Postseason play is right around the corner. With sections set to start in less than two weeks, PrepDig is breaking down each section with teams and players to watch. Section 7 got something of an unexpected boost when North Branch…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inPostseason play is right around the corner. With sections set to start in less than two weeks, PrepDig is breaking down each section with teams and players to watch.
Section 7 got something of an unexpected boost when North Branch moved down to Class AA. After going 13-16 a season ago, the Vikings have emerged as an elite team in Class AA. Hermantown got to state a year ago out of Section 7 and lost its first two matches.
Favorite: North Branch
The Vikings head into postseason ranked No. 4 in the Coaches Poll and they earned it with just three losses on the season. All three losses were to high-quality Class AAA clubs and they beat teams like Jordan, Grand Rapids and Rochester Century along the way. Super-sophomore Cianna Selbitschka is one of the best hitters in the state and Maddie Hadrava is a nightmare to contend with in the middle.
Next Up: Greenway
The Raiders are a model of consistency in Class AA and had another terrific regular season, winning 22 matches on their way to earning the No. 1 seed in subsection 2. They went 12-1 against section opponents and picked up wins over Jordan and Concordia Academy in the Class AA Showcase Tournament. Hannah Goggleye is a top-notch middle hitter, providing terrific front-net presence while Erin Gustason keys things from the setter spot.
In the Mix: Duluth Marshall, Hermantown
Hermantown won the section title a year ago and the Hawks have hardly slowed down, winning 20 matches and earning the No. 2 seed in the subsection. They’ve picked up wins over teams like Duluth Marshall and Virginia. Sierra Bolen and Ellie Gamradt are players to watch.
Duluth Marshall earned the No. 2 seed in Subsection 1 thanks to a 19-3 regular season record. The Hilltoppers have wins over Cook County and Ely but have otherwise been mostly untested throughout the season. Kate Klenschmidt is a terrific outside hitter and Aleksie Rengel does a good job setting the table from the libero spot.