<p> The Mizuno M1 Volleyball Club coaches and players are excitedly waiting for the new year and events to get rolling. In fact, they realized 22 years ago that they can't wait; thus, creating the Annual M1 New Year's Intra-Squad Scrimmage. Held in mid-December, it is the perfect intro to the season. The players get a chance to put their practice to the test, coaches catch areas that need improvement, and parents get their first real look at the how the teams match up. M1's 21 teams from 12's-18's will all take part in the fun tradition. Here are a handful of their athletes we are excited to follow this club season:</p>
<p><strong>Audrey Hapenstal - </strong>We have been following this talented middle hitter from <em>Washburn </em>for some time. In fact, she moved up in most recent class rankings for the class of 2020. She possess strength, confidence, determination and sportsmanship. While she isn't a flashy player, she understands her role on the team. She brings consistency at the net with her strong blocking and always tries to find a way to help her team win. This past season her best match was in October against rival Minneapolis South. Hapenstal had 13 kills and four aces to push her team to victory in 5 sets. </p>
<p><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/haley-hewitson/">Haley Hewitson</a></strong> is a 5'7'' libero from Benilde-<span style="font-size: 1rem;">St.Margaret. This is one defensive player that </span>definitely<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> needs to continue into college. Hewitson is in our top 100 for this class at number 83. During the high school season she had over 300 digs. Her willingness to </span>sacrifice<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> her body diving for balls and covering hitters has impressed us. She keeps the tempo of the offense quick with the height of her passing. </span></p>
<p><em>[program_tooltip program_id='430430' first='Lakeville' last='South']</em> will be represented at the scrimmage by <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/ellie-hilliard/">Ellie Hilliard</a>. </strong>The junior has impressed us with her all-around skills. The 2022 grad typically plays on the outside and we love her effort on defense. Her transitions are smooth, her platform is solid, and her reaction time is fast. Similar qualities make her time spent in the front row meaningful too.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/emma-grimm/">Emma Grimm</a></strong> is another junior outside hitter. On the ground she she stands at about 5'9'' but in the air she's contacting at the same height as competitors. Her efforts are noticed by many, making the North Country Region's All-Region Team for 15/16U. Grimm plays for <em>Eastview</em> High School. Her setter will be stand-out, <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/olivia-koeppen/">Olivia Koeppen</a></strong> (17-1's team.)</p>
<p>Another gifted player at this weekend's scrimmage will be <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/sonia-dahlin/">Sonia Dahlin</a></strong>. The 5'11'' junior from <em>Minnetonka</em> can plays middle for her high school team, but she is deadly on the outside too. At the state tournament she had her best match against <em>[program_tooltip program_id='432165' first='[program_tooltip program_id='432082' first='[program_tooltip program_id='430384' first='Eagan' last='']' last='']' last='']. </em></p>
<p>Other up and coming team members to keep an eye on:</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">16-2</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Georgia Holt </strong>and<strong>Jada Young</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">15-1</span> <strong>Miriam Unongo, Ava Gilmore</strong> and<strong> Monica Neels</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">15-2</span> <strong>Vivian O'Brien</strong> and <strong>Claire Baribeau</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">14-1</span> <strong>Kate Halvorson, Echo Scammahorn</strong> and<strong>Kendall Faber</strong></p>
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