Benilde-St. Margaret’s vs Grand Rapids in 3A Quarterfinals

Benilde-St. Margaret's overcame a persistent [program_tooltip program_id='432166' first='Grand' last='Rapids'] to secure a berth in the Class 3A state volleyball semifinals at Grand Casino Arena in downtown St. Paul. In a match defined by timely serving, defensive resilience, and execution late in the match, the Red Knights closed out a fiercely contested third set 26-24 to secure their spot in the semifinals. The victory positions Benilde-St. Margaret's one win from Championship Saturday, with their semifinal scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. against Stewartville.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Momentum Swings and Clutch Responses</h2>   Set 2 became a fulcrum: [program_tooltip program_id='432166' first='Grand' last='Rapids'] expertly used timeouts to slow the Red Knights' service runs and claw back points. Each timeout produced immediate side outs and mini-runs, helping keep the Thunderhawks within striking distance before Benilde made a break late in the set for a 25-20 win.   Set 3 showcased both teams' tenacity: [program_tooltip program_id='432166' first='Grand' last='Rapids'] surged ahead 9-4 with a string of blocks and well-placed swings from senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='814921' first='Kate' last='Williams'] and freshman outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='887816' first='Paisley' last='Sweeney']. Benilde answered via senior serving-specialist Ames Leber, whose steady run off the bench proved pivotal and flipped a five-point deficit into a 13-11 lead. From there, it seesawed to 24-24 before Benilde won the battle at the net to close the set and match 26-24.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Performances</h2>    Miner was a reliable outlet on back sets, especially from the right pin. Her left-handed cross-court kills repeatedly beat well-positioned defenders and steadied Benilde during [program_tooltip program_id='432166' first='Grand' last='Rapids'] runs. The Red Knights' commitment to add a variety of back-sets to Miner really paid off, especially against a [program_tooltip program_id='432166' first='Grand' last='Rapids'] block that was keyed in on the left pin.     Clark produced momentum-saving digs for Benilde, notably saving a tip to extend a rally that led to crucial late match points. She had defensive poise and timely digs along with disciplined floor coverage, which turned potential [program_tooltip program_id='432166' first='Grand' last='Rapids'] points into transition opportunities.     This senior middle anchored a strong blocking stretch in Set 3 and produced quick middle kills to halt Benilde's mini-runs.     Barrick, along with [player_tooltip player_id='795334' first='Kate' last='Swenson'], logged multiple big moment defensive plays, diving saves, and first-ball contacts that kept rallies alive. Barrick also added key blocks and a late cross-court put-away under pressure.     Freshman Outside, [player_tooltip player_id='887816' first='Paisley' last='Sweeney'], powered through the block and found seams to expose while hitting in transition. One of her most notable shots includes a vital cross-court finish at 17-16 in the third set.     Sophomore Setter, [player_tooltip player_id='744808' first='Piper' last='Sweeney'], kept [program_tooltip program_id='432166' first='Grand' last='Rapids'] balanced by feeding the slide and the left pin effectively. She was also expertly handling several tough overpasses and broken plays throughout the match.     Friedly delivered in high-leverage moments, finding the edges of the block and back-corner targets, including late third-set swings that pressured [program_tooltip program_id='432166' first='Grand' last='Rapids']' back row.     Freedly orchestrated the offense with poise, mixing tempos and locations while adding a handful of heads-up plays—including a memorable kick save to keep a rally alive that [player_tooltip player_id='509917' first='Sailor' last='Friedly'] ultimately finished. With Friedly running the offense, Benilde diversified between [player_tooltip player_id='509917' first='Sailor' last='Friedly'] on the left and Miner on the right to stress the Thunderhawks' block.    [program_tooltip program_id='432166' first='Grand' last='Rapids'], the No. 7 seed, pushed the second-seeded Red Knights to the edge in a match much tighter than the sweep suggests—particularly in the 26-24 third set. But Benilde's late-set execution, service pressure from the bench, and balanced attack carried them through. As the Red Knights turn toward Friday's semifinals, their formula of a steady first contact, setter creativity, and dual-pin weapons will position them as a credible threat for Championship Saturday. For [program_tooltip program_id='432166' first='Grand' last='Rapids'], the effort against a top seed underscores a resilient defense and a veteran middle attack that should translate well into the consolation bracket.

Benilde-St. Margaret's overcame a persistent Grand Rapids to secure a berth in the Class 3A state volleyball semifinals at Grand Casino Arena in downtown St. Paul. In a match defined by timely serving, defensive resilience, and execution late in the match, the Red Knights closed out a fiercely contested third set 26-24 to secure their spot in the semifinals. The victory positions Benilde-St. Margaret's one win from Championship Saturday, with their semifinal scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. against Stewartville.