3 Takeaways from Farmington Invitational

<p>  This past weekend a handful of teams faced off at the Farmington Invitational.  Teams test their endurance in the multi-match schedule.  This parent-ran event showcases talent from different conferences and classes.  Here are my three takeaways from the weekend.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>The Untouchable</strong> </span>- Mayer Lutheran, returning from a state tournament appearance last year and a title the from two and three years ago are proving why they are the best with each point.  Their offense is faster, their players are taller, their passing is near perfect and their serving is incredible.  Hall of fame coach,<strong> Joelle Grimsley</strong>, runs a disciplined program that appears to get better each year. One of their most impressive wins from the weekend was against Hutchinson (3A).  ML came out strong with a 9-0 lead to set the tone for the match.  A handful of aces and nearly a dozen ace blocks paved the way for  a final score of 25-9 in the first set.  Hutchinson tried to rally back, but the tough serving and well balanced offense of ML took them out of their game. The final score was 25-19.  They finished the tournament with another quick 2 set win over Osseo.  </p> <p>  So who, if anyone, will be able to this team from another state title? Their long-time rival,<em> BOLD</em>, looks to be the best hope to take down the powerhouse.  Led by seniors <b>Mikayla Snow</b> and<strong> Ashley Trongard</strong>. They will likely have another chance to take on ML in the finals.  </p> <p>  Mayer Lutheran's top players include: <strong>Lilly Wachholz</strong> (soph. OH),<strong> Claudia Stahlke</strong> (sr. MH),<strong> Reagan Sauter </strong>(sr. OH)<strong>, <span class="playerName " style="font-size: 12pt;">Morgan Chmielewski</span></strong><span class="playerName " style="font-size: 12pt;"> (jr. L)</span><strong><span class="playerName " style="font-size: 12pt;">,  </span><span class="playerName " style="font-size: 12pt;">Olivia Tjernagel </span></strong><span class="playerName " style="font-size: 12pt;">(sr. MH)</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Exposure is essential for growth</strong></span>-  There was a great mix of team at the invitational.  From A to AAA.  It was a long weekend for many of the team as they faced off against much stronger teams.  <em>Bloomington Kennedy, St Charle</em>s, <em>Owatonna,</em> and even host team <em>Farmington</em> struggled to earn their points against such talented teams.  However, that is the great part of such events.  They place you across the net from opponents you would never normally see.  It helps players, teams and even coaches identify things that need work.  Although disheartening at times, digging a ball from Osseo's best hitter makes you better.  Kudos to all the teams for accepting the challenge and giving it their all!</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Setters are Key</span> </strong>-  One requirement to be competitive this weekend was multi-talented setter.  Get to know a few of the best from the weekend.</p> <p><b>Emma Lade</b> is a sophomore from <em>Mayer Lutheran</em>.  At 5’8” she fits well with her tall team.  She made so many incredible plays for her team.  Jump setting nearly every ball, made it very difficult for blockers to anticipate where she was going.  Lade runs her front row calling plays and utilizing all of her hitters.  This team will be successful as long as she’s the head of this offense.</p> <p><strong>Anna Vetsch </strong>(sr.) and <strong>Bailey Manderfeld </strong>(soph.) combined to run the Owatonna team.  Although they didn't finish in the top half of the tournament, these two worked endlessly to put their hitters in a position to score.  Typically with a 6-2 offense, there tends to be inconsistencies between each setter's rotation; however, their similar setting styles, and determination didn't create many momentum losses.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>