All Star Game wrap, and Academics

#1 posting 7.31.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ALL STAR WRAP UP
In case you haven't seen my report from last night here is the Marshall Independent's report on the event won by North Country Region.

ACADEMICS
MIAC teams Bethel, Carleton, Gustavus, Macalester, St. Mary's and St. Thomas received the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award for the 2007-2008 season. UW Eau Claire was honored as well. From the Eau Claire Leader Telegram.

In the Big 10 Ohio State took AVCA honors.

SCHEDULE
The Buckeyes have released their 2008 schedule. They travel to Minnesota on Sunday, November 23.

YEARBOOK
The Wisconsin Badgers have released their 2008 volleyball yearbook.

Next up: tomorrow

Minnesota All Star Game

#2 posting 7.30.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

21ST ANNUAL MINNESOTA ALL STAR GAME
Sauk Rapids High School
NORTH COUNTRY REGION 3, BADEN 0
25-19, 27-25, 26-24

North Country Region swept Baden in a tight contest at Sauk Rapids High school tonight. The event is held in conjunction with the Minnesota Girls Volleyball Coaches Association All Star game. Miss Volleyball of 2007, Jennifer Lopez of Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton put her stamp on the game with 15 kills and 18 assists as she picked up the Lindi Fogelberg MVP award for NCR.

In game one North Country Region broke free from a four all tie with a 8-3 run to lead 12-7. NCR used a strong side out game at the start holding Baden to a 1/7 start. NCR's run stopped on a miss serve. That opened the gate for a four point run for Baden. Baden used a 7-2 run over two serves to tie the game at 14. Hannah Johnson had three points in the run. The game was tied at 18 when NCR scored six straight points. Mallory Fultz had two kills in the burst. Again a missed serve stopped the run. Lopez finished off game one with a side out kill.

Baden held the early advantage in game two with a 6-3 lead. Once again a missed served stopped the momentum cold. Baden did get six straight side outs to start the game. Baden held an 11-7 lead when NCR scored four straight to tie it up. Chelsea Nagle had two straight aces for NCR to tie it. Baden regained momentum with the help of some NCR errors. NCR was forced to take a time out at 17-14. The time out didn't pan out as Steph Boulton added an ace. Baden led 20-17 when NCR had another run, this time five points, four on Brittany Wenzel's serve. Nagle made a great save during the 21st go ahead point which resulted in a Baden time out. The game was tied once again at 22 after a kill by Johnson. Two Baden hitting errors put NCR on the verge at 24-22. Baden took time out and this time got the side out on a Johnson kill. Baden tied it at 24 and that forced a time out by NCR. Coming out of the time out Baden served into the net. NCR gave the ball right back with a setting error. Another missed serve by Baden put the ball in Lopez's hands. She finished off game two with an ace.

NCR led early with a three point run. Jenna Green led off with two straight kills. Side outs ruled in game three. 20 straight side outs kept the game competitive. NCR again had a run of three to make it 16-12 forcing a Baden time out. NCR held two point advantages with Baden shaving a point off her and there. When a hitting error put NCR up 21-19 Baden decided they needed to talk. NCR scored twice after the time out to go up 23-19. Courtney Bitter had a kill to stop the run. Nagle had a kill of her own to put NCR on the verge 24-20. A net violation gave Baden new life. It translated into three more points and a tie game at 24. On the 23rd point NCR took a time out but Nicole Buysse came out of the time out with a kill for Baden. A hitting error gave NCR a one point advantage. Green ended the evening with a kill.

I have a new lens and this was the first time out shooting volleyball. You can see the entire Minnesota All Star game photo gallery at kevinanderson.photostockplus.com

key: rotation, player, school, position (as listed), aces-blocks-kills--total points
NORTH COUNTRY REGION
1. Brittany Wenzel, Chaska, S 1-0-0--1
1. Liz Schlobohm, Bethlehem Academy RH 0-1-2--3
2. Katie Kimman, Pierz, OH 0-0.5-4--4.5
2. Chelsea Nagle, Fillmore Central, OH 2-0-6---8
3. Mallory Fultz, Tracy-Milroy-Balaton, OH 0-0.5-4.5
4. Jennifer Lopez, DGF, S/MB 1-1.5-15-17.5
5. Jenna Green, DGF, OH 0-1.5-9-10.5
6. Laura Slinger, Bethlehem Academy, MB 0-0-3---3
At various times Nagle and Green paired up.
total points: 4-5-43--52 points earned, 26 points on Baden errors

