Surprising Upsets: Molten Series
The Molten series continues to match teams with new opponents according to previous results. This weekend we saw that age wasn’t a factor, as younger teams surprised older teams with their skill. Here are our top picks for upsets…
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Continue ReadingThe Molten series continues to match teams with new opponents according to previous results. This weekend we saw that age wasn’t a factor, as younger teams surprised older teams with their skill. Here are our top picks for upsets this weekend:
Vital Volleyball 15-1 Gold vs. Northern Heat 18-1: 16‑25, 16‑25
In a division 2 cross over match, Vital Volleyball 15-1’s found themselves face to face with Northern Heat 18-1. This team of talented ninth graders came out with a strong pace to set the tone for the match. They took Heat out of their offense with their powerful serving. Then, when they were able to run their offense, Vital Volleyball ‘s defense was able to easily anticipate their plays. Heat went 0-3 for the weekend, and this was the only match they were unable to take to three sets. Up and coming stars on the Vital Volleyball team include:
Tess Dubbe; Edina – 6′ OH
Ashlyn Stedding; Chanhassen – 5’8” S
Ellie Nixon; Blake
MN Select 14-2 vs. M1 17-3: 27-25, 15-25, 15-17
Walking up to the court, it was hard to tell which team was younger. The MN Select roster has a handful of tall players. In fact, if you averaged both team’s heights, the Select 14’s is easily taller. The 17’s edged out the early win, but Select players found their rhythm and were able to turn the momentum by blocking M1 hitters and finding the holes in their defense. The three-set match didn’t tire out the 14’s, in fact, they went on to beat MN Premier in two sets: 20‑25, 23‑25. The defense at the net and in the back row was what gave Select the edge this weekend. Leading the way defensively:
Iman Allen; Maranatha Christian Academy 2024 – 6’2” MH
Erika Daniels; Minnetonka 2024 – 5’6” OH/L
Annika Olson; Osseo 2025 – 5’10” OPP/S
Northern Lights 14-2 vs. Club Velocity 16-1: 25‑14, 25‑14
They won Division 4-Bracket M defeating three talented 16’s teams. They showed their poise and confidence in an early victory of SWC. The second set of that match was 31-29! This NL 14-2’s is made up of athletic players who’s strength is their offense. NL’s signature style of hitting: fast arm-swing, big approaches and quick middles made it hard for opponents to maintain energy. Favorite attackers from Northern Lights 14-2:
Ava Siedenburg; Maplewood – 5’8” MH
Lindsey Conner; Rochester Century – 5’9” OH
Gemma Hanson; Roosevelt; 5’11” OH/DS