Collegiate Season Opens Today

#2 posting 8.24.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information
College Reports

GOPHERS OPEN TODAY
Minnesota travels to Notre Dame to open their volleyball season at 5 pm. Fans here can see the Gophers face alumni on Sunday. From the StarTribune. The Pioneer Press has a feature on Kelly Roysland and her adjustment from basketball to volleyball.

D2
Southwest MN State is off to California to open their season. They are at the Cal State San Bernadino Classic. From the Marshall Independent.

Winona State is ready to roll this season with six starters back in action. The Warriors are at Adams State in Colorado for their season opening tournament. From the Winona Daily News.

The big local tournament is the Ramada Minneapolis Downtown tournament at Concordia St. Paul. The event kicks off at 9 am today. Here is the schedule. Live Stats here. You can watch CSP's matches on the web via NorthernSun TV.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up: later today with updates

YME Outlasts MACCRAY

#1 posting 8.24.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

GAME REPORTS
Last night was opening night and I reported on the Hopkins vs Anoka contest (see last night's out & about). I have added photos to the mix this season.
Here is what I could glean so far.
AA
YME topped MACCRAY in five games taking games 2, 3, and 5 16-14. YME's Livi Jeseritz had 15 kills. You get two versions of the game from the Marshall Independent and the West Central Tribune.

If you have game reports, send them to me and I will post them.

next up: the college side of things.

Out & About: Hopkins/Anoka

#3 posting 8.23.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

HOPKINS royals 3, ANOKA tornadoes 1
(20-25, 25-21, 25-11, 25-23)

It was opening night for high school volleyball in Minnesota and Hopkins came away from Anoka with a 3-1 win despite losing the first game. Hopkins coach Vicky Swenson was not on the bench tonight. Early in the week I linked a story on her return to the bench. Three players had 12 kills on the night: Cali Carnahan for Hopkins; and Kayla Berning and Abbey Fahnhorst for Anoka.

Anoka took control early in game one with eight straight points to lead 9-2. Jamie Olson had four kills during the sequence. Hopkins took a time out at 8-2, but only slowed the momentum. Anoka led 16-9 when Hopkins ran off six points, the last five coming on Sara Young's serve (There was no program for Hopkins and they have not posted their roster on the MSHSL site yet.) The margin narrowed to 17-16 when the game entered side out land. 11 straight side outs gave Anoka a 22-20 lead. Anoka's Kellee Kackman then served out including an ace on point 24.

Hopkins took over early in game two and led 10-5 after an ace by Cali Carnahan. Anoka took a time out to stop the momentum, but Anoka didn't get the side out until one more Hopkins point was scored. Anoka cut the margin to 12-8 when Hopkins burned a time out. After the break Hopkins survived a marathon point with an Anoka hitting error returning the ball back to the Royals. Hopkins pushed the lead to 18-12 when Anoka used their second time out after a kill by Courtney Rose. Six side outs later Hopkins was on the verge at 21-15. They added another point on a hitting error to go up 22-15. Anoka then came to life with a 6-1 run with Kelly Peterson serving up three points (19-21) with the first two aces. With the score 23-21 she served in the net. Hopkins took game two on a double hit fault by Anoka.

Hopkins again held the advantage early in game three. They led 10-6 when Anoka took their first time out. Hopkins maintained that margin out to 17-11 when they earned a sideout with a kill by Mari Peterson. #14 (sorry again no roster anywhere) served the rest out---seven straight points. Carnahan had three kills including the last two points on overpass kills.

Anoka led 6-0 to start game four on Kackman's serve with Fahnhorst picking up three kills for the Tornadoes. Anoka led 9-2 when Hopkins took a time out. That break turned the tide. Hopkins ran off a 8-2 run and forced Anoka to burn a time out at 11-10. The Tornadoes maintained that narrow lead. Their last positive margin came at 20-17. The momentum turned to the Royals favor on a bump kill side out by Rose followed by three straight points on Peterson's serve with three different Royals putting the ball down. Olson tied it at 21 for Anoka with a tip kill. The next Hopkins points came via Anoka hitting errors. The last four points were all side outs with Anoka in the net on point 25.

Photos: #1: Alicia Vossen, Hopkins goes up for an attack from the middle; #2: Courtney Rose, Hopkins reaches for the ball. photos by kja.

If you want to see a bigger picture, click on the photo.

HOPKINS
1. Sarah Young, S 0-0-3---3
2. Courtney Rose, OH 2-0-10----12
3. Alicia Vossen, MH 0-0.5-12----12.5
4. #14, BR 1-0-0----1
Lauren Olson 0-0.5-2---2.5
5. Mari Peterson, OH 0-2.5-9---11.5
6. Cali Carnahan, MH 1-0-12---13
#10, L
Totals: 6-1-43---50 points, 45 points on Anoka errors

ANOKA
1. Kellee Kackman, S 2-0-0----2
2. Taylor Fritch, BR 1-0-0----1
Abbey Fahnhorst, OH 0-0-12---12
3. Kelly Peterson, L 2-0-0---2
Emily Buyse, MH 1-3-2---6
4. Erica Decker 0-0-4----4
5. Kayla Berning, OH 0-0.5-12---12.5
6. Jamie Olson, MH 0-2.5-9---11.5
(Kelly Peterson, L)
Totals: 6-6-40---52 points, 27 points on Hopkins errors.

TRENCH PLAYER
Cali Carnahan

NUMBER CRUNCHING
team, fbso/serves--fbso%; pts scored, % earned, % allowed
Hopkins 33/49--.673; 95, .526; .350
Anoka 25/49--.510; 80; .650; .474
missed serves: Anoka 10, Hopkins 10
Hitting errors: Anoka 21, Hopkins 9

ROTATIONS
HOPKINS
1 Young 17-17 .500
2 Rose 16-22 .421
3 Vossen 14-14 .500
4 #14 20-9 .690
5 Peterson 17-7 .708
6 Carnahan 10-11 .476
totals 95-80 .543

ANOKA
1 Kackman 17-19 .472
2 Fritch 15-14 .517
3 Peterson 20-15 .571
4 Decker 8-27 .296
5 Berning 9-12 .429
6 Olson 11-7 .611
totals 80-95 .457

You can see Hopkins' rotations 3-4-5 had a % of .630 (Carnahan in the front row). The other rotations 6-1-2 had a % of .468.

Next up: tomorrow morning

The Power of Braegelmann, More Previews

#2 posting 8.23.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

POWER HITTER
UM Duluth's Vicky Braegelmann was co-national player of the year last season and is set to rewrite UMD's hitting records this season. UMD will be at Concordia St. Paul this weekend. From the Duluth News Tribune.

PREVIEWS
D3
St. Scholastica has a Hibbing Bluejacket hue on their roster. From the Duluth News Tribune.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Riverland is prepared to take the next step this season. From the Austin Daily Herald.

HIGH SCHOOL
Farmington returns five players from last years 16-11 team including state dig leader Kirstee Rotty (626). They open against Austin. From the Farmington Independent.

International Falls opens their season tonight against Babbitt-Embarrass. From the International Falls Journal.

The Fargo Forum has their HS volleyball capsules with area teams including Moorhead, DGF, and Park Christian.

Red Wing is in the rebuilding phase. From the Red Wing Republican Eagle.

Thanks for the help readers. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up: later tonight with this season's first out & about.

Ridgewater Set to Defend Title

#1 posting 8.23.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COLLEGE PREVIEW
Ridgewater is set to defend their Community College National Championship. From the West Central Tribune.

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEWS
There are a smattering of contests as the high school season gets under way.
Austin travels to Farmington. This is the second preview for Austin, this time it is the Rochester Post Bulletin with the preview.