BADEN
1. Courtney Bitter, Bemidji, S 0-1-9--10
2. Nicole Buysse, Pipestone, OH 1-0.5-4--5.5
3. Megan Bezdicek, Jackson County Central, MB 2-1-4--7
4. Julie Blume, Wheaton, S 1-0-0---1
4. Chelsea Koth, Hibbing, MB 0-1-4--5
5. Hannah Johnson, Greenway 0-0.5-9--9.5
5. Steph Boulton, Minneota, OH 1-0-0---1
6. Claire Kopfmann, Minneota, OH 0-0-6---6
These line ups varied in the game 2-3.
totals: 3-4-36---45 points earned; 23 points on NCR errors

TRENCH PLAYER
Jennifer Lopez

BY THE NUMBERS
team, first ball side outs/chances; points, % earned; % allowed
North Country Region 32/47 (.681); 78; .667; .338
Baden 28/47 (.596); 68, .662; .333
3+ Runs: NCR 7, Baden 4
missed serves: Baden 8, NCR 6
Time Out success: Baden 2/5-.400; NCR 1/3-.333

ROTATIONS
NORTH COUNTRY REGION
1. Wenzel 19-11 .633
2. Nagle 15-13 .536
3. Fultz 11-11 .500
4. Lopez 13-16 .448
5. Green 12-10 .545
6. Slinger 8-7 .533
totals: 78-68 .534

BADEN
1. Bitter 12-20 .375
2. Buyses 16-12 .571
3. Bezdicek 12-9 .571
4. Blume 9-11 .450
5. Boulton/Johnson 12-11 .522
6. Kopfmann 7-14 .333
totals: 68-78 .466

Next up: tomorrow morning

Peterson Resigns, Coaching Clinic & All Star Game Today

#1 posting 7.30.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Katy Peterson has resigned as University of North Dakota volleyball coach. Her twin Kari will be the interim coach this year.

ACADEMICS
Creighton and North Dakota State both have won an AVCA academic award for the fifth straight year.

CLINIC
The Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Clinic begins today at Sauk Rapids at 3 pm. The All Star game takes place at 7 pm.

Next up: later tonight after the all star game

All Star Rosters, Hall of Fame, International Action

#1 posting 7.29.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ALL STAR GAME
Marshall's Dan Westby and Jon Hegerle will lead Team Baden along with Lindsay Ashburn of St. Cloud Cathedral, and Matt Busch of Shakopee; in the MN Coaches All Star Game.
team members include Claire Kopfmann and Stephanie Boulton, both of Minneota

Team North Country Region will be led by Franz Boelter of Bethlehem Academy, Jean Lopez of Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton and Ron Wendorff of Windom.
Some players include
Mallory Fultz of Tracy-Milroy-Balaton
Brittany Wenzel of Chaska.

The All Star Game takes place at Sauk Rapids High School tomorrow at 7 pm.
You can see the player bios here.
From the Marshall Independent and the Chaska Herald.

HALL OF FAME
Gustavus has named nine individuals to their 2008 Hall of Fame class. Sue Erlandson Breckner '83 made the list. SEB made all conference in 1981 and 1982.

NORCECA TOURNEY
Illinois recruit Michelle Bartsch played a key role in the US NORCECA gold medal victory.

OLYMPIC VOLLEYBALL
The US Olympic indoor volleyball team will scrimmage at Cal Berkeley on Thursday. The Americans also held a press conference yesterday. Former Gopher Lindsey Berg is on the squad.

Next up: tomorrow

Clinic, NORCECA & High Performance Champs

#1 posting 7.28.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ALL STAR GAME & CLINIC
The Minnesota coaches All Star game takes place this Wednesday at Sauk Rapids at 7 pm.

The event is held in conjunction with the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association clinic.

NORCECA CHAMPIONSHIPS
The US Women’s Junior National Team swept Dominican Republic in the NORCECA championships in Mexico.

HIGH PERFORMANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The final two divisions crowned their winners in the High Performance championships on Sunday in Tucson. Badger Region won the gold medal in the Girls’ National Youth Division and Southern California Region Red won the Girls’ National Select Division title.

