Hopkins won last year's Sunday 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.
Year | Champion |
---|---|
2010 | Lakeville North |
2011 | LeSueur-Henderson |
2012 | Lakeville North |
2013-Sat | Chaska |
2013-Sun | SW Christian |
2014-Sat | Chaska |
2014-Sun | Hopkins |
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."
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.
Andover is returning many talented players from a 17-win team and will focus on its defense to compete in the conference and section in 2015. "Our strengths will be to use our experience to our advantage in close matches and maintain our sense of 'team'." said coach Connie Huberty. "Competitive spirit, grit, and team tenacity will be the key to competing at our highest level in 2015."
Annandale finished just over .500 last year (16-13) and graduated three, but does bring back one of the top sophomores in the Wright County Conference in 6-foot outside Allie Spaulding, a multi-sport athlete.
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 |
Grand Rapids | Iron Range | 7AAA | 24-6 | Bryan Fideldy | Sr. MH Mandie Sigfrinius, Sr. OH Taylor Fideldy | |
Andover | Northwest Suburban | 7AAA | 17-13 | Connie Huberty | Sr. OH Elle Hagstrom, Jr. MH Sarina Smith, Sr. RH Taylor Finnes, Sr. DS Liza Danczyk, Sr. MH Veronica Hondl | |
Annandale | Wright County | 6AA | 16-13 | Michelle Macalena | So. OH Allie Spaulding |
Blaine
THE SKINNY:
Blaine returns key players who gained valuable experience in 2014, according to coach Celeste Gorman. "There will be new players to the squad who will need to fill in the gaps of our graduates," said Gorman. "Our strengths will be our desire to work hard and compete hard everyday. A successful season will be centered around each individual's ability and desire to sell out for their teammates and to make the commitment to make the necessary sacrifices to meet our team goals and expectations. If everyone on the roster does that wins and losses will take care of themselves."
New Prague lost its 5-1 setter and was just 10-19 a year ago, so there will be new faces looking for new results. "We will be looking to the underclassman that set on JV last season to step up and run the offense this year," said coach Angie Andersen, who does have veteran hitters in Alex Jendersee, Alexis Johnson and Anna Eaton, each of whom had over 100 kills last fall.
St. Michael-Albertville has a lot of promising younger players coming up to join a small group of seniors who played on varsity last year. "Learning how to work together, find and accept roles, and overcome our relative inexperience will be big keys to our season," said coach Ryan Dehnel. "There could be some bumps early on, but we have the potential to be competitive again this year."
Robbinsdale Armstrong was one of the first super powers in Minnesota high school volleyball, winning five straight state titles from 1980-84 and another two in 2000 and 2002. Last year, the Falcons went 15-15 under coach Ayesha Khan and graduated six seniors, including all-conference outside Kelsey Sather.
School Name | Rank | Conference | Sect | Last year | Coach | Top players |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blaine | No. 12AAA | Northwest Suburban | 5AAA | 19-10 | Celeste Gorman | Jr. S/RH Laura Snyder, Jr. OH Sophey Stepanek, So. OH Isabella Erne |
New Prague | Wright County | 2AAA | 10-19 | Angie Andersen | Sr. OH Alexandra Jendersee, Jr. OH Alexis Johnson, Jr. MH Anna Eaton, Sr. LI Hannah Erickson, Sr. MH Katrina Hartman, 8th OH Sophia Andersen, Sr. MH Tawnee Jasan | |
St. Michael-Albertville | Mississippi 8 | 5AAA | 19-10 | Ryan Dehnel | Sr. OH Anna Nietfeld, Sr. MH/RH Autumn Christensen, Jr. DS Grace Steffen, Sr. RH/MH Kara Simonson, So. OH/S Lexie Nelson, Jr. RH Macie Gavic | |
