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Summer Elite Saturday preview

By Tim Kolehmainen, Executive Editor, 07/28/13, 11:00AM CDT

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July 28: The third in a series of previews of the Breakdown/Midwest Volleyball Warehouse 4th annual Elite Summer Invitational volleyball event

The fourth year of the Breakdown's Summer Elite Volleyball Invitational is bigger and better than ever. Our event now features two single-day tournaments over the Aug. 3-4, 2013 weekend at Midwest Volleyball Warehouse in Burnsville. Thirty-two teams play each day, a terrific field that includes all three preseason No. 1 ranked teams and defending state champions (Lakeville North, Marshall and Bethlehem Academy).

In all, 28 of the participating programs are ranked in our preseason top-15 rankings, including 10 of the top 11 programs in Class AAA, eight of the top 10 programs in Class AA and six of the top 7 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 fourth year in a row. Last August, Lakeville North earned its second tournament title in three years – and for the second time, followed it up with a state championship. The Panthers are back looking for another sweep this fall, led by Miss Volleyball candidate Alyssa Goehner and host of other All-State players.

In addition to Goehner, individuals such as Miss Volleyball candidates Shelby Kaster (Win-E-Mac), Megan Norby (Nevis), Shelby Seurer (Delano), Lydia Dimke (Blaine), Sydney Griffin and Kenzie Beekman (Marshall), Mackenzie Horkey (SW Christian), Belle Sand (Mabel-Canton) 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

Pool Preview Links

SATURDAY, AUG. 3 

SUNDAY, AUG. 4


Pool 1 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 3

THE SKINNY:

St. Croix Lutheran broke through with its first state tournament berth last fall, setting a school record with 30 victories and enjoying every minute of it. With the big tandem of Kira Grev and Afton Sobasky back for their senior seasons, the Crusaders should again be a force. "It should be a fun and exciting season," said coach Rachel Grev. "Coming off of our first trip to the state tournament, the girls now know what it takes to get there.  We will be returning five starters, led by seniors Kira Grev and Afton Sobasky who have started since their freshman year.  Working hard, playing aggressively, and continuing to build on our skills from last season will be keys to a successful season."

Kenyon-Wanamingo and coach Jen Nerison are excited about the upcoming season, particularly coming off a 19-victory season with a host of letterwinners returning. "We may be looking at running a 5-1, which will be different for this program," said Nerison. "(We need to) keep improving our quick offense and get our middles more involved both offensively and defensively. We have a veteran libero in Bailey Auseth. I am excited for her role this year and her leadership in the back row."

Lakeville North won its second Class AAA state title in three years last fall, but its first under legendary coach Walt Weaver. Weaver stepped out of retirement to lead the Panthers and will be back again this season. He has some familiar faces that keep the Panthers as one of the favorites to win, but it is a different team than last year's state champion. "Gone from the starting line-up are both starting middles (Haley Walker and Hailey Lonergan) as well as (our) All-State setter (Erica Handley), All-State libero (Laura Larson), senior defensive specialist (Courtney Hayes), and senior reserve Danielle Sander," said Weaver. "From last year's starting line up the Panthers do return two All-State outside attackers in seniors Alyssa Goehner and Sami Flattum, senior libero Abby Monson, and junior outside hitter, Janae Neuenschwander. With the level of programs in their conference and section, (we) expect to face fierce competition throughout the season."

Eden Prairie returned to the state championship match for the second consecutive season, but this time fell shy against the same opponent, Lakeville North. So ended the terrific careers of several key seniors, including Miss Basketball Sarah Wilhite. Coach Chad Becker must replace that strong core of veterans for the program to reload quickly.


Waconia's Anna Schmitt

Pool 1 Schedule

Time Court Team Team
9:00am 1 Lakeville North Eden Prairie
10:00am 1 St. Croix Lutheran Kenyon-Wanamingo
11:00am 1 Lakeville North Kenyon-Wanamingo
12:00pm 1 St. Croix Lutheran Eden Prairie
1:00pm 1 Eden Prairie Kenyon-Wanamingo
2:00pm 1 Lakeville North St. Croix Lutheran