COVERING THE HITTER
About.com reminds players to cover the hitter.

Next up: tomorrow

NORCECA Tournament, High Performance Camp, Sparby Returns

#1 posting 7.27.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Tammy Sparby will return as Thief River Falls volleyball coach. She resigned at the end of last season. From the Bemidji Pioneer toward the end of Jim Carrington's column.

HIGH PERFORMANCE CAMP
The High Performance camp wrapped up in Tucson. USA Junior White won the gold in the Women’s International Division. Arizona Region High Performance won the Girls' International Youth Division title.

NORCECA TOURNAMENT
The U.S. Women’s Junior National Team beat Cuba 3-1 to advance to the title game of the NORCECA tournament in Mexico. The US will face the Dominican Republic for the championship.

next up: tomorrow

US Juniors Top Mexico

#1 posting 7.26.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NORCECA TOURNAMENT
The US Junior National Team defeated host Mexico in a sweep thanks to the blocking game. Incoming Illinois freshman Michelle Bartsch scored a team-high 12 points.

Pretty short and sweet today

Next up: tomorrow

All Stars, Sand Volleyball, NORCECA Tourney

#1 posting 7.25.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ALL STAR GAME
Katie Kimman of Pierz is one of the All Stars that will play next Wednesday in Sauk Rapids at 7 pm. From the St. Cloud Times.

NORCECA CHAMPIONSHIPS
Future Illini Michelle Bartsch had 12 points for the USA Junior Nationals in a win over Canada. The Americans are 2-1 and finished 2nd in pool A. Now comes the single elimination round.

NCAA BEACH VOLLEYBALL?
The NCAA is considering adding "Sand Volleyball" to the roster of sports sponsored. 40 schools need to add the sport for a championship. Schools would have five doubles teams. The schools that have three victories would win the match.

Next up: tomorrow

Dixon Verbals, A-10 & Farmington Previews

#1 posting 7.24.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

DIXON VERBALS
Tori Dixon has verballed the Gophers. Dixon is a 6-4 MH from Burnsville. During the JO season she plays with Northern Lights. Her 16u team placed third in the recent JO nationals. From RichKern.com

CONFERENCE PREVIEW
The Atlantic 10 has released their preseason preview. Charlotte and George Washington have players with Minnesota connections.

FALL PREVIEW
Farmington wins the award for the first high school volleyball preview. (that I found). The Farmington Independent looks at the upcoming fall season.

CAMPING
Camping numbers have been up at Indiana this year.

Next up: tomorrow

Manuel in Tucson, Hawkeye Clinic

#1 posting 7.23.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

HIGH PERFORMANCE
Alexa Manuel of Eden Prairie is on the USA Women's Junior Blue team in the USA Volleyball High Performance Pipeline event at Tucson, Arizona starting July 23-27.

GLOBAL CHALLENGE
Here are the results from the Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia.

CLINIC
The Iowa Hawkeyes will run a coaches clinic Saturday, August 16 from 9 am to 4 pm.

Next up: tomorrow

Gophers Recruits 12th, Big 10 Network

#1 posting 7.22.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

RECRUITS RANKED
Minnesota's 2008 recruits are ranked 12th by prepvolleyball.com.

BIG 10 NETWORK
Minnesota will be on the Big 10 Network four times this fall.

Purdue also will be on the cable station four times.

GLOBAL CHALLENGE
The BIP/USA team is 2-1 in the Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia.

Next up: tomorrow

Global Challenge

#1 posting 7.21.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

GLOBAL CHALLENGE
Western Carolina coach Stephanie Dragon has a blog on day 2 in Pula, Croatia. Abby Severson of George Washington (and Minneapolis Southwest) is on the BIP/USA team in this tournament.

REMINDER
The Minnesota volleyball coaches clinic will be held on July 30 and 31 at Sauk Rapids.

Next up: tomorrow

Northern Lights Wraps Up Trip, Basic Skills

#1 posting 7.20.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

EUROPEAN TRIP
Here are the final photos and blog entry of Northern Lights European trip. The destination on this day: Paros Island. Mollie Geske closes out the blog writing for day 17 and 18.

