lexi Barth and Mitaya Johnson (Byron), Olivia Jensen (Centennial), Keena Seiffert (Chaska), Hailey Braegelman (BBE), Tori Hanson (Delano), Ella Ratzloff and Allie Barber (East Ridge), Elle Hagstrom (Andover), Allie Spaulding (Annandale), Emma Fahning and Makenzie Hesse (Farmington), Abby Swanson (Fosston), Mandie Sigfrinius (Grand Rapids), Jenay Fuglestad and Bella Lien (Heritage Christian), Hannah Angeli (Hill-Murray), Abby Benson (JCC), Macy Westerberg and Lexi Turn (KCC), Ellah Klinnert and Anna Michaels (Lakeville North), Savannah Slafter and Coranda Vickerman (Mabel-Canton), Linsey Rachel (Maple Lake), Lauren Mershon and Isabelle Aragon-Menzel (Minnetonka), Breanna Carney (Moorhead), Ally Wahl (Mora), Annie Hentges (Mounds View), Abby Gorter, Abby Thor and Kara Stenerson (New Life Academy), Espi Austvold and Kabrie Weber (New London-Spicer), Alex Jendersee (New Prague), Courtney Selbitschka (North Branch), Lara Schultz and Olivia Spanton (Prior Lake), Eleanor Holthaus (Rocori), Amelia Johnson (Roseau), Brittany McLean and Erin Slinde (Rosemount), Haley Kauth and Bre Maloney (Roseville), Ashley Perrin and Anna Scheffley (Simley), Ally Krommendyk (SW Christian), Pilar Onstad (Spring Lake Park), Dani Lopez and Lauryn Sobasky (St. Croix Lutheran), Jenna Willenborg and Karissa Kime (Stewartville), Olivia Welsch (Stillwater), Meleah Biermaier and Mattlyn Erickson (Thief River Falls), Libby Kreuser and Madie Kroehler (Totino-Grace), Kamryn Kendall and Kate Masberg (W-E-M), Kate Berg and MacKenzie Groechel (Wayzata), and many more could be representing their programs.

The first round of play will be in pool format with eight pools of four (4) teams, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by playoffs for the top three (3) teams in each pool from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. All pool play matches will be best-of-3, with the first two games to 25 points (no cap) and the third to 15 points (no cap) if needed.

Past champions

Year Champion
2010 Lakeville North
2011 LeSueur-Henderson
2012 Lakeville North
2013-Sat Chaska
2013-Sun SW Christian
2014-Sat Chaska
2014-Sun Hopkins

Pool 1 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 8


Prior Lake

THE SKINNY:

Prior Lake enters the season as our No. 1-ranked team and it's easy to see why, with a loaded lineup from a strong senior class (hitters Ella Francis, Lara Schultz and Olivia Spanton), through junior setter Ellie Veldman, to a trio of top sophomores as good as any program in the state (CC McGraw, Kayla Bair and Maddie Bremer). Coach Mike Dean's team won 27 matches last year and was a perfect 9-0 in the tough South Suburban Conference, but fell short of state in a heartbreaking Section 2AAA loss. The Lakers will be hungry.

Thief River Falls returns several impact players that will bring experience and leadership to the program. "We have been working on a faster offense and team unity," said second-year coach Kerri Wichael. "We have height and strength in the front row, each player is a threat. Our defense improved greatly over last season, we adapted to each team we played. Our chemistry was very strong, we focus on positives and learn from our mistakes."

Kittson County Central played at state in 2014 and returns several veteran players for 2015. "We have some nice height and some good jumpers who I expect will really help us add some versatility," said coach Tina Turn. "The underclassmen who dressed last year are outstanding athletes, so I expect our bench to be deep. We have a couple of holes to fill, but I'm optimistic that we have the personnel to do that. If the players continue to work hard in the off-season, and feed off of the lessons learned in 2014, we'll be strong contenders in Section 8A in 2015."