Pool 1 Capsules

Team Last year Conference Section Coach Top players
St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (No. 6AA) 30-4 Tri-Metro 4AA Rachel Grev Sr. OH Kira Grev (All-Tri-Metro); Sr. S/RH Afton Sobasky (All-Tri-Metro, Bradley); Sr. MH Maddy Halverson (All-Tri-Metro HM); Jr. OH Kelsey Kowitz (All-Tri-Metro HM);
Kenyon-Wanamingo Knights 19-9-1 Hiawatha Valley 1A Jen Nerison Sr. LI Bailey Auseth (All-HVL); Sr. OH Audra Clark; Sr. S Meg Clark (All-HVL); Jr. MH Brittney Flom; Fr. OH Mara Quam; Jr. RH Megan Quan; Jr. OH Emily Ashland; Fr. Mara Quan
Lakeville North Panthers (No. 1AAA) 32-1 South Suburban 3AAA Walt Weaver Sr. RH Sami Flattum (All-SSC, Kansas State); Sr. OH Alyssa Goehner (Class AAA, MaxPreps 1st team All-American, MaxPreps Junior POY, All-SSC, Marquette); Sr. LI Abby Monson (All-SSC HM, Marquette); Jr. OH Janae Neuenschwander
Eden Prairie Eagles (No. 13 AAA) 28-5 Lake 6AAA Chad Becker Jr. OH Abby Ihrke; Jr. DS Lauren Mattison; Jr. S Elizabeth Mohr; Sr. MH Emma Teal

Pool 2 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 3

THE SKINNY:

Win-E-Mac overcame graduation and transfer losses to advance to its third straight state tournament last fall, winning 28 games and falling in the third-place match to Minneota. The Patriots did suffer a few losses to graduation again, but should remain strong thanks to a veteran crew returning under coach Lynette Kaster. "Our team will be stronger next season," said Kaster. "We graduated two starters, (but) we started an eighth-grader and a ninth-grader and both will make a bigger contribution to the team." Seniors Shelby Kaster and Korbyn Ross have also been through the battles the past few years and anchor the squad.

Marshall advanced to the state tournament for the 24th time last fall -- a new state record -- and won its fifth state title in the last nine years (the others in Class AAA in 2004 and Class AA in 2007, 2009 and 2011).  It was also the 12th straight season the Tigers have been in St. Paul in mid-November, the longest current streak by any school in Minnesota. What a powerhouse coach Dan Westby has built in the southwestern corner of the state. “We had just two seniors last year (Maci Louwagie and Angela Tauer) and we’ve got seven of our nine regulars back," said Westby. "If we stay healthy and if we remain focused, we should be able to make some noise at the section and state level.  We’ve got a number of seniors with multiple years of experience.  Kenzie Beekman and Sydney Griffin will likely be four-year starters and Hannah Bennett will undoubtedly be in the libero position for a third year.  Those kids have been through it before so they know what it takes."

Mayer Lutheran could again remain among the best Class A teams in the state, despite losing key players such as All-State hitter Nico Schmidt and setter Ashlyn Hucky. Senior middle Rachel Schmidt must anchor the new look Crusaders' team. "The strength of our team will be our defense," said coach Joelle Grimsley, whose team won 24 matches last year. "That is how we will have a successful season. We are very excited to let these juniors step up and look forward to surprising teams."

Minneapolis Southwest boasts of some terrific young players, including towering junior Jordan Thompson, who has already committed to Syracuse. But the Lakers have had the misfortune of playing in arguably one of the toughest sections in the state (Section 6AAA) and so haven't yet been seen at the state tournament. Southwest is very dangerous, however, and could be primed for that breakthrough this season. 


Marshall's Kenzie Beekman

Pool 2 Schedule

Time Court Team Team
9:00am 2 Marshall Win-E-Mac
10:00am 2 Mpls Southwest Mayer Lutheran
11:00am 2 Marshall Mayer Lutheran
12:00pm 2 Mpls Southwest Win-E-Mac
1:00pm 2 Win-E-Mac Mayer Lutheran
2:00pm 2 Marshall Mpls Southwest