BASIC SKILLS
The College Volleyball Coach examines the basic skills need to get on the floor. (hard hitting is down the list). CVC also looks at why more international players are playing at the college level these days. The last paragraph hammers home the point.

next up: tomorrow

Berg, Bartsch, Badgers & Gas

#1 posting 7.19.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

OLYMPICS
The Big 10 looks at Olympians from their conference including former Gopher Lindsey Berg who is headed to Beijing.

JUNIOR NATIONAL TEAM
Future Illinois player Michelle Bartsch has made the Junior National Team. The team leaves Sunday to participate in the NORCECA Women's Junior Continental Championships in Saltillo, Mexico.

2007 HIGHLIGHTS
Wisconsin has released video highlights from the 2007 season. There is no dialogue on the highlights, but dramatic movie background music leads to rap.

GAS COST
The Tower-Soudan school district tabled a proposal to increase participation fees. Volleyball would have risen to $112.50. The culprit---rising gas prices. From the Timberjay Newspapers.

next up: tomorrow

Three (or Four) Coaching Hires

#1 posting 7.18.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Margaret Essler will return to coach New London-Spicer for the third time. She will be co-coach with Mimi Knutson, a former coach at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa. They replace Kay Czarnetzki who resigned after last season. From the West Central Tribune.

Long time Minneota assistant Stephanie Hennen has been hired as head coach. From the Marshall Independent.

Kelli Kurth will return as Lincoln HI's head volleyball coach. Last couple lines in the Marshall Independent.

SCHEDULE
Marquette has released their 2008 volleyball schedule.

NATIONAL TEAM
Incoming 6-3 Illinois freshman Michelle Bartsch has made final 14 players on the way to 12 for the U.S. Women's Junior National Training Team.

EUROPEAN TRIP
Here are the photos from day 10 of Northern Lights European Trip. They journey from Athens to Paros Island.

Next up: tomorrow

Verbals 2008-09

VERBALS 2008-2009

This is an ongoing list. If I am missing any player, go to kja8067@gmail.com and email me.

2009-33
D1-13
Amy Braun, Lakeville North, Northern Iowa, 5-10, OH
Ariel Carlson, Alexandria, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6-1, MB/RS (August 16, 2008)
Tia Gaffen, Wayzata, California, 6-2 MH
Katherine Harms, St. Michael-Albertville, Minnesota
Brianna Haugen, Minneapolis Southwest, Minnesota, MB
Leah Johnson, Lakeville North, North Dakota State
Brynn Joki, Grand Rapids, North Dakota State
Megan Lambertson, Litchfield, North Dakota State
Karlee Lursen, Eastview, SE Missouri State, 5-9, RH
Kelsey Mattai, White Bear Lake, Marquette
Ari Mewhorter, Blaine, Akron
Greta Strenger, Woodbury, Stony Brook
Catherine Yager, St. Michael-Albertville, Michigan
D2-19
Brigetta Berg, Wadena-Deer Creek, SW MN State
Shannon Byers, Faribault, South Carolina Aiken
Lauren Cipperly, Andover, St. Cloud State, OH
Samantha Dale, Alexandria, MSU Mankato
Maggie Finkel, Chaska, Winona State
Chelsea Fogarty, Belle Plaine, MSU Mankato OH
Michelle Graham, Woodbury, Concordia St. Paul, S/RH
Cassie Haag, SW Christian Chaska, Concordia St. Paul, MH
Madeline Haben, Holy Angels, Michigan Tech, S
Katelyn Horihan, Mabel-Canton, Winona State
Taylor Hrdlichka, Lakeville South, Augustana
Kelsey Jacobs, Maple Grove, Winona State, OH
Brooke Lewko, Lakeville North, Augustana
Kenzie Niesche, Chaska, SW MN State, L
Kara Pioske, Waconia, Concordia St. Paul, OH
Lindsey Sathre, Osseo, Michigan Tech, MH
Crissi Schewe, Sleepy Eye St. Mary's, SW MN State MH
Jordan Spatenka, Owatonna, Augustana, OH
Anna Zyvoloski, St. Cloud Cathedral, UM Duluth, OH
NAIA-1
Rachel Pekarek, Osseo, SD Mines

2010-3
D1-2
Tori Dixon, Burnsville, Minnesota
Ashley Wittman, Shakopee, Minnesota
D2-1
Katie Lange, Hibbing, UM Duluth

Olympian Berg, Wisconsin #10, More Athens

#1 posting 7.17.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

OLYMPIAN BERG
Former Gopher Lindsey Berg has been selected to the American Olympic team. Berg also was on the 2004 team.

