Playoff Spotlight: EGF and Menahga Set for a Postseason Clash

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas   The postseason lights switch on tonight as the Section 8AA volleyball tournament gets underway, and one of the early matchups to watch features the #7 seed East Grand Forks Green Wave against the #10 seed Menahga Braves. Both teams enter the bracket with something to prove — East Grand Forks looking to turn a solid regular season into a deep playoff run, and Menahga hoping to play spoiler with a scrappy, defense-driven lineup.   This matchup has all the makings of a competitive first-round battle: powerful front-row play, steady ball control, and two groups of athletes that have grown through adversity all fall.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">East Grand Forks: Balanced Attack with Front-Row Firepower</h3>   Overall Record: 16-14 Conference: 3-1 (2nd)   The Green Wave bring a confident mix of veterans and emerging underclassmen who have helped the program stay competitive all season. Their strength lies in their blocking and ability to control tempo at the net, forcing opponents out of rhythm early in rallies.   Lanee Hams –Middle Hitter Hams has developed into a key presence at the net for East Grand Forks. The sophomore's timing and ability to read opposing setters make her one of the more underrated blockers in the section. Offensively, she's finding her rhythm on quick sets and slides, showing improved consistency in terminating out of transition. Her growth this season has been crucial to the team's front-row stability.   [player_tooltip player_id='802517' first='Laurel' last='Kolstoe'] –Libero Kolstoe anchors the backcourt with veteran leadership and poise. Her serve-receive consistency has allowed the offense to stay balanced, while her ability to read the game gives East Grand Forks an edge in long rallies. Kolstoe's calm presence and relentless pursuit on defense often set the tone for her teammates.   Hayden Berg –Setter The offense runs through Berg, a steady, composed setter who knows how to spread the floor. She has built strong connections with her hitters, particularly in tempo situations. Berg's ability to move the ball quickly and disguise her sets keeps blockers guessing, and her leadership has been a key factor in maintaining offensive rhythm throughout the season.   Kelsey Spilde –Defensive Specialist Spilde's role may not always make headlines, but her defensive positioning and hustle keep plays alive. She reads the game well, adjusts quickly to deflections off the block, and provides depth in serve-receive rotations. Her reliability in tough spots adds confidence to East Grand Forks' back-row system.   [player_tooltip player_id='819629' first='Tatem' last='Votava'] –Hitter Votava brings experience and emotional leadership to the Green Wave lineup. She's a dynamic attacker who isn't afraid to take big swings in pressure moments. Whether hitting from the pin or working the middle seam, Votava's versatility gives East Grand Forks multiple offensive options.   [player_tooltip player_id='801091' first='Ava' last='Kleinvachter'] –Outside Hitter Kleinvachter is the spark plug on the left side. She brings a mix of power and precision, capable of tooling the block or rolling shots deep into corners. Her consistency and competitive drive have helped the Green Wave find scoring when the offense needs it most. Expect her to be a focal point in tonight's matchup.   For East Grand Forks, success will come down to executing at a fast pace and finishing plays. When they control serve-receive and transition quickly into offense, they're at their best. Their blocking at the net could be a deciding factor — if they can take away Menahga's rhythm and funnel tips to their defenders, the Green Wave could control the match flow early.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Menahga: Defense, Coverage, and Determination</h3>   Overall Record: 10-11-2 Conference: 5-3 (3rd)   The Menahga Braves enter the postseason as a team built around effort, defense, and steady playmaking. They've faced several high-level opponents this season, learning to battle through long rallies and respond to momentum swings. To pull off the upset, the Braves will need to disrupt East Grand Forks' system and capitalize on transition scoring opportunities.   Dreah Christiansen – #15, Middle Hitter Christiansen has been a breakout performer for Menahga this season. The sophomore's quick footwork and blocking instincts make her a valuable defensive anchor at the net. Offensively, she's improved her range, using both the quick and the push set to score. Her presence in the middle will be key to slowing East Grand Forks' front-row attack.   Krysten Aho – #6, Setter Aho runs the offense with poise beyond her years. She's been consistent in locating her hitters and isn't afraid to challenge blockers with her decision-making. Aho's ability to run a clean, balanced offense will be vital — especially against a strong blocking team like East Grand Forks. When she can establish tempo early, Menahga's hitters gain confidence.   [player_tooltip player_id='793451' first='Eliana' last='Jettmann'] – #10, Defensive Specialist Jettmann brings senior leadership and grit to the back row. She's known for her hustle and ability to cover tips and off-speed shots — the kind of plays that can shift momentum in tight sets. Her communication and defensive reads have helped stabilize Menahga's serve-receive through the season.   Elise Torola – #5, Libero Torola is the heart of Menahga's defense. She reads attackers well, anticipates cross-court swings, and keeps the ball in play with disciplined platform work. Torola's consistency in serve-receive and her ability to spark energy after long rallies make her one of the team's most valuable players. Her leadership will be critical as the Braves look to contain East Grand Forks' hitters.   For Menahga, the path to success lies in defensive execution and coverage. The Braves will need to keep East Grand Forks out of system with tough serving, disciplined blocking, and quick transitions into offense. If they can extend rallies and force errors, they have the ability to swing momentum in their favor.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Keys to the Match</h3>   For East Grand Forks:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Establish tempo early with quick sets and aggressive blocking.</li>   <li>Maintain clean first contact to allow Berg to run the offense efficiently.</li>   <li>Use their height advantage to control the net and disrupt Menahga's attack rhythm.</li> </ul>   For Menahga:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Serve tough to limit East Grand Forks' offensive options.</li>   <li>Stay disciplined in coverage and defensive positioning.</li>   <li>Capitalize on transition plays — especially second-ball opportunities.</li> </ul>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What to Expect</h3>   This matchup could come down to who controls momentum in the opening set. East Grand Forks has the edge in experience and size, but Menahga's defensive tenacity gives them the tools to frustrate bigger opponents. Expect extended rallies, adjustments in blocking schemes, and a test of mental toughness on both sides.   Both teams have shown steady growth throughout the season, and tonight's game represents more than just a postseason matchup — it's a chance to showcase how far they've come. With East Grand Forks' front-row presence clashing against Menahga's defensive backbone, fans can expect a gritty, competitive battle worthy of the postseason stage.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Prediction: A tight first set could set the tone, but whichever team can control serve-receive and capitalize on transition points will have the upper hand. One thing's certain — both squads will leave everything on the court as the postseason battle begins tonight.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas

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