Pool 2 Capsules

Team Last year Conference Section Coach Top players
Win-E-Mac Patriots (No. 4A) 28-8 Pine to Prairie 8A Lynette Kaster Sr. MH/S Shelby Kaster (Class A, All-PTP POY); So. OH Madison McKeever (All-PTP); Sr. OH Karina Morrison; Sr. OH Korbyn Ross (All-PTP); Sr. S Brooke Christianson (All-PTP HM); Sr. LI Jordyn Ose; Fr. MH Olivia Simonson;
Marshall Tigers (No. 1AA) 29-5 Southwest 3AA Dan Westby Sr. DS Steph Baker; Sr. OH Kenzie Beekman (Class AA, All-Southwest, SW MN State); Jr. OH Haley Bennett (All-Southwest); Sr. LI Hannah Bennett; Sr. MH Emma Doyle; Sr. S Sydney Griffin (Class AA, All-Southwest, North Dakota); Sr. S Rachel Sanow
Mayer Lutheran Crusaders (No. 14A) 24-8 Minnesota River 4A Joelle Grimsley Sr. OH Rachel Schmidt (All-MN River); Jr. MH Maria Kuntz;
Minneapolis Southwest Lakers 18-10 Mpls City 6AAA Jackie Richter Fr. MH April Houston; Sr. MH Kelly Law; Jr. MH Mady Pashibin; Jr. OH Jordan Thompson (Syracuse); Jr. S Jesse Noltimier; Sr. S Michelle Polland; Sr. LI Jackie Vo;

Pool 3 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 3

THE SKINNY:

Belle Plaine reached the state tournament for the first time in seven years but it was a familiar face who led the way, Cassie Wolpern. The former star player for the Tigers is now in her fourth year as coach and looks to have her alma mater back in the thick of the state race, despite steep graduation losses. "This fall will bring several new faces to the varsity starting line up," said Wolpern, whose team won 26 matches. "We will replace four starters that graduated, but hopefully gain in team chemistry as the team this year has competed together for most of their careers. We will have depth in each position, which will provide for great competition during our own practices, producing our best team come game time. We will however have limited experience, as only one player returns to an all-around starting position. We do bring a passionate group of younger players to the floor now, which will hopefully fill most of the experience gap."

Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa "returns a starter at middle and our second year setter," said coach Kevin Weller, whose club has run up against Nevis in the Section 5A playoffs the past two seasons. "We will have to rely on them until we can get some younger players some experience." The Jaguars did graduate a pair of big-time outside hitters in Taylor Braegelman and Brittany Roelike, which leaves openings for younger hitters to step in. "To be successful, we will have to see some young players step up," agreed Weller.

Blaine posted its second straight otherworldly season, but this time the state tournament experience was more kind for the Bengals. After earning the top seed two years ago, the Bengals were two-and-out. Last fall, Blaine took home the third-place trophy after rallying past Shakopee to complete a 31-victory season. The Bengals lost some outstanding players to graduation from that team, but expectations remain high according to coach Celeste Gorman. "We should have a strong blocking game which will help since we lost great defensive players to graduation," said Gorman. "We will have a fast offense with two strong setters and two strong middles. Keys to a successful season for our team will be serve receive passing and tough serving."

Mabel-Canton continues to be a powerhouse under coach Lonnie Morken, who has won 490 matches in 19 years at the school. Last fall, the Cougars won 31 matches and their 15th straight conference title. It should be more of the same this season. "We have six of our eight top players returning plus some talented younger kids," said Morken. "We will have a larger senior class that has played many years together. We should be pretty good at serving, attacking, serve receive and defense." The Cougars won't be big, however, as they lost two of their top blockers to graduation. 


Blaine's Lydia Dimke

Pool 3 Schedule

Time Court Team Team
9:00am 3 Blaine B-B-E
10:00am 3 Belle Plaine Mabel-Canton
11:00am 3 Blaine Mabel-Canton
12:00pm 3 Belle Plaine B-B-E
1:00pm 3 B-B-E Mabel-Canton
2:00pm 3 Blaine Belle Plaine

