Eagan, Moorhead Win Weekend Tourneys Heading into Postseason Play
Two weekend tournaments showcased some the state’s best teams and provided some great competition in preparation for upcoming section matches starting this next week. Toni Kaiser Memorial Invitational In Chaska, the championship match pitted 3A #1 Champlin Park versus 3A…
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Continue ReadingTwo weekend tournaments showcased some the state’s best teams and provided some great competition in preparation for upcoming section matches starting this next week.
Toni Kaiser Memorial Invitational
In Chaska, the championship match pitted 3A #1 Champlin Park versus 3A #3 Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] with the Wildcats claiming the title in a 2-1 win. Champlin Park jumped out to the early match lead with a 25-19 set-one win only to see Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] rebound with a tight 27-25 win in set two. Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] would sustain their momentum to close out the third set 15-12 to earn the trophy. Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] also defeated Bethlehem Academy (2-0) and Southwest Christian (2-1) on their way to the tournament title. They are led by senior Minnesota commit Ellie Husemann (6’3 | MH), fellow seniors in Peyton Rude (5’10 | MH) and Kelley Johnson (5’9 | S), junior Christine Jurgens (5’11 | OH), and sophomore phenom and Nebraska commit Kennedi Orr (6’0 | S/OH).
For the second time in late season tournament action, 2A #1 Stewartville found themselves in the Gold bracket among three top 3A teams vying for the tournament crown. Losing 2-0 (25-14, 25-22) in the semifinals to Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] they then faced 3A #6 Stillwater putting up a good fight but falling short 25-14, 25-23 to finish fourth overall. Belle Plaine (2A #7) would take the Silver bracket crown defeating Southwest Christian in a three-set (25-16, 20-25, 25-11) win before taking a thrilling final match against 1A #3 Mayer Lutheran 31-29, 25-23. Bemidji won the Bronze bracket to finish 9th overall.
Final tournament standings included champion Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] followed by Champlin Park, Stillwater, and Stewartville in the Gold bracket. Fifth-place went to Belle Plaine, followed by Mayer Lutheran, Southwest Christian, and Chaska. The Bronze bracket saw Bemidji claim 9th place, followed by Cretin-Derham Hall, Winona, and Bethlehem Academy.
Pumpkin Classic Tournament
It was the host team Moorhead defeating Osseo 25-13, 26-24 to earn the title at the Pumpkin Classic Tournament. Moorhead, 15-9 overall, had wins over Spring Lake Park, Big Lake, Wadena-Deer Creek, Roseville, and Willmar on their way to the championship match. The Spuds have been led all season by seniors Brook Carney (5’11 | MH), Mallory Lee (5’9 | OH), Brooke Walthall (5’9 | OH), and junior Claire Howell (5’7 | S). Roseville finished in third place defeating Willmar 2-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-10) to close out the tournament.