Robbinsdale Armstrong | Northwest Suburban | 6AAA | 15-15 | Ayesha Khan |
Stewartville
THE SKINNY:
School Name | Rank | Conference | Sect | Last year | Coach | Top players |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Robbinsdale Armstrong | Northwest Suburban | 6AAA | 15-15 | Ayesha Khan | ||
Spring Lake Park | Northwest Suburban | 4AAA | 15-10 | Joy Johnston | Jr. OH/LI Pilar Onstad | |
Stewartville | No. 2AA | Hiawatha Valley | 1AA | 30-6 | John Dzubay | Sr. MH Jenna Willenborg, Sr. RH/S Karissa Kime, Sr. OH Tara Rogers, Sr. OH Amanda O'Connell, Jr. S Charlie Bleifus, Sr. DS Emily Branstad |
Mounds View | Suburban East | 4AAA | 10-19 | Tom Weko | Sr. S Annie Hentges, So. MH Jade Fullerton, Sr. RH Molly Fenning, Sr. OH Nicole Martin, Jr. OH Noelle Reynolds, Jr. OH Sarah Larsen |
Rocori
THE SKINNY:
School Name | Rank | Conference | Sect | Last year | Coach | Top players |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mounds View | Suburban East | 4AAA | 10-19 | Tom Weko | Sr. S Annie Hentges, So. MH Jade Fullerton, Sr. RH Molly Fenning, Sr. OH Nicole Martin, Jr. OH Noelle Reynolds, Jr. OH Sarah Larsen | |
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 |
Rocori | No. 7AA | Central Lakes | 6AA | 27-6 | Ted Faber | So. S Eleanor Holthaus, Sr. OH Abby Templin, Jr. OH Morgan Holthaus |
Waterville-Elysian-Morristown | No. 11A | Gopher | 2A | 24-6 | Crystal Lamont | Sr. OH Kamryn Kendall, Jr. RH/S Kate MAsberg, Sr. OH RaeAhna Harmon, Sr. MH Erika Olson, Sr. MH HAley Domonske |
Simley
THE SKINNY:
School Name | Rank | Conference | Sect | Last year | Coach | Top players |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Simley | Metro East | 3AAA | 19-8 | Mark Kaschke | So. OH Ashley Perrin, Jr. OH Anna Scheffley, Sr. MH Abby Kain, Sr. LI Chelsea Kiewel | |
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 | |
New London-Spicer | No. 15AA | Wright County | 3AA | 25-6 | Gina Macik | Sr. S Espi Austvold, Jr. MH Kabrie Weber |
Lakeville North
THE SKINNY:
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.
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."
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."
School Name | Rank | Conference | Sect | Last year | Coach | Top players |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
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 |
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 |
Totino-Grace
THE SKINNY:
School Name | Rank | Conference | Sect | Last year | Coach | Top players |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
Mabel-Canton | No. 6A | Southeast | 1A | 31-5 | Lonnie Morken | So. OH Savannah Slafter, Jr. S Coranda Vickerman, Jr. MH Courtney Graves, Fr. LI Lexi Thorson, So. MH Dakota Delaney, Sr. DS Emma Wathier |
Stillwater
THE SKINNY:
School Name | Rank | Conference | Sect | Last year | Coach | Top players |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Roseau | North Border | 8AA | 24-8 | Katie Hedlund | Sr. OH Amelia Johnson, Jr. OH/S Kiley Borowicz, Sr. LI Gracie Helgeson | |
Centennial | Northwest Suburban | 4AAA | 15-13 | Jackie Rehbein-Manthey | Jr. OH/MH Olivia Jensen, Jr. LI Jeni Farmerie, Sr. MH Kara Steffes | |
Southwest Christian | MCAA | 2AA | 12-20 | Greg Sayuk | Sr. MH Ally Krommendyk, Sr. OH Sarah Sperbeck, So. OH/MH/RH Anna Sperbeck, Jr. LI Gabby Fortman, Jr. OH Hana VanderGalien, Jr. S Megan O'Brien | |
Stillwater Area | Suburban East | 4AAA | 10-19 | Robert Fisher | Sr. S/DS Olivia Welsch, Sr. S/DS Briana Momchilovich, Sr. OH/RH Carrie Brevitz |
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 |
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 |
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 |