Concordia St. Paul Moves to Semis

#1 posting 11.30.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

D2 TOURNAMENT
Concordia St. Paul swept California PA in the Elite 8 Quarterfinals. Maria Steinhagen (Alexandria) had 16 kills for CSP.

CSP Setter Maggie McNamara was named to the Daktronics All American First Team.

CSP hitter Raina Hein has a blog on the experience.

You can follow the action the rest of the way on the free live video on the internet.

NCAA TOURNAMENT
Penn State and Wisconsin host first round games this weekend.

Ohio is featured on ESPN.com with mid majors coming on strong.

COACHING NEWS
Drake is looking for a new coach.

Indiana assistant David Jack has resigned from his position.

Kathy Gillen-Melville has resigned at Eagan High School. Eagan won four state titles in her era. At the tail end of the StarTribune report.

SIGNINGS
South Dakota State signed two players: Kelli Fiegen of Parkston, SD and Ellyce Youngren of Brookings, SD.

SEASON RECAP
Lisa Dobie has left Winona State as the all time leading assist leader. From the Winonan

ALL CONFERENCE
Cannon Falls has three all Hiawatha Valley conference players. From the CF Beacon.

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

next up: tomorrow.

Braegelmann D2 Player of the Year

#1 posting 11.29.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

D1 TOURNMENT
The Gophers had to fight to get back to the NCAA tournament. The StarTribune looks at their resilience.
Minnesota is off to Stanford for the start of their tournament experience.

At Madison Iowa State faces San Diego, while Northern Iowa gets to play host Wisconsin.

South Dakota State faces defending champ Nebraska. This is how to watch the SDSU game if you aren't there.

Ohio is set to host Purdue.

ACADEMIC ALL AMERICAN
Danielle Meyer of Ohio State and Christa Harmotto of Penn State have been named to ESPN's Academic All-American team.

D2 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Vicky Braegelmann of UM Duluth (& Albany HS) was named D2 Player of the Year. This is the second year where she has the title. Last year she shared the honor.

D2 TOURNAMENT
Concordia St. Paul was introduced to the press at the D2 tournament.

SIGNINGS
CSP has signed three: Ellie Duffy (Totino-Grace), Taylor Fieldsted (Lakeville North), and Natalie Thomas (Champlin Park).

REVIEWS OF THE YEAR
Wadena-Deer Creek's year is reviewed in the Wadena Pioneer Journal.

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

next up: tomorrow morning

Burke Signs

#2 posting 11.28.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BURKE SIGNS
Alex Burke, a 6-0 MH from Watertown-Mayer has signed with Augustana.

Burke is the 27th player in the 2008 Minnesota class to sign and the 19th to sign with a D2 school.

Thanks for the help readers

Next up: Tomorrow

64 Countdown

#1 posting 11.28.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NCAA TOURNAMENT COUNTDOWN
The Big 10 will send 6 teams off to the 64 dance.

Purdue is off to Athens, Ohio to take on the host Ohio Bobcats. Here is ticket information on that venue.

Wisconsin coach Pete Waite talked to the media on Monday. The Badgers will have free audio/video streaming of their event this weekend.

South Dakota State has tickets available for their contest with defending national champ Nebraska.

D2 TOURNAMENT
Maria Steinhagen is in the Elite 8 with Concordia St. Paul. Her hometown paper the Alexandria Echo Press has a feature on her.

HIGH SCHOOL RECAPS
West Central's season is recapped in the Alexandria Echo Press.

Ashby's Megan Gullickson was named Little 8 MVP. From the AEP

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

next up: tomorrow

Big 10 and Big 12 All Conference, D2 All Americans

#1 posting 11.27.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BIG 10 ALL CONFERENCE
The Big 10 has named their all conference team.
For the Gopher Jessy Jones was named to the first team, while freshmen Brooke Dieter and Lauren Gibbemeyer were named to the Freshman squad.

For Illinois Laura DeBruhler was on the Freshman squad.

Ohio State's Danielle Meyer was a unanimous selection to the first team.