Pool 3 Capsules

Team Last year Conference Section Coach Top players
Belle Plaine Tigers (No. 5AA) 26-9 Minnesota River 2AA Cassie Wolpern Fr. OH Mariena Hayden (All-MN River); Sr. S Devin Lehman; Sr. MH Amara Meyer; Sr. RH Marykay Nasby
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars (No. 5A) 25-9 Central Minnesota 5A Kevin Weller Fr. S Hailey Braegelman (All-CMC 2nd); Sr. MH Becca Gruber (All-CMC 1st); Sr. DS Randi Gafjken; So. OH Karlee Kern; Jr. MH Jamie Meyer; Jr. MH Katelyn Heinze; Jr. OH Kinlee Swanson; Sr. OH Taylor Gregory; Sr. RH Megan Weller
Blaine Bengals (No. 3AAA) 31-2 Northwest Suburban 5AAA Celeste Gorman Sr. OH McKayla Berres; Sr. OH Brooke Christenson; Sr. S Lydia Dimke (All-State, All-NWSC, Purdue); Jr. S Rebecca Hawkins; Sr. MH Jessica Jorgensen (All-NWSC, North Dakota State); Jr. MH Taylor Morgan (All-NWSC, Minnesota)
Mabel-Canton Cougars (No. 7A) 31-6 Southeast 1A Lonnie Morken Sr. OH Lydia Geving (All-Southeast); Sr. LI Christine Lee (All-Southeast HM); Sr. MH Sara Lind; Sr. S Carly McCabe (All-Southeast); Sr. OH Belle Sand (Class A HM, All-Southeast MVP) Fr. S/DS Coranda Vickerman; Jr. OH Sara Vettleson-Trutza; Jr. MH Hannah Nolte; Sr. RH Kourtney Coyle; Sr. OH Payton Bergey; Sr. DS Emily Brumm;

Pool 4 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 3

Wayzata has always had a strong team under coach Scott Jackson, one that is anchored by its good ball control and balanced attack. That shouldn't change this year, despite the graduation of All-State libero Lauren Houg and 10 other key seniors. It will just take on even more importance. "We have high expectations for the 2013 season," said Jackson, whose team won 21 matches last fall. "We will be strong in virtually every phase of the game.  Chemistry, hard work, a great attitude, health, and good luck will be keeps to a successful season."

Chaska has long been one of the powerhouse programs in the state, winning six state titles in the past 22 years. The Hawks continued that strong tradition last year, earning 21 victories and advancing to the Section 2AAA final before finally falling to Shakopee. With a big group of returning veterans, coach Sue Murphy's team looks to be a strong contender again. "We should find significant contribution from our 2012 returning varsity players for our upcoming season," said Murphy.

Nevis begins a new era, as the program said goodbye to coach Stephanie Hanson and All-State hitter Riley Hanson after a great run that resulted in back-to-back state tournament trips. But a familiar face takes over in Heidi Wormley, who was an assistant under Hanson the past few years. "The team needs to focus/work on its strengths," said Wormley, who does return plenty of talent in setter Olivia Toft and hitter Megan Norby. "We will need to all be on the same page and work hard to improve our weakness and build our team one step at a time. It will be a transition year with the graduation of Riley Hanson and the resigning of her mother Stephane Hanson as head coach, we will do all we can to make them and our town proud of their team as we continue on. I expect the team to give everything they have as we strive to reach the level of success that we have enjoyed the last two years." 

New Life Academy should be very young, but not necessarily inexperienced this fall. Coach Wally Bomgren returns a host of key players from an 18-victory team, including three sophomores who have started the past two years (setter Kara Stenerson, middle Abby Thor and outside hitter Abby Gorter). 


Chaska's Sarah Kelly

Pool 4 Schedule

Time Court Team Team
9:00am 4 Chaska Nevis
10:00am 4 Wayzata Blue New Life Academy
11:00am 4 Chaska New Life Academy
12:00pm 4 Wayzata Blue Nevis
1:00pm 4 Nevis New Life Academy
2:00pm 4 Chaska Wayzata Blue

Pool 4 Capsules

Team Last year Conference Section Coach Top players
Wayzata Trojans (No. 11AAA) 21-9 Lake 6AAA Scott Jackson Jr. RH Tia Dille-Starks (All-Lake HM); Sr. MH Marissa Groechel (All-Lake HM); Sr. OH Mariah Halvorsen (All-Lake HM, Wayne State)
Chaska Hawks (No. 4AAA) 21-9 Missota 2AAA Sue Murphy Jr. MH Sarah Kelly (All-Missota); Jr. OH Erin Schindler (All-Missota); Jr. S Makayla Wenzel (All-Missota); Sr. S Allie Duenow; So. LI Keena Seiffert (All-Missota HM);
Nevis Tigers (No. 6A) 26-9-1 Northland 5A Heidi Wormley So. RH Hannah Bliss; Jr. MH Denia Brown; Sr. DS Savannah Gatewood; Sr. MH Megan Norby (Class A); Sr. S Olivia Toft Sr. OH Melissa Stenberg; So. MH Allison Booker; Sr. MH Taylor Drury; Jr. DS Ruby Vebdratten
New Life Academy Eagles (No. 15A) 18-10 MCAA 4A Wally Bomgren So. OH Abby Gorter (All-MCAA 2nd); So. S Kara Stenerson (All-MCAA 1st); So. MH Abby Thor (All-MCAA 1st); So. OH Sydney Mortensen (All-MCAA HM); Jr. DS Maddie Stocker (All-MCAA HM);