INTERNET COVERAGE
You can listen to International Falls games via broncoradio. Games will be archived for a year. From the International Falls Daily Journal.

TEAM NEEDED
Eden Prairie needs one Varsity and one B team for the Eden Prairie tournament. [Sept 1st]Contact: Chad Becker crbecker13@comcast.net

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up; later tonight (if not earlier) with the first out & about of the season.

New Ulm Preview, Crookston Scrimmage

#2 posting 8.22.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEWS
New Ulm is dropping down from AAA to AA. They move to a rough and tumble 3AA section however--three teams went to state last year from the new section. From the New Ulm Journal.

SCRIMMAGES
Crookston was at Bemidji for a multi-team volleyball scrimmage on Tuesday. The Crookston Times has more details.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow morning

Everything New

#1 posting 8.22.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NEW HIGH SCHOOL
Shakopee has a new high school and the volleyball team is seen practicing in the article in the StarTribune South edition. They are already talking about a second high school in the Shakopee District. Shakopee is #2 in the AAA poll. From the Shakopee Valley News.

NEW OLD COACH
Sarah Herlofsky is back as the new volleyball coach at Spring Lake Park. She originally coached at SLP in 1997 and 98. She has a Q&A session in the StarTribune North edition.

COACHES SHOW
Concordia St. Paul will hold their first coaches show this fall on Thursday at 1:30. You can listen on the web.

Thanks to the readers for the help in getting this site rolling. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow (but lately I have been getting an afternoon posting up if new warrants).

Swenson Returns

#4 posting 8.21.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

SWENSON RETURNS
Hopkins volleyball coach Vicki Swenson has returned to the sidelines. Last fall her sister, Teri Lee, was murdered and Swenson took time off to deal with that tragedy. Now she is back for the Royals. From the StarTribune West edition.

COLLEGE REPORT
UM Crookston has a new coach in Lee Anderson. The Crookston Times looks at how the first weeks of practice have been panning out.

Thanks to the readers for their great help. If you have news email me.

next up: tomorrow morning

Branagh & Youngs Upset Champs

#3 posting 8.21.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BRANAGH & YOUNGS UPSET OLYMPIC CHAMPS
Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh upset Olympic champs Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh in the finals of the AVP Boston Open by a squeaker 15-21, 21-19, 16-14. Branagh played college volleyball for the Gophers. From the Boston Globe.

Thanks for the help readers. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: Vicki Swenson, Hopkins coach

Gustavus, St. Ben's and UMM Previews

#2 posting 8.21.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COLLEGIATE PREVIEWS
D3
MIAC schools Gustavus, and St. Benedict both started practice yesterday. St. Benedict also gets a preview in the St. Cloud Times.

NAIA
UM Morris opened practice yesterday.

LIVE ON THE WEB
Concordia St. Paul will have their volleyball games on the web with the help of PennAtlantic.

Thanks to the readers for the help. Go to my profile to email your news.

Next up: tomorrow (or later today if news pops)

Chaska and Lyle-Pacelli (Again)

#1 posting 8.21.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEWS
Lyle-Pacelli gets a second preview in the Rochester Post-Bulletin. I have already posted the Austin Daily Herald article.

The Chaska Herald looks at the AAA Poll with defending state champ Chaska #4.

Next up: collegiate previews

Waldorf Wins First Contest

#1 posting 8.20.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

FIRST CONTEST
Waldorf College, IA beat Mount Marty on Sunday in one of the first volleyball matches of the collegiate season 3-1. Mount Marty took the first game. There are 11 Minnesota players on the Waldorf Roster. From the Yankton Press & Dakotan.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow for sure, but later today if news breaks.

First Volleyball Polls

#1 posting 8.19.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

FIRST MINNESOTA HIGH SCHOOL POLLS
Top 10 Poll (based on Section Rep’s Input). The next poll comes out on August 27.
AAA
1. Lakeville North (6) 60
2. Shakopee 54
3. Eagan 38
4. Chaska 30
5. Owatonna 27
6. Eden Prairie 24
7. Eastview 18
8. Andover 17
9. Blaine 15
10. Apple Valley 12
Others: Wayzata (9), St. Michael/Albertville (8), Totino-Grace (8), Woodbury (5), Alexandria (3), Waconia (1), Hill-Murray (1)

AA
1. Jordan (5) 50
2. Marshall 37
3. Stewartville 29
Hibbing 29
5. Dilworth/Glyndon/Felton 24
6. St. Cloud Cathedral 19
7. Delano 18
8. Pipestone 15
Jackson County Central 15
10. Belle Plaine 8
Others: Kasson/Mantorville (4), Perham (4), Byron (2)

A
1. Bethlehem Academy (3) 56
2. Minneota (3) 38
3. Mabel-Canton 34
Windom 34
5. Mayer Lutheran 27
6. Lake of the Woods (1) 23
7. Wabasha-Kellogg 19
8. Climax-Fischer 14
Buffalo Lake/Hector 14
10. Ada-Borup 13
Others: Wheaton (12), Meadow Creek Christian (12), Renville County West (11), Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (10), Central MN Christian (9), Carlton (9), Pine River/Backus (8), Springfield (8), MACCRAY (7), Littlefork-Big Falls (6), Kittson Central (5), Tower-Soudan (2), Goodhue (2), SW MN Christian (1), Barnum (1)

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEWS
The Albert Lea Tribune has brief previews for Albert Lea, Glenville-Emmons, Alden-Conger, NRHEG, USC plus Iowa schools Lake Mills and Northwood-Kensett.

Thanks to the readers for the help. You can go to my profile to email your news.

Next up: tomorrow

Boeve Moving

#1 posting 8.18.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BOEVE INTERVIEW
Iowa State's Erin Boeve is moving from the middle to the outside this season. She has an interview during media day at ISU. Boeve played high school volleyball at Hills-Beaver Creek, MN.
Iowa State is picked 6th in the Big 12. Defending national champ Nebraska is tabbed to win the conference. Boeve is on the preseason all conference team.

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEWS
A
Lyle-Pacelli will look to improve on their 9-16 season last year. From the Austin Daily Herald.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow.

Austin Preview

#3 posting 8.17.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEWS
The high school season has started practice and will have games next week. Here is one of the first previews on the upcoming season.
AAA
Austin is hoping to triple their win total again this season. They went from one win, to three last year. From the Austin Daily Herald.

Next up: tomorrow

Gophers Picked 3rd

#2 posting 8.16.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BIG 10 PRESEASON PICKS
The Big 10 has released their preseason selections. Minnesota has been tabbed for third. Jessy Jones has been selected on the preseason All Conference team.

Thanks to the readers for the help.

Next up: tomorrow

Riverland Preseason

#1 posting 8.17.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JUCO OUTLOOK
Riverland has not made the Minnesota Community College Conference State Tournament the past two years. They hope to change that this season. They have added Brook Monson from Austin. From the Rochester Post Bulletin.

Thanks to the readers for all the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

Next up: tomorrow

SDSU, NDSU 3 & 4 in Summit Poll

#2 posting 8.16.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

SUMMIT LEAGUE POLL
South Dakota State and North Dakota State are picked as #3 and #4 in their first year in the Summit League.

Next up: tomorrow morning.

North Central Picks,

#1 posting 8.16.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NORTH CENTRAL CRYSTAL BALL
UM Duluth has been tapped for the fourth consecutive year to take the North Central title.

MORE GOPHER MEDIA
The Minnesota Gopher media day is covered in depth on the Gopher volleyball site with Coach Hebert's answering questions from the media. Also Kelly Roysland is interviewed by Rachel Hartmann.

HIGH SCHOOL PRACTICE UPDATES
Hutchinson had to practice away from school due to a power outage. From the Hutchinson Leader.

