Week 6: Key Matches on Tuesday’s (9/24) Slate

<p>With a heavy weekend of competition recently there has been some movement in the rankings, which may impact projections regarding league play leading to sectional playoffs. This week provides some great matches in-league and across classifications and will showcase some teams that are rising as well as teams that are continuing to find their stride. Needless to say, the individual talent to be showcased will be terrific and will create challenges both new and familiar for all teams on both sides of the net.</p> <p><em><strong>#1 (Class A) Mayer Lutheran @ (Class AAA) Hutchinson</strong></em></p> <p>With a weekend title in hand after winning the Class A Showcase, Mayer Lutheran has rightfully assumed the #1 ranking in Class A heading into week six of the regular season. Their offensive arsenal is seemingly finding its stride with the increased productivity of pin attackers that complement well one of the best middle hitter tandems in Minnesota at any level. That's what makes this match up so intriguing between the class A Crusaders and class AAA Hutchinson as the Tigers also have great size and get a lot of production from their middles as well. For Mayer Lutheran, the presence of 6'2 senior <strong>Olivia Tjernagel</strong> is massive given her athleticism and volleyball savvy. She is a Division I commit and has many tools today that will help her make an impact the moment she steps on the court at the next level. She makes a great impact in the front row with her elevation and arm but can also hurt you defensively with great blocking patience and mechanics. To balance her three rotations in the front row, the Crusaders rely on another senior middle in 6'2 <strong>Claudia Stahlke</strong>. Stahlke has increasingly improved her mobility and skills on both sides of the ball over the past couple of seasons, which places her among the upper echelon of athletes at this position in the 2020 class. She was recently recognized for her contributions in being selected to the all-tournament team for Class A Showcase. For Hutchinson, their size in 6'3 middle <strong>Grace Daak</strong> and 6'2 middle <strong>Morgan Ellis</strong> should be of concern for any team. They have length and can score effectively in front and behind the setter when Hutchinson can maintain in-system consistency. Daak, a UM-Duluth commit, creates good space for herself with her footwork which allows her good vision and range around a big block when attacking. That bodes well for her production opportunities against the Crusaders' size at the net. Another interesting piece to this match is the support that surrounds these middles. Mayer Lutheran's sophomore sensation in <strong>Lily Wachholz</strong> is playing some of her best volleyball to date, which includes earning tournament MVP honors at this past weekends Class A Showcase. At 6'2, she is a terminator and will be an imposing block for the Tigers' outside  hitters. On the Hutchinson side, the potential of their sophomore outside hitter in <strong>Adri Rhoda</strong> is one of a big upside considering her size at 6'1 and her athleticism as a multi-sport athlete. Hutchison's senior outside <strong>Emma Olberg</strong> and Mayer Lutheran's senior outside in <strong>Reagan Sauter</strong> are two individuals that have an opportunity to make a big impact given their steady play-making contributions around the court. I am excited for this match given all the variables, including Hutchinson getting play at home. I think Hutchinson has more to gain here with a win given the quality of their opponent although there is a difference in classifications. The Tigers can be dangerous and this is a great opportunity for them to really work at creating that balance in their effort that the Crusaders have seemingly found in recent matches. Prediction: Mayer Lutheran in four sets.</p> <p><em><strong>Waconia @ New Prague</strong></em></p> <p>If hard-hitting action is what you like to see then you are in for a treat with this match. These two teams boast some of the heaviest arms in the state in Waconia's senior outside <strong>Kali Wolf</strong> and New Prague's senior outside <strong>Sophia Andersen</strong>, both of whom can take over matches with their heat and range. Wolf is a New Mexico commit and can score from multiple attack points and brings great experience with her as a staple in the Waconia effort over recent seasons and as an extension of her club play. Andersen has been the biggest threat for New Prague all season, which includes leading the Trojans to some great early-season wins over some high quality opponents. She takes a lot of swings each match and has proven her ability to continue swinging aggressively and scoring points with that heavy work load. As Waconia's record to date is less than stellar overall, they are still very dangerous in what they bring to the floor each match, which includes great leadership and defense from senior libero <strong>Claire Segner</strong> and middle hitters <strong>Ellie Dammann</strong> and <strong>Anna Reichenberger</strong>. For the Trojans, their senior core joining Andersen with quality time on the court include pin attacker <strong>Dani Friedges</strong>, libero <strong>Mckenna Vacek</strong>, and middle/opposite <strong>Kate Seymour</strong>. New Prague has been either in the polls or hovering by receiving votes, which indicates a lot of respect for this group and their potential. The true test every match for both of these teams is if whether or not they can get all their moving parts working well together. If they can both manage to create and produce through a balanced effort on Tuesday this will make for a very competitive environment and outcome. Prediction: New Prague in five sets.</p> <p><strong>Other Key Matches on Tuesday:</strong></p> <ul> <li><em>#5 (Class A) Kenyon-Wanamingo @ #1 (Class AA) Stewartville</em></li> <li><em>#4 Lakeville North @ #7 Shakopee</em></li> <li><em>#10 Minnetonka @ #3 Wayzata</em></li> <li><em>Norwood Young America @ Watertown-Mayer</em></li> <li><em>Chaska @ Hopkins</em></li> </ul>