Pool 5 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 3

THE SKINNY:

New Prague is looking to make a jump to the front of the Missota Conference and Section 2AAA race this fall with a deep group of returning veterans. "Players put in a lot of time in the off season, so we are looking to make some strides in our competitive play to improve against opponents next season," said coach Angie Andersen, whose team was 15-14 last fall. "Key to success for next year's season is going to be team chemistry and leadership."

Southwest Christian will enjoy this fall, the first full season for the program in its new gymnasium. The gym should be rocking, as well, with a talented team that won 25 matches and advanced all the way to the Class A state championship match last fall. "We expect to contend for the conference, section, and state title," said coach Greg Sayuk. "We return a lot of good ball control and defensive players, as well as our top three offensive threats.  To be successful, we'll need a couple younger players to learn the systems quickly and gain the experience necessary to compete against the best teams in the state."

Mora advanced to the second state tournament in school history last fall and the Mustangs just might be favored to make another trip this season. "We have experience with five returning starters," said coach Lisa Gustafson, whose team won 24 matches but was two-and-out in the state tournament. "We will be consistent in the setting position which will enable a quick and strong front row attack.  We look to be defensively sound as well, aided by returning defensive specialists.  We strive to contend for a top finish in conference and repeat in the section finals."

Minnetonka has an opportunity to have a championship season - at the conference, section and state level, according to coach Karl Katzenberger. It would be a great step up for the Skippers, who are seeking their first Lake Conference and Section 6AAA title. "Not every team has an opportunity like this every season," said Katzenberger, whose team returns 11 letter winners from a 19-victory squad. "The core of four senior returning players -- Mikaela Purnell, Laura Herman, Addie Brokaw and Hannah Weidner -- will do most of the heavy lifting while younger contributors like junior Caroline Shelquist and 9th grader Isabelle Aragon-Menzel already have a full season of varsity volleyball under their belt and are poised to make improvements."


Minnetonka's Hannah Weidner

Pool 5 Schedule

Time Court Team Team
9:00am 5 Minnetonka Mora
10:00am 5 SW Christian New Prague
11:00am 5 Minnetonka New Prague
12:00pm 5 SW Christian Mora
1:00pm 5 Mora New Prague
2:00pm 5 Minnetonka SW Christian

Pool 5 Capsules

Team Last year Conference Section Coach Top players
New Prague Trojans 15-14 Missota 2AAA Angie Andersen Sr. OH Marissa Ekness (All-Missota); Sr. OH Sydney Foss (All-Missota); Sr. S Emma Hughes; So. OH/RH Alexandra Jendersee Fr. MH Morgan Spencer
Southwest Christian Stars (No. 3A) 25-11 MCAA 4A Greg Sayuk Sr. S Rachel Carlin; Jr. MH Madison Dudick; Sr. OH Mackenzie Horkey (Class A, All-MCAA 1st, Nebraska-Omaha); Sr. RH Emily McNatt; Sr. DS Kari Meissner; Sr. MH Abby Palkert (All-MCAA 2nd); Sr. LI Camille Piche; So. MH Anna Streed; Jr. S Aly Traina; Sr. OH Abby Vander Galien (All-MCAA 2nd)
Mora Mustangs (No. 12AA) 24-9 Granite Ridge 7AA Lisa Gustafson Sr. OH Rachael Anderson; Jr. OH Hailee Archambeau; Jr. OH Stephanie Cannon (All-Granite Ridge); Jr. MH Brooke Elvehjem (All-Granite Ridge HM); Sr. S Kristen Eustice (All-Granite Ridge); Jr. OH Hailee Archambea); Jr. MH Taylor Sundsvold;
Minnetonka Skippers (No. 6AAA) 19-10 Lake 6AAA Karl Katzenberger Fr. S Isabel Aragon-Menzel (All-Lake HM); Sr. DS Adriana Brokaw; Jr. MH Katie Greer; Sr. DS Laura Herman; Sr. OH Mikaela Purnell (All-Lake); Jr. OH Caroline Shelquist (All-Lake HM); Sr. RH Hannah Weidner (All-Lake) So. MH Lauren Mershon; Jr. MH Kelsey Haugen; Jr. UT Krista Kuglin

Pool 6 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 3

THE SKINNY:

Prior Lake has solid height and ball control for the upcoming season, anchored by libero Brittany Luethmers and outside hitter Jacqueline Luth.