RECORD ACES
Stewartville's Laura Hoover (2006) holds the state record for career ace serves according to the State High School League with 266 aces. From the Rochester Post Bulletin.

BREAST CANCER BATTLE
Former Central Christian volleyball player Jenny (Huisinga) Norbie five years ago was diagnosed with breast cancer. This story from the West Central Tribune talks about her fight with the disease and her positive outlook. A benefit will be held to help with bills.

Thanks to the readers for your help. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow, unless news breaks

Preseason Polls & Previews

#1 posting 8.15.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

POLLS & PREVIEWS
The Minnesota Gophers are rated #9 in the preseason AVCA poll. KARE 11 also has video and interviews with coach Hebert, Jessy Jones, and Kelly Roysland. It is longer than what you might have seen on television. The StarTribune has a look at the 4th best recruiting class, and a thumbnail of the rosters and important games. The MN Daily also looks at the high expectations of this year's squad.

In D2 UM Duluth is #2, Concordia St. Paul #6 and SW MN State #25 in the the AVBCA poll.

Bethany's new coach Sue Wilde is getting ready for her first year.

As you can see I have added a poll on the top right hand corner.

Thanks to the readers for the great help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: perhaps later today.

North Dakota State Senior Leaders

#2 posting 8.14.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NORTH DAKOTA STATE SENIOR LEADERS
Minnesotans Kari Fagnan (Fridley) and Christy Stuewe (Mayer Lutheran) are senior leaders for North Dakota State. NDSU is making the transition to the Summit League this year. They are hoping to lead NDSU to the first D1 post season appearance in any sport. From the Fargo Forum.
Also WDAY has a video report.

Next up: tomorrow morning.

Seppala Era

#1 posting 8.14.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

SEPPALA ERA
Dan Seppala is Apple Valley's second coach in 31 years. Yesterday was the first practice in the post Walt Weaver Era. The Star Tribune looks at the volleyball change at Apple Valley and the football change at Hastings.

EXPECTATIONS
Southwest MN State has developed a strong reputation in recent years. They are looking to make the NCAA regionals for the fourth straight year. SW MN State also has the Northern Sun Preseason Player of the Year in Erin Contons. From the Marshall Independent.

Thanks to the readers for the help in keeping the volleyball community informed. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow

Bitter Era Begins

#2 posting 8.13.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BITTER ERA
The Bitter Era has started in Bemidji as former Lake of the Woods coach Laurie Bitter has taken over the Bemidji State program. BSU was picked #10 in the Northern Sun this year. From the Bemidji Pioneer.

Thanks to the help from the readers. Go to my profile to email your news.

next up: tomorrow morning

Harms Moving?

#1 posting 8.13.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

PRACTICE OPENS
Volleyball practice opens throughout Minnesota today. The final destination: The State Tournament at the Xcel Energy Center on November 8-10. Head volleyball coaches are to attend a rules interpretation meeting. Here is a list of meeting sites that still are to come. Go to page two.

HARMS MOVING??
Katherine Harms (who has made a verbal to the U of MN class of 2009) was seen playing with St. Michael-Albertville on Saturday at the captain's tournament at Ralia. Harms played with Little Falls previously.
According to sources the family is closing on a house in STMA on Monday.

Thanks to the readers for the great help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

Next up: tomorrow

Roysland Returns to Volleyball

#1 posting 8.12.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ROYSLAND BACK TO VOLLEYBALL
Kelly Roysland has finished her college basketball career and is now playing volleyball for the Gophers. Roysland, who played high school ball at Fosston, was the Minnesota Miss Volleyball award winner in 2002. From the Fargo Forum.

EUROPEAN LESSONS
The Wisconsin Badgers traveled to Europe this summer and learned some valuable lessons. From the Wisconsin State Journal.

PRACTICE OPENS TOMORROW
Minnesota High Schools will open practice tomorrow. First contests will start on Thursday, August 23. No word on preseason polls yet.

Thanks to the readers for the help.

Hebert Q&A

#1 posting 8.11.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

GOPHER PRACTICE
Gopher volleyball coach Mike Hebert goes through a Q&A with gophersports on how practice has progressed the first couple of days.

MISSOTA JAMBOREE
The Missota Conference will hold their season opening jamboree on Tuesday, August 21 at Prior Lake.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
The Marshall Independent catches up with former Marshall player Jackie Clark (1982).

Thanks to the readers for the great help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow

Upgraded Look

#2 posting 8.10.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NEW LOOK
I have added some features and will be adding more later. The videos, if you click on it, will pop up in the main posting area. There is the HS girls volleyball on the right, at the bottom there is NCAA videos. Remember to go to the top to view whatever video you are looking at.

next up: tomorrow

Two New Coaches, Americans Top Cubans

#1 posting 8.10.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
New Burnsville volleyball coach Ryan Dehnel is looking to improve the defense. From the Savage Pacer.

Brian Vosejpka is the new volleyball coach at Lakeview. He replaces Kristie Boyer who left to take a teaching job in St. Peter. Vosejpka is from Montgomery. From the Marshall Independent.

The Minnesota volleyball high school season opens with practices on Monday.

AMERICANS UPSET CUBA
Team USA upset Cuba 3-1 in 2007 FIVB World Grand Prix at Khabarovsk, Russia. Next up is the Russians. Former Gopher Cassie Busse did not score in the match against Cuba.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow

Lopez Back

#1 posting 8.9.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

LOPEZ READY
Former Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton and current North Dakota State player Kelly Lopez has recovered from a hamstring injury that kept her out of action last year. From the Fargo Forum.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow

Thomas Verbals, Northern Sun Picks

#1 posting 8.8.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

THOMAS VERBALS
Natalie Thomas, Champlin Park has verballed Concordia-St. Paul. Thomas is a 5-7 setter and played with MN Select 17-1 in the Junior Olympic season. She is the 13th player from 2008 to verbal and the 5th to verbal D2.

NORTHERN SUN PRE-SEASON PICKS
Concordia St. Paul has been selected by the coaches to win the Northern Sun volleyball championship this year. Southwest MN State's Erin Contons was selected pre-season player of the year. There are 5 pages worth of information in the NSIC press release.
CSP opens the season hosting the Ramada Inn Classic on August 24 with three teams that finished in the top six last year.

UM DULUTH READY
UM Duluth Coach Jim Boos has a Q & A about the upcoming season. UMD heads to Concordia St. Paul to open the season.

GOPHER MEDIA DAY
Minnesota will hold their media day on August 14 at 2 pm. Practice begins today. Their first match will be against the alumni on Sunday, August 26.

COACHING NEWS
Terrin (Post) DeBoer is the new coach at Central Christian. DeBoer is a 2003 grad from Central Christian and a 2007 grad from Augustana. From the West Central Tribune.

thanks to the readers for the great help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow

Peru Sweeps Americans

#1 posting 8.7.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

PERU SWEEPS YOUTH NATIONAL TEAM
Peru swept the USA Youth National Team in the Youth National World Volleyball championships but the margin in each game was only two points. The Americans have a game left against the host Mexicans. Kelsey Brandl of Lakeville North played in third game, but did not score.

POWER LUNCH
North Dakota State will host a power lunch on the 13th. There are five Minnesota players on the Bison roster plus seven freshmen.

PRACTICE COUNTDOWN
High School Volleyball practice opens on Monday, August 13.

Thanks to the readers for your help with this site. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow

Americans Lose in Poland and Mexico

#1 posting 8.6.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information


GRAND PRIX

China swept the Americans in the Grand Prix volleyball event in Rzeszow, Poland. Former Gopher Cassie Busse had one kill. The Americans are headed at Khabarovsk, Russia.


YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team was swept by the Germans and is now 1-3 in Mexico in the Youth World Volleyball championships. Kelsey Brandl of Lakeville North started two games, but did not score a point.

thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow.

Americans Upset Top Ranked Russia

#1 posting 8.5.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

AMERICANS UPSET RUSSIA
In the Grand Prix Volleyball tournament Team USA beat #1 Russia in a sweep. USA plays China today. Former Gopher Cassie Busse had two kills.

CAMP GROWTH
St. Mary's volleyball coach Mike Lester has run a volleyball camp for 11 years in Winona. It has grown from 19 campers the first year to this year's total of 124. His approach and persistence is recounted in the Winona Daily News. Also WDN writer Rick Solum spent a day at camp as a camper and he writes of his experience.

Thanks to the readers for the help in finding the news. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow

Grand Prix Tournament

#1 posting 8.4.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

GRAND PRIX
Former Gopher Cassie Busse and the USA Women’s National Volleyball Team has opened their World Grand Prix at Rzeszow, Poland. They played Poland yesterday and rallied from an 0-2 deficit to win 3-2. Busse had one kill. Russia is on tap for today and China tomorrow.
The World Grand Prix continues on to Khabarovsk, Russia; and Macau, China.
Here is the 45 page USA Media guide for the event.

thanks to the readers for the help. Go to my profile to email your news.

next up: tomorrow

USA Youth National Team 1-2

#1 posting 8.3.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

USA 1-2 AT YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The USA Girls’ Youth National Team is now 1-2 as they beat Tunisia 3-0 on Tuesday and lost to China 3-1 Wednesday in the 2007 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship Pool D in Mexicali, Mexico. Stats here. Lakeville North's Kelsey Brandl is on the roster.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow.

Johnson Verbals

#1 posting 8.2.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

VERBAL
Alyssa Johnson, a 5’11” 2008 middle from Spring Lake Park HS and MN Select 17-2 has verballed SW MN State. She is the fourth player from the 08 class to verbal a D2 school, and 13th overall. Johnson had 175 kills last year.

ALL STAR GAME
Of the 20 D1 players that committed in the 2007 class only two played in the All Star game last night. Shanna Schmiesing of Sauk Centre and Courtney Halvorson or Red Lake County Central are both headed to North Dakota, a school in the process of moving to D1 status.

FALL CLINIC
Today is day two on of the Coaches clinic at Monticello High school. There will be a rules interpretation meeting to close the event. There was a good crowd to open the two day clinic yesterday.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow

Minnesota All Star Game

#2 posting 8.1.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

MINNESOTA MNVBCA ALL STAR GAME
Monticello, MN
NORTH COUNTRY 3, BADEN 0
30-19, 30-26, 30-21

The North Country team swept Baden in the 20th annual MNVBCA All Star game tonight at Monticello. Two NC players had 10 kills: Amanda Beekman and Emily Palkert. Baden's Shanna Schmiesing had 13 kills in a losing cause. The rosters didn't include any of the future Gophers, and for that matter many players have already left for their respective colleges at the D1 level.

NC established their mark in the first game with a 12-3 advantage at the start. Baden tried to slow the momentum with timeouts at 9-2 and 19-7. Baden did have one run with five points in a row with Samantha Broderius serving late to cut the margin to 26-16. After that both teams traded side outs. NC sided out at 77% with 10/13. Baden only came in at 33% (4/12). That was a huge factor in the NC win. The door was locked for Baden's offense. Marshall's Beekman had five kills in the first game, while Springfield's Krystle Schwanke added four.

The second game was a bit tighter. Baden led early 4-3 during Amber Ryan's serve. Amber Wortz put NC up 8-6 after her serve. In the seesaw nature of the game, the lead changed hands four times. The last lead change came again on Wortz' serve. She had three straight points to put NC up 23-20. A missed serve and a hitting error put Baden down 23-22. However a 5-1 run forced Baden to use their second time out at 28-23. Baden closed with a 3-2 margin, but the point total ran out. Again NC won the side out battle, but this time the % came in at 46%. Baden also came in lower with 29%. Amber Ryan had five points for Baden to lead both teams.

In game three NC broke free with a four possession run with Wortz again serving three of those points. She had two aces in the run. After a Baden timeout, she stopped her own run with a missed serve. At that point it was NC 16-12. NC continued their march picking off two points here, a couple more there. The fact that Baden did not get first ball side out made it difficult to win the contest. Schmiesing had six kills in game three, but NC had more attack weapons.
NC bounced back with a strong side out % at 69% and Baden came in at 38%.

player, name, aces, blocks, kills----points
NORTH COUNTRY
Amanda Beekman, Marshall 1-1-10---12
Krystal Schwanke, Springfield 0-0-9---9
Amber Wortz, Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop 3-0.5-3---6.5
April Hansen, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 0-0-6---6
Emily Palkert, Southwest Christian 0-2.5-10--12.5
Kayla Finck, Bertha-Hewitt 2-0-3---5
Courtney Halvorson, Red Lake County Central 1-0-4---5
Kayla Tschida, Upsala 0-0-1----1
totals: 7-4-46---57

BADEN
Amber Ryan, Esko 1-3-4----8
Shanna Schmiesing, Sauk Centre 0-1-13---14
Alyssa Buysse, Minneota 0-0-3----3
Samantha Broderius, Buffalo Lake-Hector 1-0-1---2
Rachel Voeltz, Bertha-Hewitt 0-1-2---3
unknown 1-0-0-----1
Kasey Uran, Sartell 0-0-2----2
Leigh Splitttstoesser, Stewartville 0-0-1---1
totals: 3-5-26---34

Coaching the teams for North Country were Kurt Stumpf, Pierz; Janet Golden-Landquist, Nevis; and Ronell Uran, Sartell
For Baden: Franz Boelter, Bethlehem Academy; Heidi Peterson, Minneota; and Celeste Gorman, Blaine

Emily Palkert won the Fogelberg player of the game award.

Photos. #1: Amber Ryan attempts to dig a shot by Amanda Beekman; #2 Shanna Schmiesing goes up for an attack for Baden. #3: Emily Palkert. photos by kja

Next up: tomorrow morning

Loss in Mexico

#1 posting 8.1.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

LOSS IN MEXICO
The U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team lost to Turkey in a sweep 25-19, 16, 19 in the World tournament in Mexicali, Mexico. Lakeville North's Kelsey Brandl is on the roster. She played and had one ace. Here are the stats.

MORE ALL STAR GAME NEWS
The Marshall Independent features three of their area players headed to the Minnesota volleyball All Star Game in Monticello tonight: Amanda Beekman, Marshall; Hayley Hennen and Alyssa Buysse of Minneota.
By the way, I can't find the all star roster. The All stars listed on the MNVBCA site is from last year.

COACHING NEWS
Crown has hired Kimmie Moehring former Bethel player as their new coach.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile to email me.

next up: later tonight after the all star game. By tonight we will know who is on the all star program.

All Star Game; Northern Sun Schedules

#1 posting 7.31.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ALL STAR GAME
The Minnesota Volleyball Coaches All Star Game takes place tomorrow in Monticello at 7 pm. The West Central Tribune has more details.