Mora is returning 10 varsity players, three of whom were starters last season. Taylor Nowling, a senior middle hitter, will be expected to lead her team both with kills offensively and blocking defensively. Anna Mork, a junior, will be a three-year starter aiming to take over the outside hitting role. Ally Wahl will return as a junior setter to lead the Mustang offense.

Pool 1 Schedule - Saturday

Time Court Team1 Team2
9 a.m. 1 Wayzata Bethlehem Academy
10 a.m. 1 Chaska Cleveland
11 a.m. 1 Wayzata Cleveland
12 p.m. 1 Chaska Bethlehem Academy
1 p.m. 1 Bethlehem Academy Cleveland
2 p.m. 1 Wayzata Chaska

Pool 1 Team Capsules

School Name Rank Conference Sect Last year Coach Top players
Kittson County Central No. 4A Northern Lights 8A 25-9 Tina Turn Sr. LI Macy Westerberg, Jr. S Lexi Turn, Sr. OH Hope Sele, Sr. MH Lexi Peterson, Jr. DS Madyson Hennen
Mora Granite Ridge 7AA 26-7 Lisa Gustafson Jr. S Ally Wahl, Jr. OH/RH Anna Mork, Jr. LI Ally Hippen
Prior Lake No. 1AAA South Suburban 2AAA 27-3 Mike Dean So. OH CC McGraw, So. MH Kayla Bair, So. MH Maddie Bremer, Sr. OH Ella Francis, Sr. OH Lara Schultz, Sr. OH Olivia Spanton, Jr. S Ellie Veldman
Thief River Falls No. 10AA Polar North 8AA 23-9 Kerri Wichael Sr. S Mattlyn Erickson, Sr. OH/MH Meleah Biermaier, Sr. LI Abbie Olson, Jr. MH Jennica Leier, Sr. OH/MH Mikki Erickson

Pool 2 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 8


Belle Plaine

THE SKINNY:

Belle Plaine only lost one player to graduation from a team that won 24 matches last year, and is our top-ranked team in Class AA. "Our goal remains the same - our best finish in school history at the state tournament," said coach Cassie Koch. "Placing third last season, we will work very hard to be playing in the championship this year. Our strengths will again be our experience, athleticism, and depth. The keys to our success will be defensive improvements, consistency, and capitalizing on the challenging opportunities in our schedule."

Lakeville North had an uncharacteristic under-.500 year last fall (9-22), but coach Jackie Richter is encouraged by the potential of the 2015 season. "Our entire program is showing tremendous commitment throughout the club season and demonstrating passion for the upcoming season," said Richter. "With a lot of new faces expected at the varsity level, I expect a fresh level of competitiveness and chemistry to influence our fall season. Our strengths will reflect an overall athleticism and tenacity that will continue to drive North towards the top."

Moorhead has consistently been one of the top programs in northwestern Minnesota and that shouldn't change this fall. Coach Char Lien's team won 20 matches last year and returns a nice core of veterans such as senior outside hitter Brianna Carney and junior hitter Brooke Tonsfeldt.

Simley graduated five-year starting setter Emily Verway, which will necessitate someone stepping up into that role, but coach Mark Kaschke does have some good players returning in most other positions. Sophomore hitter Ashley Perrin is one of the top players in her age group and was one of three returners with more than 200 kills last year (junior Anna Scheffley and athletic senior Abby Kain).

Pool 2 Schedule - Saturday

Time Court Team1 Team2
9 a.m. 2 Stewartville Annandale
10 a.m. 2 Norwood-YA Edina
11 a.m. 2 Stewartville Edina
12 p.m. 2 Norwood-YA Annandale
1 p.m. 2 Annandale Edina
2 p.m. 2 Stewartville Norwood-YA