Fergus Falls, which moves down to Section 8AA after winning 25 matches in Class AAA action last fall and lost in the section final to Bemidji, is a program worth keeping an eye on. The Otters are laden with top athletes who are anxious to break through with the program's first state tournament bid. "The Otters are very much looking forward to the 2013 season," said Erickson. "The last two years have found us playing for the section championship and both times we have come up short. We are returning seven letter winners, who are ready to try and make the state tournament a reality. Our strength will be our experienced players. For several of them, this will be year three on the varsity. The key to our success will be our perseverance. These athletes are eager to take Otter volleyball to the next level."

North St. Paul may just have the strongest trio of juniors in the state in Nevena Vukomanovich, Clara Krenz and Holly Ellwanger, who helped the Polars win 22 matches last fall as sophomores. With them returning and only one graduation loss, North St. Paul should be a factor in the Section 4AAA race. "My expectations for this group is to continue to improve every day at practice," said coach Steve Anderson. "We had a fairly successful season last year due to our work ethic and if we can duplicate our efforts in practice and continue to grow as a team we will have a good year.  We return the majority of our team from last year and one of the strengths of this group is their chemistry.  Supporting each other and growing as a unit is our biggest key entering the 2013 season."

Totino-Grace annually has a contending program and this fall should be no different, anchored by middle Laura Eischens and outside hitter Hope Schiller, both of whom were All-Conference choices last season.


Prior Lake's Jacqueline Luth

Pool 6 Schedule

Time Court Team Team
9:00am 6 Fergus Falls Prior Lake
10:00am 6 North St. Paul Totino-Grace
11:00am 6 Fergus Falls Totino-Grace
12:00pm 6 North St. Paul Prior Lake
1:00pm 6 Prior Lake Totino-Grace
2:00pm 6 Fergus Falls North St. Paul

Pool 6 Capsules

Team Last year Conference Section Coach Top players
Prior Lake Lakers 15-13 South Suburban 2AAA Mike Dean Jr. LI Brittany Luethmers (All-SSC); Sr. OH/RH Jacqueline Luth; So. OH Lara Schultz (All-SSC HM)
Fergus Falls Otters (No. 2AA) 25-6 Central Lakes 8AA Renee Erickson Sr. OH Laura Gaustad (All-CLC); Jr. S Kate Groesbeck; Sr. DS Jordan Harworth (All-CLC HM); Sr. MH Anna Monke (All-CLC); Sr. S/RH Brianna Rasmusson (Class AAA HM, All-CLC); Jr. OH Brooklyn Seland; Sr. LI Devonie Smith (All-CLC); Sr. RH Kristin Traiser (All-CLC HM)
North St. Paul Polars (No. 10AAA) 22-7 Classic Suburban 4AAA Steve Anderson Jr. S Holly Ellwanger (All-CSC); Sr. OH Talia Jaskulske (All-CSC); Jr. LI Clara Krenz (All-CSC); Jr. OH/S Nevena Vukomanovich (All-CSC HM); Jr. MH Gabbie Cave (All-CSC HM); Jr. MH Abby Rieser; Sr. MH Ellie Prax; So. DS Ryan Crotty;
Totino-Grace Eagles 21-10 North Suburban 5AAA Michelle Hockersmith Sr. MH Laura Eischens (All-NSC); So. S Gina Kruse; Jr. OH Hope Schiller (All-NSC)

Pool 7 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 3

THE SKINNY:

Moorhead is one of the northwest's traditional powers, having made 19 state tournament trips in school history. The Spuds gave eventual Section 8AAA champion Bemidji fits in the semifinals last year before losing in five games, a result that could bode well for this year's club. "Graduating only two seniors should provide some experience returning to this year's squad," said longtime coach Char Lien. "The players know that they have to put in the extra time during the off-season inorder to improve on last season's record. Returning setter, Amber Gunkel is entering her third year on the varsity squad and that experience will be vital for that position. Maddie Swanson also will return for her third year. Now with one full season under belt at the OH position and being asked to play both front and back row, we are expecting the consistency to be an advantage."