NORTHERN SUN PLANS
The Northern Sun is working on schedules and division. No schedule has been set yet for volleyball. From the Winona Daily News.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow

Fall Clinic

#1 posting 7.30.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

FALL CLINIC
The Minnesota Girls Volleyball Fall Clinic starts on Wednesday at Monticello HS. Here is the schedule. Registration starts at 2 pm. There will be an All Star Game at 7 pm on Wednesday. Rules Interpretation on 4:40 on Thursday.
Speakers include
College Coaches
Robert Patrick, Tennessee
Jim Boos, University MN Duluth
Dennis Amundson, MN State Mankato
Erich Hinterstocker, North Dakota State
Dave Manka, Minnesota Assistant
Steph Schleuder, Macalester
High School Coaches
Franz Boelter, Faribault Bethlehem Academy
Paul Meyer, Sauk Rapids-Rice
Lonnie Morken, Mabel-Canton
Jean Lopez, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton
Also
Cathy Noth

Thanks to the readers for your help. Go to my profile to email your news.

next up: tomorrow

Dynamic Duo World Beach Champs

#1 posting 7.29.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BEACH CHAMPIONS
The dynamic duo of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh won the SWATCH-FIVB Beach World Championship. It was their third straight world championship. Former Gopher Nicole Branagh and partner Ely Youngs finished fifth. They started in pool J. Here are all the results.

Next up: tomorrow

USA Developmental Camps

#1 posting 7.28.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information


USA DEVELOPMENTAL CAMPS
Ariel Carlson, 6-1 MH Alexandria; and Rachel Finkbeiner, 5-11 MH Elk River are taking part of the USA Girls' Development A1 Camp at Colorado Springs. Camp opens today and goes through Monday.
Earlier this summer Haley Bodway and Lauren Schlobohm took part in the Kalamazoo USA Girls' Development A1 Camp. They are both 2012 grads.

Thanks to the readers for the help. I can't do it all on my own. Email me your news.

Next up: tomorrow morning

Gibbemeyer in Thailand

#1 posting 7.27.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

GIBBEMEYER IN THAILAND
Lauren Gibbemeyer is with the US Junior Women in the 20U world tournament in Thailand. The Americans finished fourth overall. The US Team lost to Brazil in the semifinals in three 25-14, 19, 15. Today they lost to Japan in the third place game in five. The Americans won games two and four. Gibbemeyer had nine points in the 3rd place game. Gibbemeyer is 10th overall in blocks.

Thanks to the readers for the help. I can't do this all on my own. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow.

High Performance Tournament

#1 posting 7.26.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

HIGH PERFORMANCE
USA Volleyball held their National Indoor High Performance tournament at Ft. Lauderdale July 16-25. There was one Minnesota player on the roster: 6-6 Alexa Manuel of Eden Prairie.

thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow

Milestones 2007

MILESTONES

If I am missing a milestone please go to my profile and email me the news.

COACHING
800 WINS
Gail Nucech, Hibbing vs Delano 3-0 11.9.2007
500 WINS
Susan Alstrom, Buffalo Lake-Hector vs Sleepy Eye 3-0 9.20.2007
Ruth Hayden, Ada-Borup vs Roseau 2-0 9.8.2007

ASSISTS
High School
3000
AAA
Megan McKenzie, Forest Lake vs Mounds View 10.9.2007
Jessica Menden, Shakopee
AA
Amanda Dietel, Jordan, vs Mayer Lutheran 10.11.2007
2000
AA
Josie Anderson, Kenyon-Wanamingo
Nina Lindquist, St. Cloud Cathedral vs Sauk Centre 3-0 10.16.2007
1000
AAA
Megan Carlson, Andover vs Farmington 10.6.2007
Brittni Hoosier, Rochester Mayo vs Austin 10.11.2007
Ashley Maher, Hutchinson vs Watertown-Mayer 9.18.2007
Krissy Schemmel, Mankato West vs Rochester JM 0-3 9.13.2007
Brittany Stamer, Hutchinson vs Farmington 3-1 10.1.2007
AA
Naomi U'Ren, Redwood Valley vs Springfield 3-0 8.24.2007
A
Sarah Gruber, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa vs Morris 9.8.2007
Sam Raddle, Fulda vs Worthington 3-2 8.24.2007
Megan Ysker, Windom vs Martin County West 2-0 10.1.2007
DIGS
College
1000
Kristina Martin, South Dakota State vs Oral Roberts 3-0 11.10.2007
High School
1000
AAA
Maggie Geske, Shakopee
Montana Vichorek, Cloquet vs Washburn, WI 10.9.2007
AA
Kristen Boyum, Kenyon-Wanamingo
KILLS
1000
College
D1
Courtnie Paulus, Northwestern vs St. Louis 3-1 9.15.2007
D2
Kiersten Arendt, Winona State vs MSU Mankato 9.26.2007
Carlie Christensen, UN Omaha vs NW Missouri State 9.19.2007
Kari Wolford, UM Duluth vs West Texas A&M 3-1 9.9.2007
D3
Shelby Hyllengren, Hamline vs Luther 1-3 9.14.2007
Rebekah Nelson, UW Whitewater vs UW Platteville 3-0 9.26.2007
High School
AAA
Maggie Geske, Shakopee
AA
Leah Dietel, Jordan vs Holy Family 3-0 9.7.2007
A
Kate Horihan, Mabel-Canton vs Houston 3-1 10.11.2007
Chelsea Nagle, Fillmore Central vs LeRoy-Ostrander 3-2 10.27.2007
Sari Noga, Parkers Prairie vs Rothsay 10.11.2007

Keep me posted when there is a new milestone. Go to my profile and email me.

Transfers07

TRANSFERS 2007
A list of players known to have transferred so far

Name, old school, new school
Courtney Bitter, Lake of the Woods, Bemidji
Katherine Harms, Little Falls, St. Michael-Albertville
Nakita Walker, St. Paul Highland Park, Minneapolis Southwest

If you know of any other transfers, go to my profile and email me.

Recruiting Punishment

#1 posting 7.25.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

SUSPENDED, NOT BARRED
I know this is a non-Minnesota story, but it is still pertinent. The Langdon, North Dakota volleyball team was originally barred from postseason play because their coach talked to a Munich that was in a co-op with Cando and were looking to get out. Now Langdon will be allowed in post play, but will be on probation. The Langdon coaches will be under punishment as they are suspended for a couple of years. The players will not be punished. Munich will not be in the co-op with Langdon. From the Fargo Forum.

Thanks to the readers for the help. Go to my profile to email me your news.

next up: tomorrow morning.

Academic Honors

#1 posting 7.24.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ACADEMIC AWARDS
The AVCA has passed out Academic awards MIAC schools Augsburg, Bethel, Gustavus, Macalester and St. Benedict, St. Catherine's have been honored. Also St. Scholastica received the honor.

For Minnesota High Schools
Edina, MN Valley Lutheran, and Wayzata received the honor.

Here is the AVCA Academic Honors.

Thanks to the readers for the help.

next up: tomorrow morning

Volleyball Clinic

#1 posting 7.23.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

MN VOLLEYBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION
The Annual fall clinic will be held August 1 and 2 in Monticello.
You can still register for the event with this form.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

Next up: tomorrow

Former Gophers Success, & Minnesotans on National Teams

#1 posting 7.21.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

USA 3rd IN PAN AM GAMES
The USA volleyball team took third place in the Pan Am games in Rio de Janiero. Former Gophers Cassie Busse and Charnette Fair were part of the action.

LIFE ON THE BEACH
Another former Gopher, Nicole Branagh, has had success on the AVP beach Tour. Branagh and teammate Elaine Youngs won the Seaside Heights, NJ tournament on July 5-8. Branagh/Youngs are currently 3rd in the AVP standings. You can even see some video of the Branahg/Youngs win on the AVP site.

NATIONAL TEAMS
Future Gopher Lauren Gibbemeyer is on the Junior National Team 20u that is in Thailand for the world championships. USA lost to Germany in four games. Here is the media guide for the team.

As listed before Kelsey Brandl of Lakeville North is on the USA National team heading for Mexico for the World Championships.