Penn State's team had plenty of award winners with Christa Harmatto the Big 10 player of the year, Russ Rose coach of the year, and freshman of the year Arielle Wilson.

Stephanie Lynch from Purdue made the All conference list.

Second place Wisconsin had three players make the All conference list.

Jackie Simpson of Wisconsin picked up the final player of the week honor in the Big 10.

BIG 12
Iowa State's Erin Boeve (Hills-Beaver Creek) was named to the Big 12 all conference squad.

Boeve also continues her blogging with an NCAA tournament edition.

NCAA TOURNAMENT
San Diego is getting ready for the tournament at Madison.

ALL AMERICANS
UM Duluth has four players on the AVCA All American team Vicky Braegelmann was named to the first team for the fourth time. Also teammate Kari Wolford was named to the first squad.
Concordia St. Paul also had four players make the list. Emily Palkert was named D2 Freshman of the year. Maggie McNamara is on the first team.

Erin Contons of SW MN State was named to the first team. From the Marshall Independent.

Ashley Nachreiner of MSU Mankato made 3rd team.

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

next up: tomorrow.

NCAA Pairings

#1 posting 11.26.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NCAA PAIRINGS
Minnesota is headed west where they will face Sacramento State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Stanford. In the other contest the hosts take on Santa Clara. The Gophers play Friday at 7 pm.
The StarTribune has the reactions of the players and coaches to the news.
The Minnesota Daily looks at the road split over the weekend that put the Gophers in the tournament.

Other Big 10 teams in the tournament include #1 in the polls and #3 in the tournament Penn State. They open with Siena. Also in that bracket is Albany who will play Cleveland State in the early game.

Purdue will face Ohio in Athens, OH 7:30 pm on Friday.

Michigan State travels to Dayton to take on Kentucky at 5 pm on Friday.

Wisconsin hosts first round sites with a lot of Minnesota connections there. #16 San Diego faces Iowa State and then Northern Iowa takes on the host #9 Badgers.
This is Iowa State's second straight trip.

Michigan will host the first and second rounds. They open with Miami of Ohio.

South Dakota State is making their first ever trip to the NCAA tournament as a D1 school. Their reward? Playing #1 seed Nebraska.

On the outside looking in is Creighton who finished 2nd in the Missouri Valley. Four MV teams are headed to the dance, but not the Bluejays.

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

next up: tomorrow.

Badgers Sweep Gophers

#1 posting 11.25.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

D1 REPORTS
BIG 10
#9 Wisconsin swept the Gophers in the final regular season battle. Later today the Gophers will find out if they will get to NCAA tournament.

Illinois swept Iowa. It was Illinois coach Don Hardin's 400th career win.

Michigan took one game off #1 Penn State, but the Nittany Lions won 3-1.

Michigan State beat Indiana in four.

Purdue beat Northwestern in four. The Boilermakers tied the Gophers to finish 3rd in the Big 10.

OTHER GAMES
Northern Iowa won the Missouri Valley tournament with a 3-1 win over Illinois State. Amy Sampson (Champlin Park) had 19 kills for Northern Iowa.

Iowa State beat #21 Oklahoma 3-1. Erin Boeve (Hills-Beaver Creek) had 12 kills for ISU.

South Dakota State tumbled twice yesterday. They lost to Maine in five and host Marquette in five. Samantha Pearson (Chaska) had 19 digs against Maine, and 18 against Marquette.

Albany beat Long Island 3-1. Tawny Dahmes (Chaska) had 12 digs for Albany.

SIGNING
Courtney Steinhauser, New Ulm, has signed with MSU Mankato. From the New Ulm Journal.

MAKEOVER
Hopkins volleyball coach Vicki Seliger-Swenson will be featured tonight on the Home Makeover show on ABC.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kate Horihan of Mabel-Canton was named Winona Daily News Player of the year. The line of middles in MC pipeline is still full with the next in line---Kenzie Lind. I don't have the rest of the Winona Daily News team.

Katie Kimman of Pierz has been named player of the year at Brainerd Dispatch. Plus the rest of the BD team.

SEASON RECAPS
Climax-Fisher has their season recapped in the Crookston Times.

