Athletes to Watch in Friday’s Section 2AAA Matches

<p>Section 2AAA has a slate of four quarterfinal matches on Friday with seven of the top eight seeds remaining. Only #10 seeded Chanhassen survived the early round as a lower seed by defeating Prior Lake 3-1. Several of these teams have been highlighted throughout the regular season with quality wins and for high-level individual performances, including some of the most prolific terminators in the state competing in this section. The following is some analysis with several key athletes that should make a big impact this round. </p> <p><em><strong>#1 Shakopee vs. #8 Chaska</strong></em><br /> Shakpee looks to return to the state tournament following a great run last year. However, Chaska might have something to say about that as they have shown great ability to compete with the best teams at times this season, including a solid 3-0 win over a good Willmar team in their previous match. Shakopee is tested and will enter this match as a clear favorite given their success and post-season tradition. Senior setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="57530" first="Payton" last="Marker"]</strong> is the team’s leader and will continue to rely on the steady arms of middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71701" first="Lauren" last="Aus"]</strong> and <strong>Maddie Lipetzky</strong>. Chaska’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31580" first="Mallory" last="Heyer"]</strong> contributes in many ways both offensively and defensively and will need some support from fellow attackers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="86776" first="Hanna" last="Thompson"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="88229" first="Ella" last="Christ"]</strong> to pull off the upset. </p> <p><em><strong>#4 Eden Prairie vs. #5 Hutchinson</strong></em><br /> Although the #5 seed, Hutchinson has the tools to break through and set up a big showdown against Shakopee in the semi-final round if both teams can get there. Senior middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="57490" first="Grace" last="Daak"]</strong> is a big presence and difficult to contain when their offense is in system and balanced through the pins. That leaves plenty of room for Daak to get her opportunities. Hutchinson has the attackers to create the offensive pressure with the corps of pin options in <strong>Emma Olberg</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72792" first="Adri" last="Rhoda"]</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58058" first="Aubrey" last="Brunkhorst"]</strong>. Setter <strong>Michaela Stamer</strong> is the catalyst for creating the balance that, if in place, could carry Hutchinson a few more rounds. </p> <p><em><strong>#3 New Prague vs. #6 Waconia</strong></em><br /> Both of these teams have a terminator that will be relied upon a lot to score points and keep the opposing defense on high alert from first serve to match point. New Prague’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="30263" first="Sophia" last="Andersen"]</strong> has been one of the most potent offensive threats in the state all season. Her volume of work each match is very high and she has proven great ability to carry that load and consistently put a lot of pace on the ball from the left side pin. Fellow outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="57543" first="Dani" last="Friedges"]</strong> can help alleviate some of that work while senior libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71657" first="McKenna" last="Vacek"]</strong> and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58041" first="Chessa" last="Devine"]</strong> will be relied upon a lot for their defensive presence and capabilities. Waconia’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="30259" first="Kali" last="Wolf"]</strong> also has been relied upon with high volume swings but has been very productive through her opportunities. She also has great experience that could factor into the critical moments of what should be an intense match. Support from senior middles <strong>Anna Reichenberger</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71655" first="Ellie" last="Dammann"]</strong> could pose a great threat if Waconia can get some balance there between the pins. That could free up some space for Wolf. The libero matchup will be fun to watch as senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71681" first="Claire" last="Segner"]</strong> covers the floor well and these senior counterparts across the net will do all that is needed to help keep their season moving forward. </p> <p><em><strong>#2 Minnetonka vs. #10 Chanhassen</strong></em><br /> Perhaps a bit under the radar as compared to some of the 3A counterparts around the state, Minnetonka has a very capable squad that quite possibly could carry them through to the final weekend of the season. The attacking trio of <strong>Skyler Germann</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31611" first="Abby" last="Stanwood"]</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58029" first="Kali" last="Engeman"]</strong> has proven to be quite a test for many of their opponents. Engeman also is a big presence at the net defensively in leading her team in total blocks. An early season 3-1 loss to top seed Shakopee could be enough fuel to compliment their steady progress over the course of the season. Other key contributors include setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71957" first="Olivia" last="Koeppen"]</strong> and middle <strong>Cayden Nadolney</strong>. Chanhassen is the lowest remaining seed but don’t let that deceive you regarding their ability and the fight they will present this quarterfinal round. They have quality wins over teams such as Waconia, Osseo, and St. Louis Park and have competed very well in other contests against highly regarded teams. Their key personnel includes their leading offensive points scorers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71700" first="Katie" last="Paine"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="57556" first="Lauren" last="Snader"]</strong>, and <strong>Mary Cate Ziembiec</strong>. <strong>MacKenzie Steding</strong> is their leader in total blocks while <strong>Annabelle Nordmeyer</strong> leads in assists as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58026" first="Madison" last="Ellman"]</strong> leads in total digs. </p>