ACADEMIC NEWS
Concordia St. Paul is one of 30 teams to be honored for their academic skills. It is the fourth straight year that CSP has won a Game Plan/AVCA Academic Team Award.

thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow morning.

Carlson at Marsall

#1 posting 7.20.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

CARLSON AT MARSHALL
Andover's Megan Carlson made a trip to Marshall University to attend their volleyball camp this week. Marshall has upgraded their facilities, which was a draw. From the Huntington, WV Herald Dispatch.

Thanks to the readers for the help. Go to my profile and email me your news.

next up: tomorrow

Granquist Verbals, Brandl on USA Team

#1 posting 7.19.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

VERBAL
Jessica Granquist has made a verbal to Minnesota. Jessica plays high school volleyball for Blaine, and club for M1 Volleyball. She was the libero on the 17u team for M1. Granquist is the 8th player from the 2008 class to verbal a D1 school, and 11th overall to make an early commitment to a school from 2008.

TEAM USA
Kelsey Brandl made the final cut for the USA Volleyball Youth National Team. They are training in Chula Vista, CA, and will represent the US at the FIVB U-18 World Championships held July 31 – August 11 in Mexico’s Baja California region. The World Championships will be held in Tijuana, Mexicali and Ensenada.

PAN AM GAMES
Brazil swept USA in the semis 25-13, 20, 20. The Americans will now play for third place.

thanks to the readers for the great help. go to my profile to email me your news.

next up: tomorrow.

Cooper Hired

#1 posting 7.18.2007
your daily dose (again) of girls volleyball news & information

First of all I am back. I was on a family vacation to Medora, ND.

CUBA SWEEPS USA
In the Pan Am games in Rio, Cuba took out the brooms against the Americans 25-16, 23, 15. USA finished 2-1 in pool B. They now face #1 A pool, and host country Brazil in the semis.

COOPER HIRED
Former St. Benedict assistant Elise Cooper has been hired Montclair State.

Next up: tomorrow.

USA Sweeps Costa Rica

#1 posting 7.15.2007 and 7.16.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

I didn't find any great breaking volleyball story, so I will leave you this to chew on. I will be gone for a couple of days and won't return until Tuesday. Your emails will be answered then.

PAN AM GAMES
The Americans beat Costa Rica 3-0 in Pool B yesterday.

next up: Tuesday.

Burnsville's Summer

#1 posting 7.14.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BURNSVILLE'S SUMMER
A quartet of Burnsville players have had a successful summer. Samantha Pitzl, Lauren Butler Abby Olson and Tori Dixon played on various Northern Lights teams and all played in the US Junior Olympic tournament in Minneapolis. From the Savage Pacer.

thanks to the readers for the help. Go to my profile and email your news.

next up: tomorrow

Pan Am Games & the Flag

#1 posting 7.13.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

CARRYING THE FLAG
Danielle Scott-Arruda will be the flag carrier in the Pan Am games that start today in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
Former Gopher Cassie Busse is on the roster.

PROGRAM AWARD
North Dakota State picked up an award for their volleyball game program. The College Sports Information Directors of America gave them the Best in the Nation award.

next up; tomorrow

Albert Lea Hires

#1 posting 7.12.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Lisa Deyak has been named coach at Albert Lea. This is Deyak's second go around with the Tigers. She replaces Melissa Wasmoen who resigned after her teaching position was cut. From the Albert Lea Tribune.

thanks to the readers for the help. go to my profile and email your news.

next up: tomorrow

Rittenhouse Hired

#1 posting 7.11.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Lori Rittenhouse has been named an assistant at MN State Mankato. Rittenhouse played her HS ball at Mankato West, and college ball at Wisconsin. She recently was a grad assistant at MSU Mankato.

Rochester Community and Technical College coach Jean Musgjerd is taking a sabbatical this year. She will be coaching a softball team (she coaches both sports at RCTC) in the World University games in Thailand. Carolyn Bell-Valone has been named Musgjerd's replacement. Bell-Valone formerly coached at Rochester JM. From the Rochester Post Bulletin.

JUNIOR OLYMPIC LEFTOVERS
Hutchinson's Brittany Stamer (Northern Lights 17-1s) and Kim Hacker (Northern Lights 17-2s) played in the JO Nationals in Minneapolis last week. The Hutchinson Leader has their stories. It will be after the All star baseball editorial.

Thanks to the readers for the information. go to my profile and email me your news.

next up: tomorrow

Carroll Verbals; Jones Hired

#1 posting 7.10.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

VERBAL
Casey Carroll, Osseo has made a verbal to Northern Michigan. She is the second Osseo player to verbal this year (Tia Russell is the other), and the second player in the 2008 class to verbal a D2 school. Eight have already verballed D1 programs. Carroll is a 6-1 RH. She averaged 1.3 blocks and 1.2 kills per match last year for the 16-12 Orioles.

COACHING NEWS
Lynette Jones has been named the new volleyball coach at Hamline. She previously was coached at Bethany Lutheran from 1991-2002 when it was a junior college. She replaces Gina Rollie who resigned earlier this spring.

Thanks to the readers for the help. Go to my profile to email me your news.

Next up: tomorrow

End of the JO Tournament; All Tournament Teams

#1 posting 7.9.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

END OF THE TOURNAMENT/ALL TOURNAMENT
Here are the all tournament teams for the 18s open JO volleyball tournament. Brook Dieter and Lauren Gibbemeyer made the list for Northern Lights. In the game I saw Juliane Piggott and Geena Urango of TCA Third Degree also made the list. The photos also show the top three teams for all divisions. Northern Lights finished 3rd for the open division.
In the 17s open the All tournament team includes Kelsey Brandl and Lauren Wagner from M1. M1 finished 3rd in the open division.
The 16 American all Tournament team included M1s Kara Pioske, Rebekah Saugen and Val Smith; and MN Select's Tia Gaffen and Katherine Harms. M1 finished 2nd in this tournament; MN Select 3rd. You will need to scroll past the open and national levels.
The 15 Open all tournament team had Northern Lights' Tori Dixon and Ashley Wittman. Northern Lights finished 3rd.

PUBLICITY
Why wasn't this event covered better by the mainstream media? I know channel 4 and 11 had stories on the event, but it was more of "this is the event" updates were not really there.
The StarTribune missed out on an opportunity to sell more newspapers during the event. There was nothing except a paragraph about Northern Lights 18s and then today about the 17 results. Why is this? The StarTribune has in the past slathered the Schwans Soccer tournament with stories and results.
is it because of cost? (I think this is close to the mark)
is it because of the event not providing information? (which I doubt)
is it because they don't care?
They had an opportunity to sell to a wider audience. Why would a family buy the paper with not one drop of ink on results? Well they wouldn't. When I was there on Thursday and taking time to eat the only papers I found on the tables were USA Today (they too didn't have anything on the tournament). They missed out on a golden opportunity.

The tournament was a great event. It is too bad not enough people (outside the volleyball world) knew what kind of impact/event it really was.

Thanks to the readers for the help. Go to my profile to email your news.

Next up: tomorrow.

M1 16s Second in 16 American Division

#1 posting 7.8.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

LAST DAY OF JO TOURNAMENT
Today the Junior Olympic Volleyball tournament wraps up. WCCO TV has a story on how big the event is with courts, refs, trainers and schedules. There is the copy version and the video is 2:12 long.

16 Nationals
Northern Lights 161s finished 10th overall. They lost in the Silver championship to the Texas Tornadoes 25-18, 15-25, 15-13.
In the American division M1s 16s finished in second place falling to A5 16 Erica in the championship 21-25, 28-26, 15-7. M1s beat MN Select in the semis. MN Select finished in third.

