Postseason Begins this Week: 3A Section Preview

The road to the state tournament begins this week. Several teams have high hopes for a successful march through section playoffs and an opportunity to be among Minnesota's elite November 8-10 at the Xcel Energy Center. Among 3A teams are some of the best athletes in the country embarking on their final opportunity to leave an increased legacy upon the rich tradition of Minnesota high school volleyball. Many of the same teams are the same and undoubtedly will create some of the most exciting action of the season over the next few weeks. Section 1 The top four seeds in Section 1 are prepared to engage in a battle and are led by defending state champion Lakeville North. As the top seed and the state's #2 ranked team, the Panthers have a core roster that can compete with anyone. Elizabeth Juhnke (OH | 2019) has all the tools offensively and can score from anywhere on the floor with her heat and range. The pin action is balanced well by Macy Winter (OH | 2019) and Maddy Hornyak (OH/RS | 2021), while the middle is controlled by Tori Thompson (MH | 2019) and Abbey Milner (MH | 2021). Lakeville North (24-4) begins their title defense on Friday as they will face off against the winner of the match between Winona and Faribault. The #2 seed is Lakeville South (24-4) and hold a bye in the first round and will take on the winner of the Rochester Mayo versus Austin match. Also ranked #4, the Cougars are led by a dynamic outside hitter of their own in Jasmine Mulvihill (OH | 2019). She hits a heavy ball and and has been their proven go-to all season. She is joined by Ava Moes (RS | 2021), Nicole Banitt (MH | 2019), and Emily Torborg (MH | 2020) as very capable point scorers. Alena Moldan (Lib | 2019) leads the ball control effort and Jasmine Weidemann (S | 2021) distributes the offense. Another North-South showdown could be ahead with state tournament implications on the line. Looking to disrupt that dynamic are #3 seed Northfield (3A #9) and #4 seed Rochester Century. The Northfield Raiders are 22-6 and the Big 9 champions having gone undefeated in conference play. They are led by Bronwyn Timperly (OH | 2020), Presley Fink (OH | 2020), and Linnea Larson (MH | 2019) and open play on Friday against either Rochester John Marshall or Owatonna. The Big 9 runner-up was Rochester Century. With a 19-6 record, the Panthers have a pair of arms that can put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses as Nicole Lund (MH | 2019) and Rachel Fink (OH | 2019) do most of the damage offensively. The Panthers will play the winner of the Farmington and Albert Lea match on Friday. Section 2 A pair of ranked teams are also the top two seeds in Section 2. Minnetonka (22-4) has a first-round bye and awaits the winner of the Chaska versus Mankato West match. Seeded #1 and ranked #5 in 3A, the Skippers are led by the arm speed of Erin Shoemaker (OH | 2019) and her pin hitting counterpart Skyler Germann (OH | 2020). Dresi Pass (S | 2019) leads the offense. At 19-8, Shakopee is ranked #8 and seeded #2 in Section 2. Also resting on a first-round bye, the Sabers will play either Eden Prairie or Waconia in their first match on Friday. Payton Marker (S | 2020) has led this capable offense throughout the season and relies upon Rachel Kilkelly (OH | 2019), Maddie Fratzke (OH | 2020), and Aryana Forsberg (MH | 2021) to terminate. Section 3 Among the heavy favorites is Eagan, the state's top-ranked team and the #1 seed in Section 3. The 2016 champion is ready to reclaim the trophy and is led by Minnesota commit Ellie Husemann (MB | 2019). She has plenty of support around her in Nebraska commit Kennedi Orr (S/OH | 2021), Christine Jurgens (OH | 2020), Peyton Rude (MB | 2019), and Kelley Johnson (S | 2019). Appley Valley and Park compete tonight for the opportunity to play Eagan in the second round on Thursday. The East Ridge Raptors are the the #2 seed and currently ranked #7 at 17-9 overall. With a variety of offensive weapons, they should see Eagan in the section finals next week. On the outside are Kate Reimann (OH | 2019) and Lauren Galvin (OH | 2021), with freshman Britt Carlson (RS | 2022) finding great success at opposite with her length and high contact point. Stephanie Barber (S | 2019) runs a balanced offense with great leadership and composure. They will face either Cretin-Derham Hall or Hastings on Thursday. Section 4 The top seed in Section 4, ranked #6 and 19-6 overall, is Stillwater. The Ponies will play Thursday against the winner of the Spring Lake Park versus Irondale match. The Suburban East Conference champions are led by a formidable pair of middles in Illinois commit Maddie Whittington (MH | 2020) and Brooke Aschenbrener (MH | 2019). Stillwater is looking to repeat their section championship feat from last season. Standing in there way is #2 seed and 10th-ranked North St. Paul. North is 23-2 overall and have found great success behind their offensive leaders in Selena Rodriguez (OH | 2019), Lauren Stenman (OH | 2020), Yaiza Franco (MH | 2020), and Bria Sandifer (S | 2020). The Polars will face the winner of the Mahtomedi versus Woodbury match on Thursday. Other Ranked Teams #3 Champlin Park - Ranked #1 for most of the season, the Rebels are another heavy favorite to win the 3A state title. They are loaded with talent including a pair of Big10 commits. Transfer Lauren Clark (OH | 2019) is headed to Penn State, while Izzy Ashburn (S | 2019) is bound for Wisconsin. They are supported on the pins by the rangy arms of Emma Schmidt (RS | 2019) and Jordan Stalpes (OH | 2020). Kaitlyn Weimerskirsch (Lib | 2019), an Illinois State commit, leads Champlin Park defensively as the libero. The Rebels will take on either Park Center or Orono on Thursday. Be sure to catch the action over the next two weeks as the field is loaded with talent and tradition! Stay tuned for more updates and highlights.