Class 2A Matches to Watch Tuesday and Wednesday

Class 2A has been providing many highlights all season. This week features some great matches as teams continue to battle their way to the state tournament. As the feature match for the week pits #1 ranked Kasson-Mantorville against #2 ranked Stewartville, a detailed match preview, complete with Prep Dig contributor predictions, will be offered on Wednesday. Below are previews of some additional key matches happening this week. Section 3AA #4 Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta vs. #5 Eden Valley-Watkins (Quarterfinals | Tuesday) A 17-7, MACA has won five in a row including an opening round victory over Minnewaska Area 3-0. They are a streaky team that has the tools to compete with most teams if their ball control allows their varied offense to go to work. With Riley Decker (Lib | 2019), one of the area's best liberos anchoring the defense, the Tigers have found themselves in the thick of most matches. Their offensive wealth lies with the athletic Lexi Pew (MH | 2020) with support from Sophia Carlsen (MH | 2021) and Bailey Marty (OH | 2019). EVW comes in at 18-9 overall following their opening match win over Montevideo 3-0. They are led by 2017 Central Minnesota all-conference selections Halle Jansen (MH | 2020) and Ellie Schmaltz (OH | 2020). Considering they have great senior leadership and are playing at home where they are supported very well, the Tigers should claim their spot in the semifinals with a 3-1 win. Section 4AA #3 Hill-Murray vs. #6 St. Croix Prep (Quarterfinals | Tuesday) The Pioneers from Hill-Murray have a balanced attack in Lauren Hinrichs (OH | 2019), Kasanna Klaas (OH | 2019), and Alyssa Isaakson (OH | 2021) and arrive to the quarterfinals with a 15-8 record and via a bye. Their opponent is St. Croix Prep, a winner over Visitation 3-1 in the opening round and hosting a trio of hitters of their own that can score points in Annika White (OH | 2019), Elise Amerongen (OH | 2019), and Sasha Nelson (MH | 2020). The Pioneers are a tested bunch having played some of the best teams in the state throughout the regular season. Therefore, Hill-Murray will win this matchup and advance to the semifinals. Section 7AA #1 North Branch vs. #4 Duluth Denfeld (Semifinals | Wednesday) North Branch enters the match ranked #5 in class 2A, at 24-4 overall, and poised to advance to another section finals with a solid core of offensive contributors. The experience of a runner-up finish at state in 2017 is also something that fuels the Vikings who are led by Cianna Selbitschka (OH | 2020), Lydia Langevin (OH | 2019), and Reagan Irons (MH | 2021). Paige Sheehan (S | 2021) and Haley Hadrava (S/RS | 2020) provide great balance from the setting and opposite roles. For Denfeld, seniors Caitlin Schneeweis (OH | 2019), Sadee Kidd (MH | 2019), Ashley Larson (MH | 2019), and Jordyn Maas (S | 2019) are looking to grow their team's 22-6 record and wrap up their careers with an upset and a shot at the state tournament. The Vikings will prove to be too much for the Hunters. Section 8AA #2 Roseau vs. #6 Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton (Semifinals | Tuesday) The Roseau Rams won their first two rounds by identical 3-0 scores and are 18-11 on the season. After losing a slew of seniors from their 2017 state tournament squad, Roseau is relying on a young group to keep their journey alive that is two matches away from competing on the final weekend of the season. Keep your eyes on Rylie Bjerklie (MB | 2020) and sophomores Katie Borowicz (OH | 2021) and Sophie Helgeson (OH | 2021). DGF won a big match in upsetting Hawley 3-2 in the previous round and are led by Joeli Kelso (OH | 2019), Maria Watt (MH | 2021), and Mariah Iwen (S | 2021). At 12-16 overall, the Rebels will need to play error-free volleyball in order to defeat a very competitive and athletic Roseau squad. Roseau will win 3-1.