St. Michael-Albertville will have a new look this fall, as it's the first time in eight years there hasn't been a Yager on the roster. Combined with four other graduation losses and the Knights must look to new faces to lead the way. "This year will be an interesting year for us, replacing Candice (Yager) and Becky (Hackenmueller) who have been the center of our defense and offense," said coach Ryan Dehnel, whose team went 18-12 last year. "We will be a defense-focused team again, depending on serving, passing, and defense against bigger teams.  Offensively, we will depend on balance and using the strengths of each attacker to apply pressure."

Bethlehem Academy broke its string of winning titles only in odd-numbered seasons last fall, winning another state championship with a four-game victory over Southwest Christian. The title was a departure of its juggernaut-like domination of Class A in odd-numbered years. The Cardinals have now been to 10 of the last 11 state tournaments, each time advancing all the way to the championship match. They've won it all in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011 -- and last year -- all under coach Franz Boelter. It would be unwise to bet against a repeat performance, despite the graduation losses the Cardinals suffered such as four-year starters Jessie Mathews and Maddie Borwege and two-year starters Taryn Ashley and Erin Lipinski. "While we are losing some outstanding seniors, we do return a number of very experienced kids as well, some who have contributed to our back-to-back state championships and others who had that experience for the first time last year," said Boelter, who has won 492 matches in just 21 years. "The key to our success next year will be finding enough offense to go with what is always the staple of our program, defense and ball control. I believe that our chemistry will be very good again, and that is always a huge key. Our off-season work will be critical, and I'm certain that our returning kids will be committed to doing everything that they can to put themselves in the best position possible for next season."

Shakopee returned to the state tournament last fall for the first time since winning three straight Class AAA titles from 2007-09. It's not that the Sabers haven't had talented teams under coach Matt Busch in that time, but they've had to run the gauntlet in the tough Section 2AAA race just to get there. They succeeded last fall and could be on the verge of another big run. "Due a strong second half during the 2012 season, the 2013 squad will have some great momentum in their favor," said Busch, whose team won 19 matches and fell in five games in the state third-place match to Blaine. "Many of the returners were forced to step up early last year due to a key injury. These players will now have some big playing time experience against amazing competition under their belts. Our squad looks to be tough at the net with both blocking and attacking. We know our conference and section will once again be strong, so with the help of a difficult schedule, we look to be at our peak performance come play-off time."


Bethlehem Academy's Lauren Mathews

Pool 7 Schedule

Time Court Team Team
9:00am 7 Bethlehem Academy Moorhead
10:00am 7 Shakopee STMA
11:00am 7 Bethlehem Academy STMA
12:00pm 7 Shakopee Moorhead
1:00pm 7 Moorhead STMA
2:00pm 7 Bethlehem Academy Shakopee

Pool 7 Capsules

Team Last year Conference Section Coach Top players
Moorhead Spuds 15-14 Independent 8AAA Char Lien Sr. S Amber Gunkel; Sr. OH Maddie Swanson; Sr. LI Haley Johnson (All-Polar HM); Jr. RH Adri Jusczak; Sr. MH Kayla Radel; Sr. S Nikki Grutkoski; Jr. S Britta Holland
St. Michael-Albertville Knights 18-12 Mississippi 8 5AAA Ryan Dehnel Jr. DS Kate Drimel; Sr. OH Meagan Ghinter; Jr. S Malissa LeClaire (All-M8); Jr. OH Freya Macari-Hanson; Jr. DS Hannah Merges; Jr. DS Kaitlin Olson; Sr. MH Courtney Wooters Jr. MH Breanna Goenner; Jr. S Taylor Zopfi
Bethlehem Academy Cardinals (No. 1A) 26-7 Gopher 1A Franz Boelter Jr. LI Shanna Matejcek; Jr. MH Lauren Mathews; Fr. S/RH Payton Nutter; Jr. OH Payton Schultz; Sr. DS Nichole VanHorn; Jr. OH Maddie Fetters; Jr. OH Jessie Filzen; Jr. MH Mikayla Grossman; Sr. UT Ramontica Langfeldt; Sr. DS/S Jenna Brown;
Shakopee Sabers (No. 9AAA) 19-14 Missota 2AAA Matt Busch Jr. OH/DS Halle Erickson; Sr. S Abby Fernholz; Jr. OH Tina Hoppe; Sr. MH Kaylee Lemke; Sr. MH Bailey Luce (All-Missota); Jr. MH Mackenzie Pieper (All-Missota HM) Sr. OH Cassie Dehne

Pool 8 Preview for Saturday, Aug. 3

THE SKINNY:

Thief River Falls broke through with its first-ever state tournament berth last year under coach Laurie Bitter -- and it shouldn't be the last time for the program. The Prowlers did graduate a pair of important front row players, but return setter Shelby Norlin, libero Emily Bergland and some other key hitters such as Brooke Yaggie, Meleah Biermaier and Courtney Amirayan.