RECRUITING CLASS
Wisconsin has the tenth rated recruiting class in 2008 according to prepvolleyball.com.

TICKETS
The Gophers have season tickets available now, and will have single game tickets available starting Monday.

SCHEDULE
North Dakota State has released their 2008 volleyball schedule.

EUROPEAN TRIP
Northern Lights continue their journey across Europe with a blog entry from Natalie Walseth (awesome in Athens) and more Athens photos on day nine plus another blog entry, this time from Elly Braaten.

Next up: tomorrow

Sauk Rapids Needs Coach, MSU #7

#1 posting 7.16.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

RECRUITING CLASS
Michigan State has the 7th best recruiting class according to prepvolleyball.com.

COACHING NEWS
Sauk Rapids is looking for a volleyball coach. Former coach Paul Meyer is now the head coach at Waldorf College in Iowa. From the St. Cloud Times.

Katie McGuine has been Director of Operations for Purdue. She was DO at Iowa the last two years. She also was the head coach at Pine Island. She is a grad of Rochester Lourdes and MSU Mankato.

NORTHERN LIGHTS TRIP
Here are the photos from Northern Lights European trip day seven on the travel from Berlin to Athens. Day 7s blog is by Lauren Grant. The photos on day 8 are all Athens.

Next up: tomorrow

Cincinnati #15, Home Visit Dos & Don'ts

#1 posting 7.15.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

RECRUITING CLASS
The University of Cincinnati's 2008 volleyball recruiting class is ranked #15 in PrepVolleyball. Kelsey Brandl of Lakeville North is among those recruits.

HOME VISITS DOS AND DON'TS
I have come across College Volleyball Coach (anonymous) and the latest posting covers dos and don'ts on the home visit. The don't list includes things like take phone calls and going out with friends when the home visit is going on.
This is a good resource---look at the subject list on the right. The list includes advice to players, recruiting plans and other topics.

SCHEDULE
Iowa has released their 2008 schedule. The Hawkeyes are at Minnesota on Wednesday, October 15.

CONFERENCE NEWS
The Minnesota Community College Conference is now called the Minnesota College Athletic Conference. From the Rochester Post Bulletin.

Next up: tomorrow

Berlin Day 2, Minnesota Volleyball Clinic

#1 posting 7.14.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BERLIN NORTHERN LIGHTS
This is day six of the Northern Lights tour of Europe. It is day two of their Berlin stay. Here are the photos, here is the blog haiku style by Kristin Amermann of Eagan.

VOLLEYBALL CLINIC
Here is the tentative schedule of the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Clinic to be held at Sauk Rapids on July 30, and 31. The All Star game is on the 30th.
speakers this year include Northwestern coach Keylor Chan, Bemidji State coach Donna Palivec,
MSU Mankato coach Dennis Amundson, SW MN State coach Terry Culhane, St. Benedict coach Carol Howe Veenstra, Waldorf coach Paul Meyer, Central Lakes coach Jane Peterson, former Apple Valley coach Walt Weaver, Marshall coaches Dan Westby & Jon Hagerle, FBA coach Franz Boelter, and Mabel-Canton coach Lonnie Morken.
If you haven't registered you can do so here, or you can register at the door.

Next up: tomorrow

London to Berlin, America Tops China

#1 posting 7.13.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

GRAND PRIX
The Americans beat China 3-2 in the Grand Prix. The USA trailed 2-1. Former Gopher Lindsey Berg started as setter. The USA is #4 in the world according to the polls.

NORTHERN LIGHTS IN EUROPE
Here is day four of the Northern Lights photos and Sophie McBride's blog as they moved from London to Berlin.

Day five was spent in Berlin. Here are those photos and Danielle Dombek's blog.

Next up: tomorrow

Rooney Transfers, Syverson in Global Challenge

#1 posting 7.12.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COLLEGE DECISIONS
Emily Rooney has transferred from South Dakota State to join her former coach at Washington State. Rooney played her high school volleyball at Red Wing and started the last three seasons at SDSU.

Jenny Noordmans of Hancock will play both volleyball and basketball at UM Morris. From the Morris Sun Tribune.