TOTAL POINTS
Kimberly Todd, Marquette 32.5 vs South Dakota State 3-2
Katie Bruzdzinski, Michigan 28.5 vs Penn State 1-3
Ashlee Fisher, Marquette 28.5, vs South Dakota State 3-2
Mackenzie Anger, South Dakota State 28.5 vs Marquette 2-3
Megan Hodge, Penn State 27.5 vs Michigan 3-1
Katie Johnson, Michigan State 26 vs Indiana 3-1
Ashley Schatzle, Michigan State 24 vs Indiana 3-1
Kristina Martin, South Dakota State 23 vs Marquette 2-3
Lindsay Anderson, Northwestern 21.5 vs Purdue 1-3
Jen Malcom, Iowa State 21.5 vs Oklahoma 3-1
Amy Anderson, South Dakota State 21 vs Marquette 2-3

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

next up: tomorrow

Gophers Rally from 2-0 to Win, Diedrich Signs

#1 posting 11.24.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COLLEGE REPORTS
D1
BIG 10
The Gophers were down 2-0 and rallied to beat host Illinois in a dramatic must have game for both teams. The Gophers out blocked Illinois 21-5. Brook Dieter (Bloomington Kennedy) had 18 kills for the Gophers. Now it is off to Madison for the Gophers to face the Badgers.

Northwestern swept Indiana.

Michigan beat Ohio State in four.

Michigan State upset Purdue in a sweep.

Wisconsin beat Iowa in a sweep.

OTHER D1 ACTION
Creighton beat Southern Illinois 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley conference tournament. Allie Oelke (Chaska) had 19 kills for Creighton in the quarters.
Northern Iowa beat Creighton in the semis 3-1. Amy Sampson (Champlin Park) had 12 kills for Northern Iowa. Oelke had 11 kills in the semis for the Blue jays.

Albany beat Virginia Commonwealth 3-1. Tawny Dahmes (Chaska) had 14 digs and one ace for Albany.

D3
ALL AMERICAN
Bethel's Liz Glesne (Underwood) has been named to the All American Second team. From the Fergus Falls Daily Journal.

SIGNING
Devin Diedrich, Braham, has signed with SW MN State. She is a 6-0 MH. Diedrich is the 27th overall player in the 2008 Minnesota class to sign, and the 19th to sign with a D2 school.

HS SEASON RECAPS
Nevis was 23-3-2 this season and their year is examined in the Park Rapids Enterprise.

NUMBER CRUNCHING
TOTAL POINTS
Laura DeBruhler, Illinois 25.5 vs Minnesota 2-3
Brook Dieter, Minnesota 24 vs Illinois 3-2
Shannon Ashcoff, Northern Iowa 21 vs Creighton 3-1
Kylie McCulley, Illinois 21 vs Minnesota 2-3
Allie Oelke, Creighton 20 vs Southern Illinois 3-1

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

next up: tomorrow.

Oelke Freshman of the Year, More Awards

#1 posting 11.23.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

OELKE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Creighton's Allie Oelke (Chaska) was named freshman of the year in the Missouri Valley Conference.

AWARDS
Ashby and West Central passed out team awards recently. Both from the Fergus Falls Daily Journal.

WASECA ALL AREA
There is no link, but here is the Waseca County News All Area team
Krista Conlon, a senior setter from JWP, was the player of the year.
Nicole Kuhns of NRHEG was the coach of the year.
FIRST TEAM
Krista Conlon, JWP, Senior, S
Brianna Nelson, Waseca, Senior, MH
Megan Houlihan, WEM, Junior, OH
Brittany Schreader, JWP, Senior, OH
Callin Timm, NRHEG, Senior, OH
Jes Rients, WEM, Senior, S
SECOND TEAM
Allyson Ruedy, Waseca, Junior, OH
Katrina Schuch, JWP, Senior, OH
Taylor Wacholz, NRHEG, Senior, L
Paige Schlaak, NRHEG, Senior, OH
Megan Bakken, WEM, Junior, MH
Alyssa Hagen, NRHEG, Soph, MH

TODAY'S TOURNAMENT
Marquette is hosting the "Battle for the Bird" tournament. Maine and South Dakota State are both at the event.

