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<p>As the 2025 volleyball regular season comes to a close, the Perham Yellowjackets are gearing up for postseason play with confidence, grit, and the kind of chemistry that only comes from months of hard work and shared determination. Entering the playoffs as the <strong>No. 4 seed</strong>, Perham will open the first round against <strong>No. 13 Crookston</strong>, and they're doing so with momentum on their side. Holding an overall record of <strong>16-10</strong> and finishing <strong>6-3 in Heart O' Lakes Conference play</strong>—good for <strong>third place</strong>—the Yellowjackets have proven they can battle with the best. Ranked <strong>97th in Minnesota</strong>, this squad has shown growth, resilience, and a hunger to keep their season alive deep into the postseason.</p>
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<p>Head coach Paige Thompson's group has developed a balanced attack and a strong defensive system that has allowed Perham to compete with top programs across the region. What's made this team stand out isn't just their skill—it's their ability to respond to adversity, elevate one another, and execute in key moments. From long defensive rallies to fast-paced transition kills, Perham has found their rhythm when it matters most.</p>
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<p>Leading the backcourt is <strong>sophomore libero [player_tooltip player_id='803765' first='Sophie' last='Nelson']</strong>, a defensive anchor who has been nothing short of exceptional this season. With <em>nearly 300 digs</em>, Nelson has established herself as one of the top young liberos in the area. Her ability to read hitters and cover the court with precision has turned countless opponent attacks into opportunities for the Yellowjackets. Whether it's a crosscourt missile or a tight tip over the block, Nelson's platform control and reaction speed have consistently kept rallies alive. Her composure under pressure has made her a steadying presence, and her leadership from the back row continues to grow with every match.</p>
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<p>Running the offense is <strong>junior setter Camryn Coste</strong>, who has been the engine of Perham's system this season. With <em>over 500 assists</em> on the year, Coste has shown incredible decision-making, distributing the ball with tempo and confidence. Her ability to locate her hitters in rhythm—especially when running quicks and back sets in transition—has kept defenses guessing. Coste's precision in the setting position allows Perham to maximize their hitting options, and her calm demeanor in tight sets makes her the kind of floor general every team needs. She's also shown growth in her serve and defense, proving she can impact every rotation.</p>
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<p>At the heart of Perham's offense is <strong>junior attacker [player_tooltip player_id='733235' first='Addison' last='Hackel']</strong>, who has put together an outstanding season. Hackel leads the team in both <em>aces and kills</em>, providing a steady offensive punch every time she rotates to the front row. Her aggressive serve has been a difference-maker, often putting opponents out of system early. Offensively, she has developed a smart, versatile swing—capable of ripping line, tooling the block, or dropping a sharp angle kill into open court. Hackel's confidence and energy are contagious, and she's been the go-to player in key moments throughout the season. When Perham needs a point, Hackel delivers.</p>
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<p>Another crucial piece of Perham's success has been <strong>junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='796550' first='Maddie' last='Kunza']</strong>, whose reliability in serve receive and defensive positioning has been vital to keeping the Yellowjackets in system. Kunza brings consistency and focus to every match, making the routine plays look effortless and the difficult ones look possible. Her ability to track the ball off the opponent's hand and deliver precise passes to Coste gives Perham's offense a chance to stay balanced. She's also brought leadership to the backcourt, providing communication and hustle that often set the tone for long defensive rallies.</p>
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<p>On the front line, <strong>sophomore middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='755564' first='Joslyn' last='Griffin']</strong> has started to make her name known across the conference. Griffin's athleticism and timing at the net have made her a rising presence in Perham's blocking scheme. She's quick to close the block and has a knack for reading setters, often getting her hands on key swings that shift momentum. Offensively, Griffin has developed a confident swing, able to terminate quick sets and off-speed balls alike. As the postseason begins, she's a player that opposing teams will have to prepare for—a breakout performer who's only getting stronger.</p>
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<p>Rounding out Perham's strong rotation is <strong>junior middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='817046' first='Mia' last='Zacharias']</strong>, who has come out of her shell in a major way this season. Zacharias' growth has been one of the biggest storylines for Perham in 2025. Her blocking presence has improved dramatically, and her ability to connect on quick attacks has added a new layer of speed to the offense. She's playing with confidence, finding seams in the defense and contributing big swings in crucial moments. Her energy on the court is undeniable, and she's becoming a key factor in Perham's postseason push.</p>
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<p>While these players have put up the numbers, what's truly defined this team is their collective mindset. The Yellowjackets have shown a relentless commitment to competing for every point. Their serve receive unit has become one of their biggest strengths, and the team's ability to transition from defense to offense quickly has allowed them to thrive against more physical opponents.</p>
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<p>As they head into playoff action, Perham knows the road won't be easy. The postseason is where execution, mental toughness, and composure separate contenders from pretenders. For the Yellowjackets, it's a chance to prove that their steady climb throughout the season has prepared them for exactly this stage. The matchup against <strong>Crookston</strong> will be an important test—one that could set the tone for a deep playoff run.</p>
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<p>If the regular season is any indication, this group is ready for the challenge. They've faced adversity, adjusted, and continued to grow as a unit. From the first serve to the final point, the 2025 Perham volleyball team has shown that their heart, hustle, and chemistry can compete with anyone.</p>
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<p>As the Yellowjackets take the floor in postseason play, one thing is certain: they've built the kind of foundation that wins in October—discipline, defense, and trust. And for Perham, that might just be the perfect recipe for a run to remember.</p>
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