GLOBAL CHALLENGE
Abby Syverson of George Washington (and Minneapolis Southwest) has been selected to play for the USA team at the 2008 Global Challenge volleyball tournament from July 20-24 in Pula, Croatia. She is a 6-2 middle headed into her junior year.

Next up: tomorrow

NORCECA Champs

#1 posting 7.11.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NORCECA TOURNAMENT
The US Youth National team swept Mexico in the championship of the NORCECA Youth Continental Championship in Puerto Rico. The Americans will now head to India for the FIVB championships next year. Tori Dixon and Ashley Wittman each had 10 points in the win.

Before that the Americans swept host Puerto Rico in the semis on Wednesday. Tori Dixon has her photo on the article as she led the team with 13 points.

GRAND PRIX
The Americans lost to Cuba in five in the third Grand Prix contest. Former Gopher Lindsey Berg plays for the team.

COACHING NEWS
Lincoln HI is still looking for a volleyball coach. No one has applied yet. Late in the article from the Marshall Independent.

Angie Mlinar has been hired as the director of volleyball operations at Iowa. Mlinar was a grad assistant at Alabama the last two years. Mlinar is originally from St. Paul, Nebraska.

EUROPEAN TRIP
In day three Northern Lights went from London to Sanstead. Here are the photos. Ellen Senf writes the journal for day 3.

RETURN HOME
North Dakota player Amanda Polzin returned to Hutchinson to do a camp. From the Hutchinson Leader.

CONFERENCE NEWS
South Dakota and North Dakota will join the Great West Conference in all sports, not just football.

Next up: tomorrow

Ohio Preview, USA vs Japan, Northern Lights in London

#1 posting 7.10.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

SEASON PREVIEWS
Ohio has released their 2008 season preview. Amanda Andersen of Centennial could see time at the middle or opposite.

GRAND PRIX
The Americans were playing Japan today in the Grand Prix. Japan led 2-1 with the USA up 9-6 in game four when I posted this morning. Here is the live information on how it ended up.

EUROPEAN TRIP
There are several 16 and 17 year old players from Mizuno Northern Lights touring Europe right now. They began their trip in London on July 8th and will travel to Berlin and then end in Greece on July 20th. They will be playing several Youth and professional volleyball teams from those areas. Here are photos from day 1 when they group arrived in London and day 2 when they toured London landmarks.

Next up: tomorrow

US Youth National in Semis

#1 posting 7.9.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

US YOUTH NATIONAL TEAM
The US Youth National Team beat beat the Virgin Islands in a sweep. It was deja vu in each game 25-7 (three times). Ashley Wittman (Shakopee) is the team captain and had 9 points (4 kills, 1 block, 4 aces). Tori Dixon (Burnsville) also had 4 kills. Molly Kreklow (Blaine or Delano?) had 2 aces. They now move to the NORCECA Girls' Youth Continental Championship semis.
Previously the US team beat Trinidad & Tobago, and the Dominican Republic in sweeps.

GRAND PRIX
The Americans lost to Brazil in the first three in the first match of the final round of the Grand Prix. Former Gopher Lindsey Berg had 12 assists.

BROADCAST
Wisconsin will broadcast their entire 2008 volleyball season on Clear Channel Radio Madison and also Yahoo.

SCHEDULE
Northwestern has released their 2008 volleyball schedule. They open the Big 10 season at Minnesota on Friday, September 26.

Next up: tomorrow

#67 & #68, SDSU Hires Assistant

#1 posting 7.8.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COLLEGE DECISIONS
The Press Newspapers in the Northeast Metro Area has listed the college decisions of six different schools. The volleyball players:
Becka Meiser, Centennial, Northern State
Chelsie Sobieck, Forest Lake, St. Benedict
Meiser is the 28th D2 player, Sobieck is the 14th D3, and together they are the 67th and 68 players headed to college to play volleyball from the Minnesota 2008 class.

COACHING NEWS
Kim Fletcher has been hired as an assistant volleyball coach at South Dakota State. She is from Missouri and played her college ball at Notre Dame.

Next up:

Grand Prix Final Round

#1 posting 7.7.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

FIVB GRAND PRIX
Here are the stats from the Italy vs USA match at Taipei. Former Gopher Lindsey Berg was the setter in this contest and finished with 17 assists.