Roseville advanced to the state tournament for the first time in nearly two decades last fall -- but it shouldn't be that long for a return visit. "We hope to build off the most successful season in Roseville volleyball history," said coach Greg Ueland, whose team won 27 matches and won the Class AAA state consolation title over Bemidji. But the Raiders did graduate three of their top hitters in twin sisters Meghan and Melissa Koop and middle Larissa Graham. "We will be extremely young, but reeturn many talented and experienced players. Our strengths like primarily in the fundamentals of the game and playing smart. The keys to our success hinge around the development of new leaders in our program and that many young players step up and are ready to take on key roles on the court."

Andover's streak of five straight state tournament bids came to an end last year at the hands of North Branch, but coach Connie Huberty's program continues to be one of the annual threats to get to St. Paul out of Section 7AAA. "We have nine players returning to varsity from last year who I believe will lead the team to a successful season," said Huberty, whose team won 13 matches last fall. "What we lack in height we hope to make up for in defense so defense will be key for us in 2013. Attention to detail and a commitment to communication will be our focus this season. We expect to finish at the top of the NWSC, compete to win back the section title and play at the Xcel Center."

Hill-Murray has been an annual power under coach Tim Walen and now the Pioneers drop from Class AAA into Section 4AA this fall. "We are very excited about the upcoming season with the additional year of experience that our incoming seniors will bring after a successful season last year," said Walen, whose team won 22 matches and have 138 in his six years as coach. "We have a strong senior class who we will rely heavily on to carry the offensive load from the outside and the middle.  Our team gained valuable experience last year and we look forward to using the returners leadership to develop our strong class of freshmen/sophomores. We are hopeful that the young players will contribute early and often to our overall team success on the court.  Our offense will continue to be strong on the outside and we will look to transition some new faces in on the middle and the right side."


Roseville's Monica Burich

Pool 8 Schedule

Time Court Team Team
9:00am 8 Thief River Falls Hill-Murray
10:00am 8 Roseville Andover
11:00am 8 Thief River Falls Andover
12:00pm 8 Roseville Hill-Murray
1:00pm 8 Hill-Murray Andover
2:00pm 8 Thief River Falls Roseville

Pool 8 Capsules

Team Last year Conference Section Coach Top players
Thief River Falls Prowlers (No. 3AA) 28-6 Polar North 8AA Laurie Bitter Sr. RH Courtney Amirayan (All-Polar North); Jr. LI Emily Bergland (All-Polar North); So. MH Meleah Biermaier (All-Polar North); Sr. S Shelby Norlin (All-Polar North); Sr. OH Brooke Yaggie (All-Polar North)
Roseville Raiders (No. 8AAA) 27-6 Suburban East 4AAA Greg Ueland Jr. MH Monica Burich (All-SEC); Jr. OH Nina Carmichael-Tanaka; So. LI Haley Kauth (All-SEC HM); Fr. S Bre Maloney (All-SEC HM); Sr. RH Greta Thun So. MH Sara Hain
Andover Huskies 13-16 Northwest Suburban 7AAA Connie Huberty Sr. MH Callie Barnette; Sr. OH Sadie Biro; Jr. DS Emily Blake; Sr. DS Erika Grefsheim; Sr. S Madison Hahn; Jr. S Amanda Hayko; Jr. LI Hannah Peterson; Jr. MH Haley Tollette; Sr. OH Hannah Wolfe
Hill-Murray Pioneers (No. 9AA) 22-6 Classic Suburban 4AA Tim Walen So. S Hannah Angeli (All-CSC); Sr. S/OH Kennedy Fabian (All-CSC); Sr. DS Marisa Franco (All-CSC HM); Sr. OH Rachel Kueppers (All-CSC); Sr. MH Lauren Simonson (All-CSC HM)

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