17 Open
M1 will play for the title today. They face MAVA 17 Elite in the quarters of the gold division. M1 is undefeated at 6-0.

thanks to the readers for your great help. go to my profile and email me if you have news.

next up: tomorrow

M1 17s Undefeated in Open Pool 2

#1 posting 7.7.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JUNIOR OLYMPIC
18 Open
As reported yesterday, Northern Lights finished 3rd. They lost to the eventual champs SPVB in the semis in a sweep.
18 Nationals
In the Silver bracket MN Select finished 11th.
17 Open
M1 is still undefeated in pool 2 at 4-0. A key match will take place a 2 pm with TCA, the same program that bumped off Northern Lights in the 18open pool play on Thursday.
Northern Lights is 1-3 in pool 3.
17 National
MN Select finished 1-4 in pool 7.
Northern Lights 17-2s finished 3-2 in pool 5.
16 National
Northern Lights 1s are in the Silver bracket today.

To see more schedules and results go to the USA Junior Olympic site.

Thanks to the readers for the help in getting this site up. Go to my profile and email me with your news.

Next up: tomorrow.

Out & About: TCA Third Degree/Northern Lights

#3 posting 7.6.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

This game took place yesterday
Junior Olympic Championships
18 Open, Pool Play
TCA-THIRD DEGREE 3, NORTHERN LIGHTS 2
25-20, 25-23, 13-25, 26-28, 15-13

The defending champs Northern Lights, a team made up Minnesota players, including three future Gophers, lost a thriller to TCA Third Degree, a team from Southern California.

In game one NL had a tough two serve receive rotation stretch where TCA out scored the home town 7-1. In high level play, side outs rule. NL was only able to score on three of their serves, TCA only five. But that two serve rotation was enough to give TCA a lead that NL couldn't overcome.

In game two NL led 9-6 after one full cycle through each service order. TCA added three points to their total on Geena Urango's serve and the game was knotted at 10. On Juliane Piggott' serve TCA added two points to get a slight advantage 22-20. Kresson Vreeman was able to tie it at 22 on her serve for NL, but on the side out TCA went back in front. Both teams traded side outs for two serves. Piggott ended game two with a back row kill 25-23.

In the do or die third game NL got the job done. They established themselves early and never surrendered the lead. Vreeman served four points to put the game within striking distance at 20-13. Brook Dieter finished with four service points.

Northern Lights needed their rally caps in game four. NL failed to side out three straight times and TCA took advantage of that for a 10-5 run to go up 17-13. Hailey Cowles was able to serve up four points including an ace to tie the score at 20 before a side out gave the ball back to TCA. NL had an advantage at 22-21 after a Piggott hitting error but neither team was able to shake the other. NL got a side out on a Lauren Gibbemeyer kill to make it 27-26 and for point 28 Allie Oelke had a block to finish the game. It was all tied up at two apiece.

NL opened game five with the serve. NL took the first lead at 2-1 on an Oelke block. However, after the sideout, Urango served up three points, all of which were either passing or hitting errors on NL's part. TCA led 5-3 after Urnago's serve. Piggott broke NL's back with four more points. It was 11-6 when NL got the ball back. After Cowles serve TCA's lead was cut to 12-8. TCA was on the cusp at 14-9 but Dieter staved off the final point with a side out kill. Vreeman served up three points before Urango finished the contest with a kill.

The coaches and teams around the tournament said this was the best contest of the tournament by far. It certainly had drama and pull. The crowds were packed around the venue.

Photos: #1 Lauren Gibbemeyer, NL swings on a slide; #2 Geena Urango, TCA goes up high, but Brook Dieter blocks for NL; #3 Julianne Piggott, TCA attacks with her team in coverage; #4 Lilla Frederick goes up on a jump serve and makes contact; #5 Urango, TCA is blocked by Allie Oelke with Naomi Johnson also setting up a block. click on the photos to get a bigger picture.

NORTHERN LIGHTS
They used basically three serving orders. In games 1, 4, and 5 they used the line up I provide down below. In games 2, and 3 Oelke led off the rotations.
1. Kresson Vreeman S 2-0-0----2
2. Brook Dieter, OH 0-2.5-15----17.5
3. Naomi Johnson, MH 0-5.5-6----11.5
4. Allie Oelke, RH 1-3-5----9
5. Hailey Cowles, OH 1-1-7---9
6. Tawny Dahmes, DS 0-0-0----0
6fr Lauren Gibbemeyer, MH 0-3-20----23
L Susan Halverson
totals: 4-15-43----62

TCA THIRD DEGREE
In games 1 and 2 started off with Urango; In games 3 and 5 started off with Kendall Bateman; In game four started with Christine Douglas. I am showing game 1 order
1. Geena Urango OH 0-2.5-23---25.5
2. Lauren Bledsoe, MH 0-0.5-1----1.5
2br Kelly Holford, DS 1-0-1----2
2fr Janea Rossell, MH 0-1-0----1
3. Julianne Piggott, RH 1-1-21----23
4. Lilla Frederick, OH 2-0-6----8
5. Christine Douglas, MH 0-2-5----7
6. Kendall Bateman, S 0-0.5-1---1.5
unknown 0-2-2----4 (I missed some action trying to write everything down and take pictures at the same time)
Stevi Robinson, L
totals: 4-9-60----73

Urango is going to USC; Piggott to UCLA. The three future Gophers are Gibbemeyer, Cowles, and Dieter.

Both teams lost in the 18 open semifinals today. They will both finish third. SPVB out of Chicago and Long Beach will play for the championship tonight.

Next up tomorrow

Out & About: M1/Southwest Illinois

#2 posting 7.6.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information


Here are some of the photos I took at the Junior Olympic National volleyball tournament at the Minneapolis Convention Center yesterday. This game was in the 17 Open Division

M1 defeated SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS 25-23; 25-20; 28-26

I gave a bit of run down of the action last night

As you can see the games were all pretty tight with M1 needing to rally from a 23-21 deficit in game one; and 22-19 deficit in game three.


STATS
serve order, player, school, aces-blocks-kills--total points
M1
1. Amy Braun, Lakeville North OH 0-0-5---5
2. Lauren Carisch, Benilde-St. Margaret's MH 1-0-2----3
3. Taylor Fieldsted, Lakeville North DS 1-0-0----1
3fr; Lauren Wagner, Cretin-Derham Hall 0-0-11----11
4. Megan Carlson, Andover OH 2-1-9---12
5. Kelsey Brandl, Lakeville North, MH 1-2-16---19
6. Catherine Yager, St. Michael-Albertville, S 0-0-2----2
L: Jessica Granquist, Blaine
totals: 5-3-45---53

SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS
1. Brittany Wallace, DS 0-0-0---0
1fr Lauren Budde 0-0-3----3
2. Lauren Stuckel, S 0-0-4---4
3. Torrie Bevolo, OH 1-0-2---3
4. Michelle Bartsch, MH 1-0.5-11---12.5
5. Amy Deelo, DS 0-1-0---1
5fr Kelley Michnowicz 0-1-6---7
6. Erin Kasson, OH 0-0.5-8---8.5
totals: 2-3-34---39


photos: #1. Kelsey Brandl, M1 is about to contact ball, Michelle Bartsch, SWI blocking. #2: Kelley Michnowicz, SWI goes up for an attack with Megan Carlson, M1 blocking. #3: Lauren Wagner, M1 puts the game winner down between Torrie Bevolo and Lauren Budde, SWI. Check the score on the table.
If you want a bigger view of the photos, just click on them.





next up: Another out & about, later today, in the five game classic between Northern Lights and TCA Third Degree.