From July 9-13 the Grand Prix final round takes place in Yokohama, Japan. They play Brazil on the 9th, Japan on the 10th, Cuba the 11th, Italy again on the 12th, and China the 13th.

next up: tomorrow

Branagh Beijing Bound, JO Tourney Wraps Up

#1 posting 7.6.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

OLYMPICS
Former Gopher Nicole Branagh and partner Elaine Youngs are Beijing bound. They finished second in the Moscow FIVB tournament losing to the #2 duo from China Xue Chen and Zhang Xi 21-8, 21-18. That gave Branagh and Young enough points to solidify second place on the American side. Only two pairs advance from each country. From NBC.

Former Gophers Lindsey Berg and Cassie Busse are on the preliminary Olympic volleyball roster. They find out later this month if they are headed to Beijing. The Americans will be in pool A as the schedules have been released.
On July 5th the Americans beat Turkey 3-1 and lost today (July 6th) to Italy 3-0.

JUNIOR OLYMPIC TOURNAMENT
Here are the standings for the last age classification of the JO National tournament in Dallas.

14s
OPEN
15th: Northern Lights 6-4, 14-12
NATIONAL
35th: MN Select 3-6, 10-12
AMERICAN
5th: M1 5-4, 10-9
41st: Club Falcons (Faribault) 4-6, 9-13
46th: North Juniors (Woodbury) 1-9, 4-19
47th: MN North 0-9, 1-18

15s
NATIONAL (Final)
9th: Northern Lights 10-1, 20-5
33rd: MN Select 6-4, 13-10

Two 3rds in 16 JO Tournament

#1 posting 7.5.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JO NATIONALS
Here are the standings for the two remaining JO tournaments

16s
OPEN
3rd: Northern Lights 7-1, 23-6. Their only loss was to second place finisher Mizuno Long Beach 16M in a fiver. (13-25, 23-25, 29-27, 25-18, 13-15)
NATIONAL
3rd: M1 9-1, 18-4. They lost to champions NorCal in the semifinals 0-2 (21-25, 22-25)
31st: MN Select 3-6, 9-12
34th: Northern Lights-2 5-5, 13-12
AMERICAN
19th: Northern Lights-3 4-5, 10-13
22nd: SMV 3-7, 7-15
33rd: SW MN Jrs. 5-5, 12-11
35th: M1 East 4-5, 10-13

14s
OPEN
Northern Lights 6-3, 13-10
NATIONAL
MN Select 2-5, 8-10
AMERICAN
M1 5-3, 10-7
Club Falcons (Faribault) 2-6, 5-12
North Juniors (Woodbury) 0-8, 2-16
MN North 0-8, 0-16

ALL AMERICANS
Here are the 16s All Tournament teams and team photos
Three Northern Lights 16s, Molly Kreklow (Blaine/Delano), Tori Dixon (Burnsville), and Ashley Wittman (Shakopee), made the Open All tournament team. Northern Lights 3rd place team photo is also here
In the National Division Amanda Konetchy (Chaska) and Bekah Saugen (Chaska) made the all tournament list for M1. Plus the M1 3rd place team.

Next up: tomorrow

Northern Lights 6-0 in 16 Opens

#1 posting 7.4.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JO NATIONALS
Here are the standings in the JO National Tournament in Dallas
16s
OPEN
Northern Lights 6-0, 18-2
NATIONAL
M1 8-0, 16-2
Northern Lights-2 4-4, 11-9
MN Select 3-5, 9-10
AMERICAN
Northern Lights-3 4-4, 10-11
M1 East 4-4, 10-11
SW MN Jrs. 3-5, 8-10
SMV 2-6, 5-13

15s
OPEN (FINAL)
10th: M1 6-4, 13-11
NATIONAL
Northern Lights 10-1, 20-5
MN Select 6-4, 13-10
AMERICAN (FINAL)
13th: Northern Lights-2 4-5, 10-12
39th: MN Select-2 1-8, 2-17
45th: Omeja 2-8, 6-17

14s
OPEN
Northern Lights 3-3, 7-7
NATIONAL
MN Select 1-4, 6-8
AMERICAN
M1 3-2, 6-4
Club Falcons (Faribault) 1-4, 2-8
North Juniors (Woodbury) 0-5, 1-10
MN North 0-5, 0-10

BADGERS COACH
Badgers Morgan Salow and Nikki Klingsporn have been coaching Capital Volleyball Academy. Salow writes a blog about the experience.

