Week 4: Key Matches on Tuesday’s (9/10) Slate

<p>Tuesday’s schedule of matches once again features some great pairings of competitive teams as well as some of Minnesota’s best individual talent across all classifications. Here are three matches to check out and their respective key personnel that look to lockdown a key early season win.</p> <p><em><strong>St. Michael-Albertville @ Waconia</strong></em><br /> These two teams match up well but Waconia may have a great advantage playing at home. A quartet of seniors provide a core of veteran experience and competitiveness that make Waconia a big threat across the net. Outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="30259" first="Kali" last="Wolf"]</strong> (Prep Dig #5) has a heavy arm and can do a lot of damage with her power combined with good range and a high contact point. Look for her to get a lot of opportunities throughout the match. The middle duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71655" first="Ellie" last="Dammann"]</strong> (Prep Dig #24) and <strong>Anna Reichenberger</strong> (MH | 2020) offers up athleticism and size with both standing at 6’0 tall. The libero is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71681" first="Claire" last="Segner"]</strong> (Prep Dig #54) and is among the best at her position in the senior class. Segner, long with Wolf, are both returning Wright County all-conference picks from 2018. STMA has some great weapons as well and although not presenting the same imposing size they do have some great athleticism, led by the high-flying and hard-hitting skills of senior outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71647" first="Mikala" last="Henderson"]</strong> (Prep Dig #14). The size they do have can be found in pin attacker <strong>Liv Carel</strong> (OH/RS | 2021) and middle hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72060" first="Emma" last="VanHeel"]</strong> (MH | 2021), both of who can score as well as defend at the tape. Whichever team can neutralize the opponent’s with good service pressure will win this match as both teams have the ability to offer up some good offensive balance. Prediction: Waconia in four sets.  </p> <p><em><strong>Kenyon-Wanamingo @ Kasson-Mantorville</strong></em><br /> This is a match-up of Class A’s #2 ranked team in KW vs. Class AA’s #5 ranked team in KM in a Hiawatha Valley contest. Both squads have multiple all-conference selections back with the Knights from Kenyon-Wanamingo returning a trio competing in their final season. Outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71661" first="Ally" last="Peterson"]</strong> (Prep Dig #31 | 2018 Class AA all-state selection) is a big offensive weapon and is supported well by middle hitter <strong>Juliana Boyum</strong> (MH | 2020) with additional pin contributions coming from senior <strong>Megan Mattson</strong> (OH | 2020). The distributor is setter <strong>Madi Luebke</strong> (S | 2020). The Komets of KM have a quartet of athletes that improving as a core unit with every match. Senior outside <strong>Emilee Terry</strong> (Prep Dig #63) is the offensive leader and is joined by middle <strong>Mya Suess</strong> (MH | 2021) to comprise KM’s 2018 all-conference selections. Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72766" first="Maddie" last="Converse"]</strong> (Prep Dig #16) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72789" first="Addison" last="Bzoskie"]</strong> (Prep Dig #38) play key roles as setter and a six-rotation attacker respectively. Their contributions will be critical given the veteran senior experience set to face them from across the net. KM always brings the energy in their home gym, which is a big advantage. Prediction: Kasson-Mantorville in five sets.</p> <p><em><strong>Hopkins @ St. Louis Park</strong></em><br /> The Orioles of St. Louis Park have a respectable offensive arsenal led by outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58052" first="Hannah" last="Howell"]</strong> (OH | 2021 | Prep Dig #51) and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="71967" first="Reagan" last="Alexander"]</strong> (MH | 2021). Alexander is also developing into a big factor at the net defensively. Other key contributors include senior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="57553" first="Makaila" last="Winward"]</strong> (S | 2020 | Prep Dig #120), junior middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72065" first="Kendall" last="Coley"]</strong> (MH | 2021), and sophomore outstide hitter <strong>Elsa Berg</strong> (OH | 2022). Something to note, the Orioles are also coming off of a great win in their previous match in which they survived a good squad in STMA with a 3-2 outcome last week. Hopkins comes into this match as the current #10 ranked team in class AAA. Senior middle hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="57482" first="Chudear" last="Tut"]</strong> (Prep Dig #19) is a big factor and will be tough to slow down. She gets good support from fellow seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="57503" first="Ktyal" last="Price"]</strong> (Prep Dig #65) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="57573" first="Emma" last="Meythaler"]</strong> (Prep Dig #104) as well as junior middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72083" first="Skya" last="Favor"]</strong> (Prep Dig #99). The homecourt advantage will benefit the Orioles but Hopkins will prove too much in the end. Prediction: Hopkins in four sets.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>