Pool 2 Team Capsules

School Name Rank Conference Sect Last year Coach Top players
Belle Plaine No. 1AA Minnesota River 2AA 24-11 Cassie Koch Sr. OH Dakotah Poitra, Sr. MH Kaylee Hentges, Jr. S/LI Danielle Taylor, Jr. OH Mariena Hayden, JR. LI Elizabeth Johnson
Lakeville North South Suburban 1AAA 9-22 Jackie Richter So. OH Ellah Klinnert, Sr. LI Anna Michaels, So. MH Kennedy Brady, Sr. S Maddy Wolff, Sr. RH Jennifer German
Moorhead Independent 8AAA 20-9 Char Lien Sr. OH Brianna Carney, Jr. OH Brooke Tonsfeldt, Sr. OH McKenna Taylor
Simley Metro East 3AAA 19-8 Mark Kaschke So. OH Ashley Perrin, Jr. OH Anna Scheffley, Sr. MH Abby Kain, Sr. LI Chelsea Kiewel

Pool 3 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 8

THE SKINNY:

Rosemount returns strength and experience to its lineup, led by two candidates for Miss Volleyball — hitter Brittany McLean and setter Erin Slinde. "Our expectations are high for a strong season in the highly competitive South Suburban Conference," said coach Smokey Vitek. "Keys to success include developing our middle hitter strength and staying healthy."

St. Croix Lutheran has four starters returning from last year's squad, a solid base on which to build. "We should be competitive again in both the Tri-Metro conference and in the section," said coach Rachel Grev. "Some of our strengths will be our setting, hitting, and the leadership that will come from our returning players. They will look to keep the intensity of our play high, having experienced the success in the past at the various levels. If we are to be successful this season, we need to fill the libero position and continue to improve on our quickness and blocking."

Delano will have many new faces on the court this year, coming off a 24-victory season. "It may take time for our chemistry to build, but our returning leadership on the court should help that process," said coach Rebecca Rue. "Tori (Hanson), Erin (Norling), and Brittni (Heinonen)'s experience and leadership in big games will be a positive asset to this team, and to the success of this team. These three will do a fine job of mentoring the new varsity players, and making everyone feel comfortable with their roles on the court."

Fosston had great chemistry last year and coach Sarah Dryburgh expects to see that again in the upcoming year. "We have many returning players that have used their experience on varsity to their advantage and bring strong leadership and knowledge of the game to the team," said Dryburgh. "We are hoping to improve our communication on the court and bring a more balanced attack on offense. The returning core has experience overcoming challenges and finding success and it should serve them well in the upcoming 2015 season."

Pool 3 Schedule - Saturday

Time Court Team1 Team2
9 a.m. 3 Lakeville North Mpls Southwest
10 a.m. 3 Mabel-Canton MN Valley Lutheran
11 a.m. 3 Lakeville North MN Valley Lutheran
12 p.m. 3 Mabel-Canton Mpls Southwest
1 p.m. 3 Mpls Southwest MN Valley Lutheran
2 p.m. 3 Lakeville North Mabel-Canton

Pool 3 Team Capsules

School Name Rank Conference Sect Last year Coach Top players
Delano No. 14AAA Wright County 5AAA 24-5 Rebecca Rue Jr. OH Tori Hanson, Sr. MH/RH Brittni Heinonen, Jr. OH Erin Norling
Fosston Pine to Prairie 8A 21-11 Sarah Dryburgh Sr. OH Abby Swanson, Jr. S/RH Emily Curfman, Sr. LI Noelle Dufault, Jr. RH Kalli Schmidt, Sr. MH Kylie Sollie
Rosemount No. 6AAA South Suburban 3AAA 20-9 Smokey Vitek Sr. OH Brittany McLean, Sr. S Erin Slinde, Jr. DS/LI Katie Lienemann, Fr. DS/LI Marissa Hinkle
St. Croix Lutheran No. 13AA Tri-Metro 4AA 29-4 Rachel Grev Sr. OH Dani Lopez, Jr. RH/S Lauryn Sobasky, Sr. S Allyson Lauer, Sr. MH Kelly Breuer

Pool 4 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 8


Wayzata

THE SKINNY:

Wayzata will be very competitive once again next season, as the Trojans return a core of talented, driven student-athletes that led to a 21-victory season last fall. "To be successful, we will have to build great chemistry and stay healthy," said coach Scott Jackson.

