Conference Challengers in 2A

Prep Dig Staff

November 15, 2020 @ 08:56 PM

We are about one week away from finding out the seedings for section play. Currently, teams are being asked if they will be willing and able to participate in Section competition. Here is a run down of top teams to watch in each section and underdogs hoping to challenge them. Hiawatha Valley League: Stewartville Tigers: The obvious favorite in SE Minnesota, the Tigers are looking stronger than ever. Their leader, [player_tooltip player_id="58016" first="Erin" last="Lamb"], is a favorite for the Ms. Baden award, but this year we have seen a handful of new contributors. [player_tooltip player_id="73468" first="Arianna" last="Blohm"] is a 6’ sophomore who has been seeing a lot more court time. She hits from the outside primarily. The big attacker uses her high contact point to hit sharp cross and deep corners. Blohm rarely make errors hitting 0.324. [player_tooltip player_id="106371" first="Regan" last="Reker"] is another up and coming sophomore. The team has more sophomores than many others in the area; showing just how they plan to maintain their dominance from year to year. Kasson Mantorville: The Komets were able to take a set from the Tigers and they will face off again on November 21st. They will need to use their strong defense if they want to beat them this time and going into playoffs. [player_tooltip player_id="31617" first="Cate" last="Wanous"] and Noelle VanOort lead the very disciplined defensive efforts. Typically, the team makes less errors than their competitors but they need another hitter to contribute more kills. VanOort leads, along with Avery Irish, in kills. If Mya Seuss or Addison Bzoskie have a big match, they might have the strength to overpower Stewartville. Underdogs: Cannon Falls & Bryon   Skyline: Concordia Academy: They are still undefeated in the conference despite being in second place to St. Croix Prep. [player_tooltip player_id="10088" first="Kira" last="Fallert"] is another top recruit in the state. They rely heavily on the senior, but they also have others who can put the ball away: [player_tooltip player_id="72801" first="Shaina" last="Zinter"] and Sydney Pelzer. Their fearless leader is setter [player_tooltip player_id="71950" first="Brooke" last="Weichbrodt"]. It is tough for the senior knowing she won’t be able to play in the state tournament this year, but she has already accomplished almost every award possible. Underdogs: It will be hard for anyone in the conference to take down Concordia Academy. St Croix Prep has a strong record, but hasn’t been able to match up well with CA in their two regular season matches getting beat 3-0 both times. Maranatha may be able to put up a strong fight. Amaya Jennings is a powerful young player and they have some size. They face off this week so that will be the real test.   Central Minnesota Maple Lake: The Irish has been recognized by the coaches association as a top contender in AA all season. They currently hold the 8th spot. Setter [player_tooltip player_id="83947" first="Ella" last="Kiebel"] has a strong serve and strong ability to make it hard for teams to block her hitters. The team is best when they have the serve. Bryn Elsenpeter and Kendra JudeI are two other who go for aces and find a way to throw their opponents off. They are ready for a challenge and almost were able to steal the win from AAA Monticello. Underdogs: BBE and Holdingford are other other top contenders in the conference. BBE plays Maple Lake again on November 19th. They have been winnings some close matches and might be able to take out the Irish; led by [player_tooltip player_id="103279" first="Karissa" last="Jones"] and Paige Rupp.