Take a Good Look: Key Matches on Tuesday’s (10/1) Slate
With three weeks left in the regular season, the intensity of the regular season wrap and the looming playoffs is definitely palpable. This is the best time of year as, objectively, teams should begin their peaking process now so their…
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Continue ReadingWith three weeks left in the regular season, the intensity of the regular season wrap and the looming playoffs is definitely palpable. This is the best time of year as, objectively, teams should begin their peaking process now so their best volleyball is available when the section brackets are revealed. Another week brings about a handful of key matches. Here is a closer look at some personnel set to get after it on Tuesday.
LEWISTON-ALTURA vs. CALEDONIA
The Lewiston-Altura Cardinals are hungry for a big win in order to catapult them to a regular season conclusion that would mirror their 11-match win streak that started 2019. At 13-5 overall, the Cardinals have their sights on a healthy sectional run and their position could be bolstered significantly with a win over league foe Caledonia (14-2-1) on Tuesday. The Warriors are one of the hottest teams around as they are on a 13-match win streak of their own.
Key Athletes –
Lewiston-Altura: Ciarra McNally, a senior outside hitter, is the biggest producer on both sides of the ball. She leads the team in total kills and is among team leaders in total digs. She brings a veteran mindset to the floor and has experience in helping the Cardinals improve in their total wins in previous seasons. Senior middle Myia Ruzek is the Cardinals’ other primary offensive threat while also leading the team in total blocks. Senior Kylee Kreidermacher & junior Christa Sauer share the setting responsibilities and just as they lead the team in total assists this pair is also 1-2 in leading the Cardinals in service aces. Senior Vanessa Rojas is the team leader in total digs and will have her work cut out for her given the heat that Caledonia can bring offensively.
Caledonia: Senior Lydia Lange Lydia Lange 6'2" | OH Caledonia | 2020 State MN is among the heaviest arms in the state. The all-state performer is in her final season and has helped the Warriors to an 18-2 record thus far. She provides a lot to their effort with her primary position as a middle attacker while also serving as a primary passer. Alexis Simpson is a 5’5 outside hitter that creates a lot of excitement. She has great springs and can move the ball around with her arm. Sophomore Grace Myhre is a capable third attacking option as she brings some good size and versatility to the court at 5’11 and scoring through both the outside and middle.
LAKEVILLE NORTH vs. Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”]
This contest between two of Minnesota’s premier programs is going to be a battle of wills. Their strengths are different from one another and whichever team executes their style better will be the victor. North is battle tested having played one of the most demanding schedules of any team and with great results to show for it. They have as good of a shot as any team to take down Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] and I wouldn’t be surprised if they do this Tuesday. The biggest hurdle for the Panthers is that Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] gets to play in the comfort of their own gym.
Key Athletes –
Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”]: Top-ranked Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] is also ranked among the best teams nationally and feature one of the best prospects in the country in
Kennedi Orr
Kennedi
Orr
6'0" | S
Eagan | 2021
State
MN
. At 6’0, Orr is considered undersized compared to the bulk of the Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] roster as they have a collection of height that is rightfully intimidating. Additionally, senior pin attackers
Christine Jurgens
Christine
Jurgens
5'11" | MB
Eagan | 2020
State
MN
and Lily Wong are the veteran leaders that are at the helm of this undefeated 2019 campaign. It is this size and experience that has carried the Wildcats this season while 6’5 transfer middle
Kendal Kemp
Kendal
Kemp
6'6" | MB
Eagan | 2022
State
#84
Nation
MN
joined them and fellow sophomores
Sienna Ifill
Sienna
Ifill
6'1" | RS
Eagan | 2022
State
#83
Nation
MN
,
Emma Berran
Emma
Berran
6'1" | S
Eagan | 2022
State
MN
, and
Simara Amador
Simara
Amador
5'7" | DS/L
Eagan | 2022
State
MN
as the youngsters that balance Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”]’s veterans.
Lakeville North: The Panthers play with a blue-collar mentality and work ethic and are the epitome of a team that would be the least intimidated by a big line-up across the net. They play an aggressive style of volleyball and can wear opponents down by their sheer competitiveness and relentless pursuit of the volleyball. Junior outside Maddy Hornyak, North’s offensive leader, will get a lot of opportunities and will need to complement her power with some savvy range and shot-making to keep Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”]’s big block from taking over. She has the range and heat to do it, which will certainly be the source of many great plays throughout the match. North is also young, more so than Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”], as they rely on a corps of sophomores and juniors to support Hornyak’s production. Sophomore setter Abby Jandro has been doing a great job of distributing the ball, which also includes sophomore outside hitter Savannah Polzin and junior middles Ella Thompson Ella Thompson 6'1" | MB Lakeville North | 2021 State MN and Abbey Milner. Thompson and Milner are North’s response to the Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”]’s height and although they may give up some length, they apply pressure with great effort and aggressiveness on both sides of the ball. Senior libero Halle Wolfe Halle Wolfe 5'7" | DS/L Lakeville North | 2020 State MN is going to make big plays all night long as the Panthers look to claim a victory and big momentum heading into section playoffs in the coming weeks.
WATERTOWN-MAYER vs. NEW LONDON-SPICER
The top two teams in the Wright County West standings are set to square off on New London-Spicer’s home court. These teams match up well as each has a very productive group of hitters that can beat you from different locations around the court with good balance. New London-Spicer comes into the match at 21-1 overall and ranked #9 in the latest class AA poll while Watertown-Mayer enters at 17-5 overall and ranked at #8. Watertown-Mayer arguably has played a bit tougher schedule thus far but that is not meant to take away from their upcoming opponent’s ability to play at a high level. This one is tough to predict but perhaps New London-Spicer gets the edge given the home court advantage.
Key Athletes –
New London-Spicer: They are led by the point scoring that comes from junior right side
Ashlyn Olson
Ashlyn
Olson
6'1" | RS
New London-Spicer | 2021
State
MN
and outside hitters Kendra Bagley and
Aleah Zieske
Aleah
Zieske
5'10" | OH
New London-Spicer | 2021
State
MN
. Their strength is definitely on the pins. They get good help from junior middle Ava Kraemer as she has point scoring ability on offense and in leading the team in total blocks.
Watertown-Mayer: Junior outside Paige Thibault Paige Thibault 5'7" | DS/L Watertown-Mayer | 2021 State MN does a lot of work for the Royals both with her arm and in her ball control as she leads the team in kills and is second in total digs. Senior middle Kailey Olson is also productive on offense and pairs with sophomore middle Ashley Olson to lead the team in total blocks. Sophomore setter Natialie Ernhart gets their offense going as she has produced some great numbers through her distribution.