Prior Lake Sweeps Centennial in 4A State Opener

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/image_e42f4e.png" alt="This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image_e42f4e.png" style="width:144px;height:auto" /></figure>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The 2025 Prep Dig Exposure Tour is officially LIVE!</a>   We're hitting 20+ cities across the country this winter to give athletes a platform to compete, get seen, level up and get on coaches radar.   I'll personally be at Bloomington on Dec. 14 for all interested 2026-2029 prospects following the 2025 fall season. <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2026/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-minnesota-session-1">Click here to register for 2028-2029</a> or <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2027/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-minnesota-session-2">click here to register for 2026-2027</a> and use promo code “HICKMANPD25” to get $10 off your registration.   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   Postseason play often separates the good from the great — and Prior Lake proved they belong among the elite in Minnesota's Class 4A State Tournament. With poise, precision, and balance across every rotation, the Lakers powered past Centennial in straight sets (25–23, 26–24, 25–14) to advance to the semifinals, where they'll meet Apple Valley on November 6 at 11:00 a.m. inside the Grand Casino Arena.   From the first whistle, both teams traded early blows in a fast-paced opening set. Centennial's offense, anchored by setter Chase Manthey (28 assists), distributed the ball well to [player_tooltip player_id='196507' first='Elena' last='Hoecke'] (10 kills) and Annabelle Steinhoff (6 kills), who worked to stretch Prior Lake's defense along the pins. [player_tooltip player_id='586566' first='Aubrie' last='Wirkkala'] added six kills and ten digs, showing two-way grit that kept the Cougars within reach throughout the first two frames.   But when it mattered most, Prior Lake's experience and depth shined. The Lakers leaned on a trio of hitters who caught fire in rhythm — [player_tooltip player_id='199398' first='Dylan' last='Raveling'] (12 kills), [player_tooltip player_id='781426' first='Olivia' last='Arlt'] (11 kills), and Addison Barbo (10 kills). Each provided a different look at the net: Raveling's explosive arm challenged the seam, Arlt's sharp cross-court angles found open floor, and Barbo's timing through the middle disrupted Centennial's block.   Setter duo [player_tooltip player_id='396878' first='Ryah' last='Cotton'] (19 assists) and Kaitlyn Westerholm (15 assists) orchestrated a balanced, unpredictable attack. Their tempo control and willingness to spread the offense made it difficult for Centennial's blockers to commit, and the Lakers found their groove as the match wore on.   Defensively, Prior Lake anchored itself behind [player_tooltip player_id='199393' first='Sidney' last='Burley'], who turned in a stellar 23 digs. Her court coverage and serve-receive consistency neutralized Centennial's service pressure and allowed the Lakers to stay in system — a key factor in pulling away during the decisive third set.   After two tightly contested sets that tested their composure, Prior Lake broke free in the third with a surge of confidence and momentum. Their blocking closed gaps, transitions tightened, and their hitters began to attack in rhythm off clean first touches. Centennial fought to stay alive, but the Lakers' rhythm and backcourt control ultimately proved too steady to crack.   While Centennial's season ends sooner than hoped, their effort showcased a program rich in toughness and talent. Hoecke's heavy swings, Wirkkala's versatility, and Manthey's precision setting all highlight a core built for sustained success in the seasons ahead.   For Prior Lake, this victory signals a team peaking at the right time. Their ability to close tight sets speaks to leadership, trust, and composure — traits every championship run requires. With multiple offensive weapons, a dynamic setting tandem, and an anchored defense, the Lakers look ready to challenge anyone in their path.   They'll next face Apple Valley in a semifinal matchup that promises to test their consistency and depth. If Prior Lake continues to execute with the same balance and control displayed in their sweep over Centennial, they'll be a serious contender to play for a state title later this week.   I don't know about you, but I am ready for day 2~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <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

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area