Yesterday's JO Results

#1 posting 7.6.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NATIONAL JUNIOR OLYMPIC TOURNAMENT
It is rather disappointing that there are NO results or any updates in the StarTribune. I know the StarTribune is having a financial crisis. Maybe that is the reason they can't even put in basic scores.
I went yesterday and will put up stats and photos later today. I had to sort out over 300 photos I took in two games. If you remember last fall I tried to take photos in the state tournament, but that was on a slow camera. Now I have a new SLR and did some experimenting yesterday. You can check later today.
Anyway
18s
Northern Lights lost to TCA Third Degree and both finished 5-1 in pool play. TCA is the #1 team, Northern Lights, #2. Northern Lights does move on to the gold bracket today. They will face Vision Gold at 8 am.
MN Select 1 is in the National Silver bracket. They start at 9 am.
17s
Open division
M1s were 0-2 in pool 2; Northern Lights were 0-2 in pool 3.
National Division
Northern Lights 2 were 3-0 in pool 5. They face another undefeated team, Golden West at 4 pm today. MN Select is 1-2 in pool 7 in the national division.

14s
Hutchinson 14s-1 finished 47th in the American Division. They were 0-5 in pool play. From the Hutchinson Leader (after the hot dog eating contest).

NEWS
Brittany Chambers, Jordan was at the tournament yesterday to pick up her national sophomore (2009) player of the year award from PrepVolleyball.com.

Ari Mehworter of Blaine has injured her ACL and may miss the high school season.

Next up: later today with more on the M1 17s win over SW Illinois and then the Northern Lights 18s five game thriller with TCA Third Degree.

M1 Wins, Northern Lights Lose at JO Tourney

#2 posting 7.5.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JUNIOR OLYMPIC MATCHES
Today I traveled down to the Minneapolis Convention Center and watched two high level matches.
At the 17 open level M1 defeated Southwest Illinois in a sweep, but it wasn't a snap sweep at all. M1 had to battle to win game one 25-23. SWI led at 6-3, 15-11 before M1 rallied for four points on Taylor Fieldstad's serve. SWI did nat a 23-21 lead late in the contest. Lauren Wagner delivered a tip kill for a side out and M1's Amy Braun didn't give the ball back. Wanger had a kill to tie the game. Megan Carlson gave M1 the lead and then a hitting error ended game one with M1 up 25-23.

In game two M1 had the lead throughout the contest except at 5-4. Kelsey Brandl and Carlson each had four kills in this 25-20 win. Wagner put down the finla point.

Game three turned out to be a marathon but M1 pulled the game out 28-26. SWI did hold leads of 12-8 early. Later SWI led 22-19. M1 had to use their rally caps again. Brandl got the side out to make it 22-20. Fieldstad served up two points with Brandl finishing with two kills. A lift gave the ball back to SWI. M1 was on the verge at 24-23 on Carlson's serve, but Michelle Bartsch for SWI got the kill for the side out. both teams traded sideouts at that point. At 26 all Wagner had a tip kill to give the ball back to M1. Wagner, just like in game two finished the series with another kill from the right side.

I will have the stats and pictures tomorrow. Right now I am wading through over 300 pictures I took today. It is too bad I can't publish all of them.

In the second game TCA 18-Third Degree beat Northern Lights in five 25-20, 25-23, 13-25, 26-28, 15-13. Many folks around said it was the best game of the tournament by far so far. The fans were five deep around the perimeter of the sport court. I will have more on this tomorrow with photos and stats.

Next up: tomorrow.

Northern Lights 15s 3rd in JO Open

#1 posting 7.5.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JUNIOR OLYMPIC TOURNAMENT
18 Open
Northern Lights continued their winning ways with a pair of sweeps on the 4th in the 18 open divison. They were 3 & out with Golden Bear and with Ascis Munciana Samurai.
18 National
M1 is 1-4 in pool 4.
MN Select is 4-1 in pool 7.
18 American
M1 18 East is 1-4 in pool 2.

16 National
Northern Lights1 is 2-1 in pool 4.
Northern Lights2 is also 2-1 in pool 8.

16 American
M1 is 2-1 in pool 4.
MN Select is 3-0 in pool 8.

15 National
National Lights finished 3rd in the open division. You can see them and other winners on the 15 page.
M1 finished in 17th place with a win over Ft. Wayne Kaepa Blue.

Action continues today. If you are looking for a schedule this is the site.

Thanks for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow, or later today.

Gaffen Verbals

#2 posting 7.4.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

VERBALS
Tia Gaffen, a 6-2 MB from Wayzata was verballed Georgia Tech. Gaffen will be a junior (2009) this year.

I have updated the verbal/signing list for the 2007-08 season. check the links on the right.

next up: tomorrow morning

Northern Lights Sweeps

#1 posting 7.4.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JUNIOR OLYMPIC NATIONALS
18s
the Northern Lights volleyball club opened tournament play with two wins in pool 3 in the open division. The swept Skyline RoShamBo 20, 18, 20. They also swept Sky High 18 Black 15, 10, 20.
In the National division M1s in pool 4 opened 0-3. In pool 7 MN Select opened 3-0.

In the American Division in pool 2 M1 18east split 1-1. In pool 3 SW MN Juniors also split 1-1. In pool 6 Northern Lights 18-2 made it a trifecta with a split.

The 13u team winners are up.

Thanks to the readers for your help. Go to my profile and email if you have breaking news.

Next up: tomorrow

HAPPY FOURTH

JO Winners in 14u & 12u

#1 posting 7.3.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JUNIOR OLYMPIC TOURNAMENT DAY FIVE
The main stream media has a couple of stories on the JO volleyball tournament going on at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The StarTribune looks at the Northern Lights 18u team and where they are headed.
Kare11 has a video report. It is about 1:35.

The 18s begin today, the 16s tomorrow and 17s Thursday.
During the tournament the USA Volleyball site has something called Junior Journal.

Tournament winners have been crowned in the 14s, and 12s.

Schedules and results here.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow

Northern Lights 15-1s 3-0 in Pool Play

#1 posting 7.2.2007
your daily dose of volleyball news & information

JUNIOR OLYMPIC RESULTS
Hutchinson 14s started the tournament with three losses. They will finish the tournament with a game today at 1 pm against River City. From the Hutchinson Leader.

Also in the 14 American Division
M1 14s finished 2-3 in pool play. They then were 1-1 in the next round.
MN Select 142 finished 0-5 in pool play. They were 0-2 in the next round.
In the 14 National Division
MN Select 141 finished 3-2 in pool play; 1-1 in the next round.
Northern Lights 141 also finished 3-2 in pool play. 1-1 in the next round.

In the 15 American Division
Anoka is 0-2 in pool play.
Chaska is 1-1 in pool play.
MN Select 1s were 1-1 in pool yesterday.
Northern Lights 15-3s is 1-1 in pool play.

In the 15 National Division
M1s 15-1 is 1-1 in pool play.
Northern Lights 15-2s is also 1-1.

In the 15 Opens
Northern Lights 15-1s are 3-0.

Here is the overall schedule, and if you want to see a team check out their own schedule here.
Tomorrow the 18s begin their tournament; Wednesday the 16s start; and Thursday the 17s kick off their tournament.

Thanks to the readers for your help in getting this site up. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

Next up: tomorrow.

JO 14s results

#1 posting 7.1.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NATIONAL JUNIOR OLYMPIC TOURNAMENT
Northern Lights 14s finished 3-2 in their 14NP2 pool. The beat Ascis RainbowG14Lehua, MI Elite Red, and Asics Mavs. The lost to Club Amarillo, and Team Atlantis Black.

The M1 14 team finished 2-3 in pool 14AP2. They beat SIVBC Hurricane and CCVC Taz. M1 14s lost to Renaissance Clev, Milw Sting and Club Fusion Black.

Thanks to the readers for the help in putting this site together. Without your help it doesn't happen. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow.