UPDATE: The Minneota Vikings have triumphed over the MACCRAY Wolverines, winning 3-1 in the Section 3A-North championship match held Thursday evening at the R/A Facility at Southwest Minnesota State University. This victory marks the Vikings’ ninth consecutive sub-section championship.
Despite a shaky start, the top-seeded Vikings rallied from a first-set loss, ultimately securing the match with scores of 21-25, 25-15, 25-20, 25-20. Minneota head coach Kaley Buysse acknowledged that the team faced early struggles but credited their resilience in turning the game around. “We just weren’t executing on the things we needed to,” Buysse stated.
The Vikings, with an impressive record of 26-6, are now set to face the Russell-Tyler-Ruthton Knights in the 3A championship at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, also at the R/A Facility. The Knights secured their spot by defeating Westbrook-Walnut Grove 3-0 earlier in the day.
MACCRAY, finishing their season at 24-8, demonstrated remarkable skill and teamwork. Senior outside hitter Emma Thein, reflecting on the match, expressed the emotional weight of the game, stating, “It means a lot being able to do this with my teammates.” Teammate Brielle Janssen contributed significantly with 15 kills, while Thein added 13 kills and 9 digs.
The Wolverines started strong, taking the first set with great energy, showcasing their potential as strong competitors. They rallied together, but Minneota’s tactical adjustments paid off, allowing them to dominate the following sets.
Minneota’s performance was marked by a powerful offensive display, with three players—Eden Meagher (16 kills), Jaylyn Coequyt (14 kills), and Sarah Gruenes (13 kills)—finishing with double-digit kills. The Vikings also excelled defensively with 10 ace blocks, including five from Leah Coequyt.
As they prepare for the upcoming championship match, Minneota looks to continue their successful streak and secure back-to-back appearances at the state level. With the intensity of the last match and the stakes high, all eyes will be on this weekend’s showdown.
For MACCRAY, coach Tory Brouwer praised his team’s tenacity despite the loss. “They kept swinging. They didn’t want to lose,” he noted, highlighting the character of his players.
This thrilling match not only showcased the competitive spirit of high school volleyball but also underscored the close-knit relationships formed among the athletes, making this season a memorable one for both teams.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 3A championship approaches this Saturday!