Maple Lake graduated one of its larger classes, but still is seeking a fifth straight state tournament appearance. "Our expectations and goals will be set high once again and, I believe, we have another competitive group of players that are hungry enough to prove they can compete for championships," said coach Marty Kiebel. "Nearly every year we have a "newcomer" surprise us once August rolls around. The key for us has been not to write the starting rotation until we actually have to play a match. This has kept the door open for many players to continue to work hard throughout the off-season."

North Branch coach Mike Selbitschka believes his team's keys to success this season will depend on, "Our ability to work as a team," said Selbitschka, whose team won 23 matches and advanced to the Section 7AAA final. "We have a few top returning letter winners with five graduating senior spots from 2014 to fill. We have the potential to return to the section final game again this season with the goal of making it to state."

Byron and coach Owen Hoegh are looking forward to a great season off a 20-win campaign. "Our players love the process of getting better at volleyball, and they're a fun group to watch compete," said Hoegh. "We're hoping to improve upon an excellent season last year, and we know that improvement will be necessary in what should be a strong conference and section. Byron won't have the tallest team in the world, but we hope to play quickly on offense and shrink the court with our speed on D. As always, it will be key to win the serve-pass battle. Every player from last year's 20-win team returns for another season, including an athletic group of upperclassmen."

Pool 4 Schedule - Saturday

Time Court Team1 Team2
9 a.m. 4 Minnetonka Grand Rapids
10 a.m. 4 Eastview Delano
11 a.m. 4 Minnetonka Delano
12 p.m. 4 Eastview Grand Rapids
1 p.m. 4 Grand Rapids Delano
2 p.m. 4 Minnetonka Eastview

Pool 4 Team Capsules

School Name Rank Conference Sect Last year Coach Top players
Byron Hiawatha Valley 1AA 20-11 Owen Hoegh Sr. LI Bri Rutgers, Sr. OH Emma Nelson, Sr. MH Kayla Richardson, Sr. RH Lexi Barth, Jr. OH/RH Madison Stier, Sr. S Mitaya Johnson, Sr. DS Heidi Zamzow, Sr. MH Maddie Hintz, Sr. DS Marin Stellner
Maple Lake No. 6AA Central Minnesota 6AA 28-7 Marty Kiebel So. OH Linsey Rachel, Sr. MH Brooklyn Toedter, JR. S Olivia Marquette, So. MH Brooke Paumen, So. RH Amber Klug, Jr. S/DS Morgan Scheiber, Sr. DS Sadie Pingel
North Branch Mississippi 8 7AAA 23-6 Mike Selbitschka Sr. OH Courtney Selbitschka, Sr. LI Cassie Kunshler, Sr. S Morgen Coleman
Wayzata No. 2AAA Lake 5AAA 21-10 Scott Jackson Jr. OH Kate Berg, Jr. S MacKenzie Groechel, Jr. RH Morgan Baufield, Sr. OH Lauren Jagerson, Sr. S Liz Benson

Pool 5 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 8


Bethlehem Academy.

THE SKINNY:

Bethlehem Academy may not have the depth of last year's state champion, but will return six players who were in the regular rotation and made significant contributions to the state championship. "We will, of course, miss the outstanding contributions that our eight seniors gave us last season," said coach Franz Boelter. "However, our goal will be like always, and that's to get better every day and benefit from the demanding schedule that we play, something that will again be very true."

Roseau will have its top two hitters returning in Amelia Johnson and Kiley Borowicz, both of whom will be set up by returning setter Morgan Melby. But after graduating seven seniors from a 24-win team, coach Katie Hedlund knows she'll have to find new leadership.

Minneapolis Southwest again claimed the Minneapolis City Conference title with a perfect record and won 19 matches overall, but the Lakers will have a new look after graduating six seniors, three of whom are playing college volleyball. Look for junior middle April Houston to play a big role.