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

next up: tomorrow.

A State Tournament Photos

#4 posting 11.22.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

CLASS A STATE TOURANMENT PHOTOS

State A Champion Faribault Bethlehem Academy had three players that made the All Tournament team: #1 (#4) Kari Anne Nass reacting to a save ; #2 (#20) Liz Schlobohm attacking from the right side against Windom in the championship. #3: Holly Hafemeyer (#10) goes up in the middle for an attack against Windom.

Second place Windom also had three players make the list. #1 (#9) Megan Ysker goes up for a block against Wheaton in the quarters. #2. (#7) Malori Paplow takes a swing from the left side. #3 (#10) Casey Christensen reaches for an attack against Wheaton.


#1 (#2) Malea Noennig is ready to move for Mayer Lutheran. #2 (#7) Heidi Lensing of Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa elevates against Mayer Lutheran in the quarters. #3 (#5) Whitney Boom reaches for the ball on the left side against Windom in the quarters.

Next up: tomorrow morning.

AA State Tournament Photos

#3 posting 11.22.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

AA STATE TOURNAMENT PHOTOS


AA State Champion Marshall had three players make the all tournament team. #1. Rachel Westby (#6) attacking from the left side; #2 Kayla Wallerich (#5) attacking from the right; and #3: Anna Full (#12) attacking from the middle.

2nd place finisher St. Cloud Cathedral had two players make the list #1 (#1) Alex Lenzen in the after effects of a dig. #2 (#7) Anna Zyvoloski elevates for an attack in the championship.


3rd place finisher DGF also had two members. #1 (#1) Jennifer Lopez, who also was named Miss Volleyball, attacking against Jordan in the quarters. #2 (#2) Jenna Green attacking in the semis against St. Cloud Cathedral.

5th place finisher Jordan also had 2 players make the list. #1 (#1) Brittany Chambers, and #6 Leah Dietel (#6) going up for a block.

Stewartville had Julie Rainey make the squad (#4) here attacking against Marshall in the semis.

Next up: Class A

AAA State Tournament Photos

#2 posting 11.22.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

AAA STATE TOURNAMENT PHOTOS

Here are some of the many photos I took during the state tournament two weeks ago. Sorry they weren't up sooner, but the candle was being burned at both ends.

I sat in the baseline seats. On Thursday I was able to sit in row two. The MSHSL blocked those seats on Friday and Saturday, so those photos are taken from row 15.

I am putting up the players that were named all tournament.

First three photos showcase State Champ Shakopee players: #1 Maggie Geske here hitting on th right side; #2 Ashley Wittman on the left and #3 setter Jessica Menden.

Lakeville North had three players make All tournament too. #1. Amy Braun is behind the net against Shakopee in the semis. #2. Kelsey Brandl patrols the middle; #3 Taylor Fieldstad is the libero and here makes a one armed save against Owatonna.

The next two players are from runner up Andover. photo #1 is Lauren Cipperly; photo #2 (and jersey #1) is Megan Carlson going down the line against Blaine in the quarters.

The final two players are in photo #1 Alli Rice of Owatonna going against Brandl and Lakeville North and #2 Jessica Granquist of Blaine going up against Andover.

Thanks for the patience in waiting for these photos.

Next up: the AA photos.

Zyvoloski Player of the Year in St. Cloud

#1 posting 11.22.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

HIGH SCHOOL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Anna Zyvoloski of St. Cloud Cathedral is the St. Cloud Times Player of the Year. Plus the rest of the SCT first, second teams and honorable mentions.

MORE AWARDS
St. James has listed their award winners. From the St. James Plain Dealer.

