Week 2: Key Matches on Thursday’s (8/29) Slate
As we start to find a weekly rhythm to the high school volleyball schedule, detailed information will be shared about some of the key match-ups regarding state contenders, conference races, and highlighting individual talent from around the state. For Thursday,…
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Continue ReadingAs we start to find a weekly rhythm to the high school volleyball schedule, detailed information will be shared about some of the key match-ups regarding state contenders, conference races, and highlighting individual talent from around the state. For Thursday, August 29th, we take a look at two matches that feature four teams that enter 2019 looking for answers. As each squad has some key returning elements, they each also lost significant contributors to graduation following last season. These programs all have great tradition in their own right and will look for individuals that can emerge and help balance the veteran talent that is back in 2019.
Morris Area @ BOLD
These two battled well in 2018 and enter the season moving on from some key individual pieces due to graduation. This match will be a great opportunity to answer some questions regarding personnel and competitiveness overall. Morris is coming off a loss to New London-Spicer earlier this week and looks to get on track. The Tigers are led by two veterans. The athletic arm and ability of senior, and all-conference selection in 2018, Lexi Pew (Prep Dig #77 | MSU-Moorhead commit) will be relied upon more deliberately in 2019. Her relationship with veteran junior setter
LaRae Kram
LaRae
Kram
5'7" | MB
Morris | 2021
State
MN
(Prep Dig #103) will be important in order for Pew to develop some variety in her attacking opportunities if she is to carry a bigger load this season. Increased offense this season should also come from senior outside MacKenzie Hockel and junior middle Sophia Carlsen. BOLD is led by a talented setter who steadily emerged as a great distributor and point scorer in 2018. Senior
Makayla Snow
Makayla
Snow
5'11" | MB
BOLD | 2020
State
MN
(Prep Dig #43) has proven to be a great leader for her team and has developed a well-rounded arsenal of skills, which ultimately landed her an opportunity to take her talents to Northern State next year. Senior Ashley Trongard returns in the middle and will also be counted upon to increase offensive production in 2019 and continue limiting opponent offense here her play at the net. Identifying consistent contributions throughout the roster will be something to watch for BOLD as they may have to rely on underclassmen with limited varsity experience. Prediction: Morris in four sets.
East Ridge @ Lakeville North
Two class 3A powers in the suburban metro area are set to clash on Thursday at Lakeville North High School. The East Ridge Raptors have a young yet talented group with a collection of capable arms to provide point scoring from a variety of positions. Junior outside
Lauren Galvin
Lauren
Galvin
6'0" | OH
East Ridge | 2021
State
MN
(Prep Dig #13) is one of the state’s best. She is a 2018 Suburban East all-conference selection and has couple of varsity seasons behind her and is ready help her team take the next step in their postseason quest. Senior middle Avery Burger returns and will help to keep the pins open for Galvin to go to work. She is joined by sophomore middle
Camryn Greenwald
Camryn
Greenwald
6'2" | MB
East Ridge | 2022
State
#175
Nation
MN
(Prep Dig #11), recently identified as one of the top athletes in the class of 2022 by Prep Dig. Fellow sophomore teammate
Britt Carlson
Britt
Carlson
6'4" | OH
East Ridge | 2022
State
#129
Nation
MN
is poised to crack the individual athlete rankings and returns after a freshman year that saw some varsity action followed by a very active and competitive club schedule. Junior
Jadyn Garrison
Jadyn
Garrison
5'9" | OH
East Ridge | 2021
State
MN
(Prep Dig #46) will help to contribute offensively as well as with her ball control. She was an all-conference honorable mention selection in 2018. East Ridge does have some relief defensively in junior Faith Saewart (Prep Dig #100) as she should see increased responsibility. The big question mark is at the setter position following the departure of a terrific floor leader from 2018. Keep an eye on both junior
Audrey Spolidoro
Audrey
Spolidoro
5'11" | S
East Ridge | 2021
State
MN
and freshman
Mikayla McDougall
Mikayla
McDougall
6'0" | OH
East Ridge | 2023
State
MN
to see how they contribute to this critical role. Lakeville North had a terrific 2018 campaign in spite of coming up just short of the state championship event. Although they lost some significant leadership and arms from their offense to graduation, they return a slate of veterans that should keep the Panther train rolling in 2019. A handful of Lakeville North athletes are ranked among Prep Dig’s athlete rankings, led by senior libero
Halle Wolfe
Halle
Wolfe
5'7" | DS/L
Lakeville North | 2020
State
MN
(Prep Dig #16 | Drake commit). She is steady force on both sides of the ball with her passing and defense and will provide great leadership for this squad that has only two seniors on its roster. The Panther’s junior class is loaded with talent in outside Maddy Hornyak (Prep Dig #14), middles
Ella Thompson
Ella
Thompson
6'1" | MB
Lakeville North | 2021
State
MN
(Prep Dig #36) and Abbey Milner (Prep Dig #60), and opposite
Libby Matilla
Libby
Matilla
5'11" | OH
Robbinsdale Armstrong | 2021
State
MN
(Prep Dig #76). Senior Hannah Nietfeld has the lead at the setting position as junior
Ella Wheatcraft
Ella
Wheatcraft
5'8" | DS/L
Lakeville North | 2021
State
MN
brings back varsity experience in the back row. Prediction: Lakeville North in four sets.