Totino-Grace won 25 matches in coach Kayla Cole's first season and she's thinking big in year two. The Eagles return nine letter winners, but did lose All-State hitter Hope Schiller, who is now at Concordia-St. Paul. Junior Eliza Dahly and senior Libby Kreuser are all-around threats, while senior libero Madie Kroehler anchors the back row.

Pool 5 Schedule - Saturday

Time Court Team1 Team2
9 a.m. 5 North Branch BOLD
10 a.m. 5 Osseo Fillmore Central
11 a.m. 5 North Branch Fillmore Central
12 p.m. 5 Osseo BOLD
1 p.m. 5 BOLD Fillmore Central
2 p.m. 5 North Branch Osseo

Pool 5 Team Capsules

School Name Rank Conference Sect Last year Coach Top players
Bethlehem Academy No. 1A Gopher 1A 29-4 Franz Boelter Jr. OH/S Payton Nutter, Sr. OH Hannah Robb, Jr. LI/S Keely Skluzacek, Sr. MH/RH/S Madi Strodtman, So. OH/MH Mary Campbell, Jr. RH/S Shelby Meyer
Minneapolis Southwest Mpls City 6AAA 19-11 TBD Jr. MH April Houston, Jr. LI Fola Wilson
Roseau North Border 8AA 24-8 Katie Hedlund Sr. OH Amelia Johnson, Jr. OH/S Kiley Borowicz, Sr. LI Gracie Helgeson
Totino-Grace Northwest Suburban 4AAA 25-7 Kayla Cole Jr. OH/RH/S Eliza Dahly, Sr. OH/MH/RH Libby Kreuser, Sr. LI Madie Kroehler

Pool 6 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 8


Roseville.

THE SKINNY:

Roseville looks to build upon the most successful season in program history last fall. "We return many key players that have had a major impact on our program over the last few years," said coach Greg Ueland. "Our strengths will center around the fundamentals of the game. We will be a strong defensive team that is tough, determined, and scrappy. We also will be mentally tough and have great experience. We will be looking to several girls to step up offensively to fill the voids left by Monica Burich and Nina Carmichael-Tanaka."

Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa will have some good returning veterans from a 16-win season, along with some first-time varsity players. "Our success will depend on our ability to improve our team speed," said coach Kevin Weller. "Every player will need to get better after a frustrating season in 2014."

Hill-Murray has a talented group of returners that have gained a lot of experience over the last few years. "They are all hard workers who really enjoy playing together," said coach Tim Walen. "We will look to establish a physical and diverse offense up front, anchored by a hungry back row looking to establish themselves through effort and consistent ball control. We are a competitive group that will be looking to challenge ourselves with a tough tournament and non-conference schedule."

Orono enjoyed a great season with a veteran lineup last fall, winning 21 matches for coach Laurie Jensen. But the Spartans graduated seven players, including All-Conference setter Rachel Huessner and middle Julia Spacek.

Pool 6 Schedule - Saturday

Time Court Team1 Team2
9 a.m. 6 East Ridge Kittson Central
10 a.m. 6 Totino-Grace Blaine
11 a.m. 6 East Ridge Blaine
12 p.m. 6 Totino-Grace Kittson Central
1 p.m. 6 Kittson Central Blaine
2 p.m. 6 East Ridge Totino-Grace

Pool 6 Team Capsules

School Name Rank Conference Sect Last year Coach Top players
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa No. 9A Central Minnesota 5A 16-13 Kevin Weller Sr. MH Ashley Trustheim, Jr. S/RH Hailey Braegelman, Sr. LI Karlee Kern, So. OH?MH Morgan Gronli, Sr. OH Kendall Kampsen, Sr. OH/DS Haley VanBeck, Sr. MH/RH Amanda Kollman, Jr. S Tessa Halvorson
Hill-Murray No. 9AA Metro East 4AA 21-12 Tim Walen Sr. RH/S Hannah Angeli, Sr. OH Ellie Schwartz, Sr. OH/DS Haley LaValle, Sr. S Jordan Buron, Sr. MH Sami Schneider
Orono Wright County 5AAA 21-10 Laurie Jensen Jr. LI Grace Reiners, Sr. OH Claire Turnham, Sr. S Emma Eastman, Sr. MH Hannah Striggow, Sr. RH McKenna Rice, Jr. S Megan Anderson
Roseville No. 8AAA Suburban East 4AAA 26-6 Greg Ueland Sr. LI Haley Kauth, Jr. OH Alivia Garbe, Jr. S Bre Maloney, Sr. MH Sara Hain, Jr. OH Ginger Perra

