With Molten Series #3 set for this coming weekend, the bracket play provides some very intriguing matches given the structure consisting of various age groups competing together. Here are two matches that are sure to provide great entertainment including good measurement of how well younger teams can compete against veteran experience.
Northern Lights 15-1 vs KEVC 17-1
2/23 | 9:00am | Facility: M1 Court 4
- It is hard not to imagine the future for this Northern Lights 15-1 team given the size, skill, and maturity they show already as a 15s team, which also includes multiple athletes making significant contributions playing up in this age group. They show great poise for a squad of freshmen and junior high competitors. The underdog label may not exist for this group as there is confidence that indicates they are capable of beating a veteran team without surprise. Both Stella Swenson and Olivia Swenson are playing up an age division and make big contributions for this squad as a setter and pin attacker respectively. They contribute great size and volleyball knowledge while showing some of the best competitiveness on the court. They get great contributions in the form of power and range
With Molten Series #3 set for this coming weekend, the bracket play provides some very intriguing matches given the structure consisting of various age groups competing together. Here are two matches that are sure to provide great entertainment including good measurement of how well younger teams can compete against veteran experience.
Northern Lights 15-1 vs KEVC 17-1
2/23 | 9:00am | Facility: M1 Court 4
It is hard not to imagine the future for this Northern Lights 15-1 team given the size, skill, and maturity they show already as a 15s team, which also includes multiple athletes making significant contributions playing up in this age group. They show great poise for a squad of freshmen and junior high competitors. The underdog label may not exist for this group as there is confidence that indicates they are capable of beating a veteran team without surprise. Both Stella Swenson and Olivia Swenson are playing up an age division and make big contributions for this squad as a setter and pin attacker respectively. They contribute great size and volleyball knowledge while showing some of the best competitiveness on the court. They get great contributions in the form of power and range from pin attackers
Emily MoesEmilyMoes6'0" | OHLakeville South | 2023StateMN and
Mikayla McDougallMikaylaMcDougall6'0" | OHEast Ridge | 2023StateMN while
Sydney SchnichelsSydneySchnichels6'3" | OHWilmar | 2023StateMN is physical and dynamic on the right side. Madeline Knutson and Katillyn Sellner provide great offensive and defensive support and stability from the middle to help balance out their net effort.
For KEVC 17-1, the favorite in this match, they boast some DI arms in
Elizabeth DilleElizabethDille5'11" | OHSartell-St. Josephs | 2021StateMN (UW-Green Bay) on the left side and
Ashlyn OlsonAshlynOlson6'0" | RSNew London-Spicer | 2021StateMN (UND) at opposite. Both attackers are athletic and can provide point scoring in bunches if needed.
Bailey OlsonBaileyOlson5'10" | OHWillmar | 2021StateMN is an aggressive pin attacker in her own right and Isabelle Mrozek has good attacking versatility from the middle whether in front or behind the setter. These two increase this team’s offensive balance and complement their heavy hitting teammates well. Some of this team’s biggest assets are in their ball control and setting.
Abby StarkAbbyStark5'7" | LWillmar | 2021StateMN (NDSU) is a DI commit at libero and is highly regarded for her passing and defensive skills. Much like Stark and her impact on the prep scene in the west central area,
Karsee KampsenKarseeKampsen5'5" | SBelgrade-Brooten-Elrosa | 2021StateMN has the same accolades, recognition, and upside from the setting position.
Northern Lights 16-1 vs MN Select 18-1
2/23 | 11:00am | Facility: Northern Lights Court 2
This match is going to be fun. Northern Lights 16-1 is full of athleticism and experience that includes significant varsity-level contributions at some of the state’s best high school programs. Additionally, the size they bring to the net is also among the biggest among any team at any age level. Outside hitter
Julia Hanson
JuliaHanson6'0" | OHPrior Lake | 2022StateMN (Minnesota) has already committed to the next level and has college ready skills with her exceptional elevation and arm.
Sienna IfillSiennaIfill6'1" | RSEagan | 2022StateMN and
Kendal KempKendalKemp6'6" | MBEagan | 2022StateMN are products of perennial powerhouse Eagan and were major contributors towards their class 3A state runner-up finish in 2019. As much as they can score points offensively they are just as imposing on the defensive side given their length and ability to fill up great space at the net blocking.
Maddie LipetzkyMaddieLipetzky6'0" | MHShakopee | 2022StateMN,
Estelle HaugenEstelleHaugen6'0" | OHSouthwest Christian | 2022StateMN, and
Camryn GreenwaldCamrynGreenwald6'1" | MBEast Ridge | 2022StateMN have similar high school experience for tradition-rich programs and provide good offensive depth.
Maddie ConverseMaddieConverse5'10" | SKasson-Mantorville | 2022StateMN continues to emerge as a very effective floor leader at the setting position while
Simara AmadorSimaraAmador5'7" | LEagan | 2022StateMN and
Jayna BredenbergJaynaBredenberg5'6" | LSouthwest Christian | 2022StateMN stabilize the ball control and defense in the back row.
MN Select 18-1 is full of some of Minnesota’s top senior talent that will be heading off to some great volleyball programs at the next level in the fall. Led by the power and savvy of lefty
Elizabeth HelmichElizabethHelmich6'1" | MBWayzata | 2020StateMN (James Madison) at opposite and the dynamic arms and experience of Ali Hinze (NDSU) and
Jordan StalpesJordanStalpes5'10" | DSChamplin Park | 2020StateMN (Omaha) at outside, the pins are a big strength for this team. They do have solid physical presence and experience in the middle in
Lily EmlongLilyEmlong6'2" | OHWayzata | 2020StateMN (Elon) and
Grace DaakGraceDaak6'2" | MHHutchinson | 2020StateMN (UMN Duluth) that provide great opportunity to establish variety and depth in their point scoring at the net.
Nicole OdeenNicoleOdeen5'9" | OHBuffalo | 2020StateMN (Davenport) and
Olivia JohnsonOliviaJohnson5'10" | SWayzata | 2020StateMN (Uncommitted) have good command of the offensive distribution and continue to develop the necessary relationships with their attackers to have them competing well among the elite teams.
Molly SchultzMollySchultz5'5" | SRockford | 2020StateMN (Kansas) provides a ton of energy and great production defensively and from the service line and quite possibly, at 5’6, could be among the most dynamic athletes in this class in the Midwest. She is fun to watch.
Although the veteran teams should emerge victorious don’t expect these matches to be a cake walk for either KEVC 17-1 or MN Select 18-1. These younger teams have the foundation and depth to compete well and with the right mindset and execution could be successful. If anything, stop by these courts to observe the sheer depth of talent that all teams will put on the court collectively regardless of age or experience. It is hard not to root for the youngsters to pull off a significant win in these situations but there is also great appreciation for the veteran skills and experience that continue to show the game of volleyball as a true representation of the growth of the women’s game in style, athleticism, power, and competitiveness. All of these teams embody that spirit and these opportunities to see such a broad collection of talent on the court at the same time can be truly special.