ALL CONFERENCE
NORTHERN LIGHTS
Alycia Dahl, Northern Freeze
Sasha Magner, Northern Freeze
Mackinzie Magner, Northern Freeze
Dana Blomquist, Kittson County Central
Whitney Langen, Kittson County Central
Haylie Holmgren, Kittson County Central
Elizabeth Schenkey, Badger-Greenbush-Middle River
Anna Wicklund, Badger-Greenbush-Middle River
Hannah Berg, Badger-Greenbush-Middle River
Jessica Aakre, Warren-Alvarado-Oslo
Honorable mention
Kayla Halvorson, Northern Freeze
Jessica Dvergsten, Badger-Greenbush-Middle River
Brooke Sauskojus, Stephen-Argyle

COLLEGE
BIG 10
Penn State continued to march through the Big 10 conference unscathed with a sweep over Ohio State. Megan Hodge had 15 kills for PSU.

OTHER GAMES
Iowa State went five games with #3 Texas, but it was the Longhorns coming out with the victory. Erin Boeve (Hills-Beaver Creek) had 16 kills for ISU. Here is Boeve's Blog for week 15.

SIGNINGS
Here is the Marquette press release on their four new signees including Tiara Russell of Osseo. One correction---Osseo is no where near Brainerd.

NCAA TOURNAMENT
The Gophers are still in the hunt for a spot in the NCAA tournament. It would be their 9th straight trip. From the Star Tribune.
My guess is they will need to take at least one of the matches--probably against Illinois---to move on. Two losses and it becomes dicey.

ALL REGION
Ashley Nachreiner of MSU Mankato was named to the AVCA All Region team.

ALL CONFERENCE
Allie Oelke (Chaska) of Creighton was named to the Missouri Valley All Freshman team.

Laurel Abrahamson (Bloomington Jefferson) of San Diego was named to the first team West Coast Conference team.

OLYMPICS
Cassie Busse is set for the 2008 Olympics. From the Prior Lake American.

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

next up: later tonight with photos from the state tournament....finally

Signings, D2 All Region

#1 posting 11.20.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

SIGNINGS
Bemidji State has signed five players for next season:
Courtney Bitter of Bemidji, setter (BSU coach Laurie Bitter's daughter)
Kimberly Hacker of Hutchinson, MH
Laura Slinger of Bethlehem Academy, OH
Melissa McNeely of Lakeville South, OH
Erikka Korpi of Maple Grove, MH

UM Duluth has signed three players for next season:
Stephanie Brown of Rosemount, MH
Allison Fanta of Hillsboro,WI, OH
Hannah Johnson of Greenway, OH

Megan Bezdicek of Jackson County Central has signed with Augustana and the Worthington Daily Globe has it covered.

With the previously announced verbals/signings listed the Minnesota 2008 class now has 26 that are off to college to play volleyball. 18 are headed to D2 schools.

POST SEASON AWARDS
D2
Concordia St. Paul had four players make the AVCA All Region team: Maggie McNamara, Mary Slinger, Maria Steinhagen and Emily Palkert. Whitney Meierotto was honorable mention. CSP is now headed to Washburn University in Topeka, KS for the D2 Elite 8 national championship next weekend. From the StarTribune.
UMD also had four players make the list: Vicky Braegelmann, Katie Gangelhoff, Kari Wolford and Sarah Wyffels. Danielle Beckstrand was honorable mention.
Here are the other D2 AVCA All Region Teams.

HIGH SCHOOL
Heather and Chelsea Brown were MVPs for Indus. From the International Falls Daily Journal.

Rogers passed out their awards and Erica Sudduth was named to the Mississippi 8 All Conference team for the second time.

ALL STAR RECAP
Crookston had two players (Brea Aamoth and Allison Schumacher) participate in the North Central All Star Series last weekend. Here is their experience. From the Crookston Times.

EXTREME MAKEOVER
Hopkins girls volleyball coach Vicky Seliger-Swenson and her family is the focus of Extreme Makeover on Sunday, November 25. From the Morris Sun Tribune.

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

Next up: tomorrow unless news breaks.

Tan's Second Player of the Week; Boyum Player of the Year

#1 posting 11.20.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
The Gophers' Christine Tan has been named defensive player of the week in the Big 10 for the second time this season. Alissa Glass of Penn State was named offensive player of the week.

