Apple Valley staged a stunning upset by defeating second-seeded East Ridge in a five-set thriller during the Class 4A state volleyball quarterfinals held in St. Paul. The Eagles, who entered the postseason with a challenging record of 19 wins and 9 losses, showcased their resilience after a turbulent end to the regular season, where they lost seven of their last 11 matches.
Despite their inconsistent performance prior to the tournament, Apple Valley secured a spot in the state competition as the seventh seed. Coaches and players acknowledged the competitive landscape of the Class 4A tournament, noting that the second to seventh seeds were closely matched and capable of defeating one another. This was evident on Wednesday as the Eagles capitalized on their opportunity.
The match began with Apple Valley claiming the first set, indicating their determination. However, East Ridge quickly equalized by winning the second set. They continued their momentum into the third set, coming back from a deficit to win it 27-25, seemingly taking control of the match.
Yet, Coach Hannah Specktor had instilled a sense of calm and consistency in her team. “When we’re a little bit more calm and steady, we’re controlled and make good decisions,” she stated prior to the match. This message resonated with the Eagles, who rallied to dominate the fourth set 25-10, showcasing their ability to regroup under pressure.
The decisive fifth set saw Apple Valley maintain their lead throughout, ultimately clinching the match. Sophia Cowan emerged as the standout player, delivering an impressive 26 kills, including the match-winning point. Her teammate, Ginny Gores, contributed significantly with 17 kills of her own. Cowan emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “You’re focused on your team and what can I do for my team… Just giving everything.”
Preparation played a critical role in the Eagles’ success. Coach Specktor praised Cowan’s dedication, noting, “She’s literally in the weight room 365 days a year.” This commitment, combined with a prior victory over East Ridge at the Eagle Invitational in mid-September, bolstered the Eagles’ confidence heading into the quarterfinal match.
Despite their defeat, East Ridge, with a record of 22 wins and 8 losses, had previously shown their resilience by overcoming a similar situation in their section final against Eagan. Steve Anderson, the Raptors’ coach, acknowledged Apple Valley’s superior execution and confidence during the match, stating, “They were the more confident team, the more aggressive team and we got rattled and couldn’t get out of it.”
Apple Valley will next face third-seeded Prior Lake in the semifinals at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Their previous encounter on October 9 ended in a sweep by Prior Lake, adding an extra layer of anticipation to this upcoming match. As the Eagles prepare for this challenge, they carry with them the momentum from their impressive upset, showcasing their potential to advance further in the state tournament.