Pool 7 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 8


Minnetonka.

THE SKINNY:

Minnetonka is looking for a breakthrough after back-to-back crushing defeats in the Section 6AAA tournament. "This group of seniors at Minnetonka has been waiting their turn and are looking forward to another golden opportunity this fall," said coach Karl Katzenberger. "Six-foot-two Lauren Mershon will receive some All-State votes at MH and alongside 6'3" Max Marion form one of the best combos in the middle in the state. All-Conference junior Isabelle Aragon Menzel will be in her fourth year of setting the Minnetonka varsity and returning seniors Sam Melin and Jenna Weidner and juniors Clare Liedtke and Jordan Melz are very talented ball handlers. Senior Madeline Wilson could be a threat on the right side every night for the Skippers."

East Ridge team strengths will definitely be setting and defense, according to coach Madeline Amon. "We have two all conference players returning this year — junior setter Allison Barber and sophomore libero Ella Ratzloff have played varsity for the past two seasons," said Amon. "Both of these players will take on a leadership role for this team. The volleyball program at East Ridge is getting stronger with more players playing club volleyball and being able to contribute early on in high school."

Heritage Christian was a young team last year and did well playing a tough non-conference schedule, according to coach Tom Fuglestad. "We should be stronger in 2015," said Fuglestad, whose team still won 21 matches. We agree, as despite the graduation of setter Emily Torve, the Eagles return eight letter winners.

Grand Rapids continued its recent run of success under coach Bryan Fideldy, winning 24 matches last fall. The Thunderhawks graduated libero Maddie Keute and setter Sidney Mattson, both of whom are playing college ball, but the returning players will keep Grand Rapids in contention for a state berth in Section 7AAA.

Pool 7 Team Capsules

School Name Rank Conference Sect Last year Coach Top players
East Ridge Suburban East 3AAA 18-10 Madeline Amon So. DS Ella Ratzloff, Jr. S Allie Barber, Sr. MH Maya IntVeld
Grand Rapids Iron Range 7AAA 24-6 Bryan Fideldy Sr. MH Mandie Sigfrinius, Sr. OH Taylor Fideldy
Heritage Christian No. 5A MCAA 4A 21-14 Tom Fuglestad Sr. OH/MH Jenay Fuglestad, Jr. MH Bella Lien, Jr. S Maddy Torve, Jr. DS Sarah Suits, Sr. DS Brooke Johnson, Sr. DS Maggie Emahiser, Jr. MH Margaret Wetterstrom
Minnetonka No. 10AAA Lake 2AAA 19-11 Karl Katzenberger Sr. MH Lauren Mershon, Jr. S Isabelle Aragon-Menzel, Sr. RH Madeline Wilson, Sr. DS Jenna Weidner

Pool 8 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 8


New Life Academy

THE SKINNY:

New Life Academy should have everyone returning back from last year except for its only senior, libero Maddie Stocker, who graduated. That sets the Eagles up as a state tourney contender, despite moving up to Class AA. "We will have high expectations for doing well again this year, after last year's 31 wins, which set a school record," said coach Wally Bomgren. "Our goals will be to play as tough and competitive a schedule as we can during the regular season to be ready for playoffs late in the year. Hopefully we can be at our best late in the season, when it counts most."