ALL NORTH CENTRAL
UM Duluth has three players on the Daktronics, Inc. All-North Central Region Volleyball Team: Vicky Braegelmann, Kari Wolford, and Katie Gangelhoff. Augustana's Cayla Schroeder (Kasson-Mantorville) is on the squad and you can see the rest of the North Central team on the Augustana site.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kristin Boyum of Kenyon-Wanamingo is the Red Wing Republican Eagle's player of the year. Plus the rest of the RWRE first and second teams and honorable mention.

ALL STAR GAME
The North Central All Star game had three players play from the Alexandria Echo Press coverage area.

MONDAY GAMES
#9 Wisconsin swept Ohio State in a Big 10 Monday game.

Siena beat Fairfield in the championship of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Karlie Urbaniak (Mabel-Canton) had a career best 19 kills. Lauren Wagner (Cretin-Derham Hall) had six kills.

By the way I added the photos to the South Central All Star game last night.

I hope to get photos up for the State tournament. My camera is bursting with photos. Some of those photos will go up, I hope, on Thanksgiving.

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

next up: when news breaks, or tomorrow, which ever comes first.

Kruggel & Coaches

#2 posting 11.19.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news and information

KRUGGEL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
The New Ulm Journal has named Steph Kruggel of GFW as their Player of the year. Plus the rest of the NUJ All Area team.

COACHES OF THE YEAR
Here are the section coaches of the year
AAA
1. Rod Nagagaki Owatonna
2 Jim Lee Waconia
3. Ryan Dehnel Burnsville
3. Milan Mader Lakeville North
4. Tim Walen Hill-Murray
5. Celeste Gorman Blaine
6. Vicki Seliger Swenson Hopkins
7. Connie Huberty Andover
8. Becky Anderson Alexandria

AA
1. John Dzubay Stewartville
2. Jodi Ovrebo Montgomery-Lonsdale
3. Kirsten Tjosaas Yellow Medicine East
4. Sarah Leach Visitation
5. Lisa Gustafson Mora
6. Jim Klaphake Sauk Centre
7. Gail Nucech Hibbing
8. Jean Lopez DGF

A
1. Lisa Swenson LeRoy-Ostrander
2. Chris Wortz GFW
3. Ron Wendorff Windom
4. Rolly Rudzitis Meadow Creek Christian
5. Kevin Weller Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa
6. Ruth Hayden Ada-Borup
7. Jack Burt Hill City
8. Lynette Kaster Win-E-Mac

And the Assistant Coaches
4AAA Josh Mattison North St. Paul
5AAA Hollie Jeska Rogers
7AAA Lisa Kelly Andover
only three on the list I have.
2AA Jason Geisel Jordan
3AA Jon Hegerle Marshall
6AA Amy Voigt Maple Lake
7AA Joyce Wirtanen Hibbing
Only four on the list I have.
1A Lisa Nelson Kenyon Wanamingo
3A Gene Lovell Windom
4A Therese Bertsch Meadow Creek Christian
5A Kristy Finck Bertha-Hewitt
6A Nicole Gullingsrud Ada-Borup
7A Susie Feiro Babbitt-Embarrass
8A Tina Turn Kittson County Central
No one listed in section 2A.

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

next up: tomorrow.

National Champs, #300

#1 posting 11.19.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NATIONAL CHAMPS
Central Lakes beat Ridgewater in the NJCAA National championship on Saturday. The two papers involved don't publish on Sunday, so here are the Brainerd Dispatch and the West Central Tribune with their reports.
Lisa Kurtz of Central Lakes was named MVP.

CONFERENCE TOURNAMENTS
Fairfield is in the finals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. They beat Loyola College 3-1 on Sunday. Karlie Urbaniak (Mabel-Canton) had 14 kills for Fairfield. Lauren Wagner of Cretin-Derham Hall had 6 digs in the win.

#300
Minnesota coach Mike Hiebert picked up win his 300th win at Minnesota on Saturday. He also had 323 wins at Illinois in 12 years there.
The Minnesota Daily looks at the improved left side attack and better passing in the back row in the improved Gopher play.

