The Top 10 Moments of 2018
This past year was filled with many memorable moments, a handful of upsets and several incredible players proving again that Minnesota volleyball is top-notch. Here are our TOP 10 moments of 2018: 10. Kasson Mantorville vs Stewartville Game: Tuesday, October 6th was…
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Continue ReadingThis past year was filled with many memorable moments, a handful of upsets and several incredible players proving again that Minnesota volleyball is top-notch.
Here are our TOP 10 moments of 2018:
10. Kasson Mantorville vs Stewartville Game: Tuesday, October 6th was the day the Hiawatha Conference title was given to KM in a 4-1 victory over the Tigers. They went on to advance to the state tournement with leader Peyton Seuss and freshman- Maddie Converse
9. Fairbault Bethlehem Academy changes: Coach Franz Boelter, leaves Fairbault BA after years of successful seasons including a 3rd place finish at state in 2017. It was a controversial and emotional change for all involved.
8. BOLD over Morris: This early win on 9/07/18 for BOLD over Morris in the West Central Conference ignited the excitement for the upcoming season. Fans were treated to a “thrilling game” winning in 5 sets (28-26, 22-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9). Mike Bryant covered the match om great detail in his Prep article: West Central Action: BOLD defeats Morris in Five-Set Thriller
7. North Branch’s Upset: The Vikings defeated top seed-Kasson, in the state tournament. Reagan Irons and Cianna Selbitschka proved to their coach, Mike Selbitschka they could outlast the Komets in 5 sets. Then go on to win their first title.
6. Medford over Mayer Lutheran: Unranked Medford took out previous champions and power-house Mayer Lutheran in the first round of the tournament. Top players include: Emma Kniefel, Kiley Nihart, and Journey Anderst.
5. Boys Volleyball Gain Popularity: With the help of the state’s best: Walt Weaver, Jenny Kilkelly, boys volleyball is gaining popularity. They are trying to get the attention of the MNSHL. Huge strides have been made for boys across the state and we can’t wait to see what is next for them!
4. Hometown Heartache: #2 ranked MN Gophers didn’t have enough on the 7th of December to beat out #15th ranked- Oregon. However, their second set showed their grit barely losing 41-39. Fans around the state were heart-broken, but always proud.
3. Lakeville South Defeats Lakeville North: Saturday, November 3rd, Lakeville South narrowly defeated theNihar previous year’s state Champhions: Lakeville North. Winning the 5th set 18-16 proved how intense the competition was. An incredible final play by Jasmine Weidemann helped secure South’s spot in the state tournament. Jasmine Mulvihill added 25 kills to her teams effort.
2. Ms. Baden: Izzy Ashburn- Izzy earned the ultimate title as Ms. Baden 2018. A standout athlete who will represent Minnesota volleyball well when she joins the Wisconsin Badgers next year!
and the top moment of the year..
1. Champlin Park State Champions: Hard to believe but this is their first state title for volleyball and in school history. Sure they have several standout players, but they also face the toughest players in the state. I’m sure coach John Yunker is happy with his decision to return to his team (after brief time in North Dakota). Every player on this incredible squad demonstrate the wonderful qualities of MN volleyball:
Lauren Clark
Sami Hiley
Nicole Thompson
Megan Panser
Kaitlyn Weimerskirch
Jensen Luehrs
Holly Blaska
Lindsey Roth
Izzy Ashburn
Hannah Prasky
Jordan Staples
Maddie Kopp