Chaska won a state title in Class AAA last year with a senior-laden lineup, but that doesn't mean the Hawks are going to drop back to the pack. Coach Sue Murphy annually fields a strong program and she has solid — but untested — experience returning from last season. "We expect to be very strong on serve receive and defense and are looking to increase our proficiency on offense," said Murphy. "We expect to improve in the conference and continue to successful in non-conference matches. Building on our successes of last season, staying healthy and confident is what we will need to make a run in the conference and the section."

Jackson County Central will have several fresh faces on the court and on the sidelines in 2015 after graduating five key players from the 2014 squad. However, JCC will have six returning letter winners, Senior Sydney Nyborg, Ana Dunlavey, Maggie Post, and Abby Brinkman, Juniors Abby Benson and Lacey Wacker. The success for the up coming season will depend upon JCC's defense and serve receive. JCC has tremendous strength in their offense with setter Lacey Wacker and hitters Abby Benson and Sydney Nyborg. 

Farmington has solid experience returning from last season, in which the Tigers won 16 matches. "We expect to be very strong on serve receive and defense and are looking to increase our proficiency on offense," said coach Michael Woody. "We expect to improve in the conference and continue to successful in non-conference matches. Building on our successes of last season, staying healthy and confident is what we will need to make a run in the conference and the section."

Pool 8 Team Capsules

School Name Rank Conference Sect Last year Coach Top players
Chaska No. 15AAA Metro West 2AAA 30-3 Sue Murphy Sr. LI Keena Seiffert, Jr. MH Makenzie Bachmann, Sr. OH Megan Purdy, So. S Dana Schindler
Farmington South Suburban 1AAA 16-12 Michael Woody Jr. OH Emma Fahning, Jr. OH Makenzie Hesse, Jr. LI Amber Ripley, Fr. DS Brenna Hesse, Jr. MH Hannah Garske
Jackson County Central No. 14AA Big South West 3AA 26-7 Deidre Wierson Jr. MH Abby Benson, Jr. S Lacey Wacker, Sr. OH Sydney Nyborg, Sr. DS Abby Brinkman, So. S/DS Emily Paplow, So. S/OH Lauren Murphy, Sr. DS Maggie Post
New Life Academy No. 4AA MCAA 4AA 31-3 Wally Bomgren Sr. OH Abby Gorter, Sr. MH Abby Thor, Sr. S Kara Stenerson, Jr. OH Hannah Nelson, Sr. RH Sydney Mortensen

Playoff Brackets

Gold Playoff Bracket

Game # Time Court Team Team
G1 3:00pm 1 Pool 1 champ Pool 8 champ
G2 3:00pm 2 Pool 4 champ Pool 5 champ
G3 3:00pm 3 Pool 2 champ Pool 7 champ
G4 3:00pm 4 Pool 3 champ Pool 6 champ
G5 5:00pm 1 G1 winner G2 winner
G6 5:00pm 2 G3 winner G4 winner
G7 6:00pm 1 G5 winner G6 winner

Silver Playoff Bracket

Game # Time Court Team Team
G1 4:00pm 1 Pool 8 runner-up Pool 1 runner-up
G2 4:00pm 2 Pool 5 runner-up Pool 4 runner-up
G3 4:00pm 3 Pool 7 runner-up Pool 2 runner-up
G4 4:00pm 4 Pool 6 runner-up Pool 3 runner-up
G5 5:00pm 3 G1 winner G2 winner
G6 5:00pm 4 G3 winner G4 winner
G7 6:00pm 3 G5 winner G6 winner

Bronze Playoff Bracket

Game # Time Court Team Team
G1 3:00pm 5 Pool 1 third-place Pool 8 third-place
G2 3:00pm 6 Pool 4 third-place Pool 5 third-place
G3 4:00pm 5 Pool 2 third-place Pool 7 third-place
G4 4:00pm 6 Pool 3 third-place Pool 6 third-place
G5 5:00pm 5 G1 winner G2 winner
G6 5:00pm 6 G3 winner G4 winner
G7 6:00pm 5 G5 winner G6 winner