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

next up: later today with coach awards

South Central All Star Game #2

#3 posting 11.18.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

SOUTH CENTRAL ALL STAR GAME #2
TEAM 5 2, TEAM 6 1
(25-18, 25-22, 15-9)

In the second game today an oddity---Team 5 won the game, but only earned .474 of their points. Team 6 gave away 31 points. That is why they lost. Again communications, timings, familiarity prevented team six from delivering. Sometimes it is sharing the wealth. With all stars a team won't set player A, even if they are the best player, 80% of the time like a high school team will do to win the contest. Here everyone has about equal swings.

Runs and lack of fbso were evident in the first two games here. Team 6 opened with a three point run, only to see team 5 storm right back with four straight. The game see sawed back and forth with team 5 finally breaking free with six straight points after trailing 14-13 to take a 19-14 lead. Five of those points were on errors. Team 5 finished with an ace from Morgan Wynveen to win 25-18.

Team 5 carried that momentum into game two with a run of three to start and 6-1 advantage. Again four points were via errors. Team 5 never trailed in game two. Team 6 did battle back and closed to a two point deficit six times, but could never get over the hump. Libby Augedahl finished game two with a kill.

Just as in the first match the team that dropped the first two games started to get the rhythm of the game and had a fbso of .750 in game three. Team 6 also never allowed a run of three in game three.

There was one more contest, but I didn't stay. I didn't double up on any team, so teams 1 & 2 didn't get the coverage today.

Photos: #1 Bridgette Kelly of Northfield goes up to block Morgan Wynveen of Mahtomedi. #2 Jessica Granquist eleveates for an attack. #3. Liz Hanson of Triton goes up for a jump serve. Julie Blume waits on the other side. photos by kja.

TEAM 5
1. Katie McDonald, Northfield, S, 1-0-0----1
2, Maggie Dauer, New Ulm, 0-0-0----0
2 Libby Augedahl, Caledonia, OH 1-1-4----6
3. Morgan Wynveen, Mahtomedi, MH 1-0-3----4
4. Julie Blume, Wheaton, S 0-0.5-0---0.5
5. Elly Braaten, Hastings, OH 1-0.5-8---9.5
5 Johanna Harmon, Concordia Roseville 0-0-3----3
6. Danika Stindtman, Blue Earth, MH 1-1-2----4
totals: 5-3-20----28 points, 31 points on Team 6 errors

TEAM 6
1. Elizabeth Benson, Cannon Falls, S 1-0-0----1
2. Megan Ericson, Concordia Roseville, L 0-0-0---0
2 Bridgette Kelly, Northfield, MH 1-0-6---7
3. Jenny Kimm, Maple River, OH, 2-0-3---5
4. Liz Hanson, Triton, S 4-0-0----4
4 Sarah Osberg, Hastings, RH 0-1-3---4
5. Kylie Dykes, Plainview-Elgin-Millville, MH 1-0-4----5
5 Alison Mason, Sleepy Eye, MH 0-0-2---2
6. Jessica Granquist, Blaine, OH 1-2-2---5
totals: 10-3-20---33 points, 22 points on Team 5 errors

TRENCH PLAYER
Elly Braaten

NUMBER CRUNCHING
Team 5 13/30; .433; 59; .474; .400
Team 6 15/30; .500; 55; .600; .526
3+ runs: Team 5 10, Team 6 7
missed serves: Team 6 10, Team 5 6

Next up: tomorrow morning

South Central All Star Game #1

#2 posting 11.18.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

SOUTH CENTRAL ALL STAR GAME
TEAM 3 2, TEAM 4 1
(28-25, 25-22, 7-15)

This was the first game I watched in the South Central All Star Game at St. Olaf in Northfield, MN. This is the first time an all star game is taking place in the southern part of the state. This is the off shoot of the North Central All Star game run by Dan Ninham. There were six teams of 8 with most teams running a 6-2 offense to make use of the setters.

As with most all star type events, there was timing and communication issues. Also the lack of familiarity is an issue.

