The Small-Town Battle for Minnesota's State Tournament

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">More than 150 college coaches shared this article. Join PrepDig and get 30% off with code "digdakotas30."</a>   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram @prepdigdakota.</a>   There's something about postseason volleyball in southeastern Minnesota that I thoroughly enjoy. The gyms get louder, every point feels a little bigger, and teams that spent the entire fall working toward this moment finally get their chance. Section 1A is especially interesting because several programs have the talent to make a run, but only one will get to keep playing in the state tournament.   Mabel-Canton has been scoring well, Fillmore Central has tough net players, and Spring Grove has standout versatility. Add Kenyon-Wanamingo into the conversation, and there's plenty to follow as postseason play gets underway. What I'm most interested in isn't just which team has the best record, but how these different styles of volleyball will match up when it matters.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mabel-Canton has an offense you can't ignore.</h3>   Mabel-Canton has had a strong season, and what the Cougars have accomplished with freshman setter [player_tooltip player_id='889542' first='Gwenyth' last='Rein'] running the offense is especially impressive. Stepping into that position brings a lot of responsibility, especially with hitters who can put up big numbers. Rein has already surpassed 780 assists this season, and that's a major accomplishment for a player just beginning her high school career.   What interests me about Rein is the experience she's gaining while running such a productive offense. She's being asked to make decisions, work through difficult first contacts, and keep her hitters involved throughout a match. Those responsibilities can be challenging for any setter, let alone a freshman, and Mabel-Canton's production makes her someone I'll be interested in following over the coming seasons.   Of course, it helps when you have an outside hitter like [player_tooltip player_id='771237' first='Braylee' last='Stortz'] waiting for the ball. The junior has recorded more than 410 kills while hitting .452, and that combination really catches my attention. It's one thing to put up big kill numbers when you're getting plenty of swings, but maintaining that kind of efficiency while carrying a significant offensive workload is impressive. Stortz has been a major scoring option for the Cougars, and I expect opposing teams will spend plenty of time preparing for her.   What makes Mabel-Canton interesting heading into the postseason is that connection between Rein and Stortz. If the Cougars keep getting quality first contacts and let Rein run the offense, they'll give opposing defenses plenty to think about.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fillmore Central brings a challenge at the net.</h3>   While Mabel-Canton has been getting attention for its offensive production, Fillmore Central brings a different kind of challenge. The defending section champions have experience in key positions, and I like the combination of Madilyn Zwart in the front row and Josie Corson handling responsibilities in the backcourt.   At 6-foot-1, Zwart brings size to the middle that opposing hitters have to account for. The All-State middle can contribute offensively and also gives Fillmore Central a player who can challenge attacks at the net. Against a team with an outside hitter producing numbers like Stortz this season, having someone who can help close blocks and make attackers adjust becomes especially important.   That's one of the more interesting things to watch if these teams meet. Mabel-Canton has a hitter who's been scoring at an impressive rate, while Fillmore Central has a middle who can make those attacking opportunities harder. Even when a block doesn't end the rally, getting a touch or forcing a hitter into a different shot can give the defense another chance.   And that's where Corson becomes important.   The senior libero gives Fillmore Central back-row experience, and I like what a dependable defensive player can mean in postseason volleyball. Rallies will happen when the first contact isn't perfect, and having someone who can keep the ball playable lets the offense regroup instead of giving away an easy point.   With Zwart working at the net and Corson providing backcourt support, Fillmore Central has a combination that could make things interesting against some of the section's stronger offensive teams.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spring Grove has versatility.</h3>   Spring Grove is another team I wouldn't overlook, especially with [player_tooltip player_id='889541' first='Claire' last='Sherburne'] contributing in multiple areas of the game. What I like about Sherburne is that she isn't limited to one responsibility on the court. She can play setter and right-side attacker, giving Spring Grove flexibility depending on the rotation and what the team needs.   That versatility can be valuable in a long match. Sherburne can help distribute the ball offensively while also providing another attacking option when she's in the front row. Her ability to contribute from the service line adds another part to her game, and those different responsibilities make her an interesting player to follow.   I enjoy watching athletes willing to take on different roles for their teams, and Sherburne brings that versatility to Spring Grove. As postseason play begins, having someone who can contribute in several ways could give the Lions important options.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Who will find a way through Section 1A?</h3>   The more I look at Section 1A, the more interested I become in how these teams could match up. Mabel-Canton has the offensive production of Rein and Stortz, Fillmore Central brings experience with Zwart and Corson, and Spring Grove has versatility with Sherburne. Kenyon-Wanamingo is another program in the section conversation, adding to a postseason field with plenty of storylines to follow.   For me, the most compelling part will be seeing which teams can keep doing what made them successful during the regular season as the pressure builds. Mabel-Canton will want to keep its offense moving, while Fillmore Central has the personnel to challenge hitters at the net and extend rallies. Spring Grove will look to use its versatility to create its own opportunities.   I'm also looking forward to seeing how the younger athletes respond to the postseason atmosphere. Rein has already taken on a significant role as a freshman, while Stortz, Zwart, Corson, and Sherburne have opportunities to help lead their teams through some important matches.   This section has a lot of talent, and while the statistics give us an idea of what these teams have accomplished, they won't decide who advances. That's what makes postseason volleyball so enjoyable to follow. Every team has worked to get here, every player wants another opportunity to compete, and only one program will earn the chance to represent Section 1A at the state. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you, 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>   Please help us grow this positive platform by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at PrepDig.com. With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!   The village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers—makes this journey possible.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</h4>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Follow on Instagram @prepdigdakotas.</h3>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In Case You Missed It</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/image-8-2.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1020878" style="aspect-ratio:2.0216666666666665;width:1213px;height:auto" /></figure>

More than 150 college coaches shared this article. Join PrepDig and get 30% off with code "digdakotas30."