Team 4 started off with Molly Kreklow serving up five straight points, four of which were aces. Team 3 tied it at 10 with three errors by Team 4. Team 3 took the lead for good on Jessica Menden's serve with an ace and kills by Erin Leiding and Sam Pitzl. I had the score 25-21, but for some reason they kept playing. Obviously a scoring table snafu. Kreklow had 7 total points in game one.

In game two again Team 4 led at the start with an 8-4 lead. Team 3 started their comeback with a run of three on Chelsey Jensen's serve after a missed serve by team 4. Team 3 led 17-13 when team 4 took a time out. Team 4 mounted their own rally with a four point run with an ace by Kreklow to tie it at 20. Team 3 closed out with a 5-2 run. The fbso game was working by team 3. They had six straight in the heart of the game.

For some reason they play a game three up to 15. Probably to give more court time for the players. Team 4 had a six point run, with five points coming on Katy Braaten's serve. Team 3 never could get anything generated on offense as team 4 slammed the door with a 5 of 6 fbso action. Team 4 had another run for four later to make it 13-5.

photos: #1 Claire Goodrich of Rochester Lourdes makes a save attempt; #2 Molly Kreklow of Blaine goes up for one of her game leading 11 kills; #3 setter Jessica Menden of Shakopee shows her hitting form in game two. photos by kja

TEAM 3
1 Jessica Menden, Shakopee S 1-1-5----7
2 Erin Leiding, LCWM, MH 3-0-4---7
2 Elisabeth Wieneke, New Ulm 2-0-4---6
3 Sam Pitzl, Burnsville, OH 0-0-9----9
4 Kayla Smith, Plainview-Elgin-Millville, S 1-0-4---5
5 Chelsey Jensen, Sleepy Eye, MH 0-0-0---0
6 Jolene Brody, Austin, OH 0-0-1---1
Totals: 7-1-27----35 points, 25 points on Team 4 errors

TEAM 4
1. Molly Kreklow, Blaine, S 5-0-11---16
2. Alyssa Schmidt, Red Rock Central, OH 0-0-0----0
3. Brittany Hanson, Eastview, MH 0-3-8----11
4. Natalie Thomas, Champlin Park, S 0-0-3---3
5. Ali Vandercook, Henry Sibley, OH 0-0-4----4
5. Katy Braaten, Hastings 2-0-4---6
6. Claire Goodrich, Rochester Lourdes, MH 0-0-1----1
Totals: 7-3-31----41 points, 20 on Team 3 errors

TRENCH PLAYER
It has to be Jessica Menden

BY THE NUMBERS
Team 3 22/35; .629; 60; .583; .328
Team 4 18/36; .500; 61; .672; .417
3+ Runs: Team 4 7, Team 3 5
missed serves: Team 4 10; Team 3 4

Next up: game #2 from the all star series

Concordia St. Paul, Central Lakes Claim Titles

#1 posting 11.18.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

D2 REGIONAL TITLE
Concordia St. Paul had their revenge with a four game win over UM Duluth. The Golden Bears now move on to the Elite 8 National D2 tournament. UMD proved to be human after game one according to the Duluth News Tribune. Mary Slinger (Bethlehem Academy) had 23 digs for CSP. Kari Wolford had 25 digs for UMD.

D3 NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Washington, MO beat UW Whitewater in five for the national championship with a 15-13 final game. Whitewater led 2-1.

JUCO CHAMPIONSHIPS
Central Lakes won the D3 JUCO championships in Rochester this weekend. They defeated another Minnesota team, Ridgewater for the title in a tight four game contest. From the West Central Tribune.
The Rochester Post Bulletin has more on the pool contests from Friday.

SIGNING
Chelsea Nagle, Fillmore Central has signed with St. Cloud State. The 5-9 OH is 21st overall player in the 2008 Minnesota class to verbal and the 13th to verbal a D2 school.

BIG 10 RESULTS
Michigan beat Indiana in a sweep.

Michigan State broomed Iowa.

Penn State went three and out with Illinois.

TOTAL POINTS
Katie Bruzdzinski, Michigan 20 vs Indiana 3-0

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

Next up: later today with a report on the all star action.