BRAATEN & AAU
Katy and Elly Braaten of Hastings and Northern Lights have their AAU National tournament experience featured in a piece in the Hastings Star-Gazette. (half way down article).

BRAEGELMANN INTERVIEW
UM Duluth's Vicky Braegelman has an interview with on KBJR

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

Next up: tomorrow

Northern Lights 16s Unblemished, 2 All Americans

#1 posting 7.3.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JO NATIONALS
Here are the standings for the JO National tournament in Dallas
16S
OPEN
Northern Lights 4-0, 12-0
NATIONAL
M1 5-0, 10-2
Northern Lights-2 2-3, 6-7
MN Select 1-4, 5-8
AMERICAN
Northern Lights-3 3-2, 7-6
SMV 2-3, 5-7
M1 East 2-3, 5-7
SW MN Jrs. 1-4, 4-8

15S
OPEN
M1 5-3, 10-9
NATIONAL
Northern Lights 7-1, 14-4
MN Select 4-4, 9-9
AMERICAN
Northern Lights 4-4, 9-10
MN Select 1-7, 2-15
Omeja 0-8, 2-16

14s
OPEN
Northern Lights 1-2, 3-4
NATIONAL
MN Select 0-3, 3-6
AMERICAN
M1 2-1, 4-2
Club Falcons (Faribault) 1-2, 2-4
North Juniors (Woodbury) 0-3, 1-6
MN North 0-3, 0-6

ALL AMERICAN
Chelsea Fogarty of Northern Lights (and Belle Plaine) was named All American in the 17 Open Division.
Samantha Dale of M1 (and Alexandria) was named All American in the 17 National Division.

READY FOR THE FALL
Penn State has released their 2008 season prospectus. Their 2007 media guide won awards from USA Volleyball for best media guide in schools over 25,000.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Former Gopher Nicole Branagh and beach volleyball partner Elaine Youngs do a Q&A with NBC Sports.

HALF MARATHON
There will be memorial half marathon in Albert Lea July 12 for April Sorensen. She played volleyball for Albert Lea. She was murdered in her Rochester home in 2007. From the Rochester Post Bulletin.

Next up: tomorrow

Lakeview Hires, 17s Done at JO Nationals

#1 posting 7.2.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Phil Lalim has been named volleyball coach at Lakeview. Lalim is from Willmar, went to the University of Minnesota and SW MN State. From the Marshall Independent.

JO TOURNAMENT
Here are how the Minnesota teams stack up at the Junior Olympic national tournament in Dallas, Texas.
place (if final) team matches w-l, games w-l

17s (final standings)
OPEN
5th: Northern Lights 5-3, 17-13
NATIONAL
5th: M1 6-3, 14-8
9th: MN Select 8-3, 18-8
AMERICAN
11th: Northern Lights-2 6-6, 12-12
31st: MN Select-2 4-5, 9-11
37th: M1 Navy 4-6, 12-13
46th: YME Sting 1-9, 2-18

16s
OPEN
Northern Lights 2-0, 6-0
NATIONAL
M1 2-0, 4-0
Northern Lights-2 2-0, 4-1
MN Select 0-1, 0-2
AMERICAN
SMV 2-0, 4-1
M1 East 1-1, 3-2
Northern Lights-3 1-1, 3-3
SW MN Juniors 0-2, 1-4

15s
OPEN
M1 5-1, 10-5
NATIONAL
Northern Lights 5-0, 10-0
MN Select 2-3, 5-6
AMERICAN
Northern Lights-2 3-2, 6-6
Omeja 0-5, 1-10
MN Select 0-5, 0-10

Today the final group, the 14s, start play
OPEN: Northern Lights
NATIONAL: MN Select
AMERICAN: Club Falcons (Faribault); MN North; M1; North Juniors (Woodbury)

Next up: tomorrow

Two Coaching Moves, JO Tourney Results

#1 posting 7.1.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Former TMB volleyball coach Katie Gervais will be the new Tracy-Milroy-Balaton coach. Gervais was away from the job for two years. Gervais won two titles with TMB in 2001 and 2004. From the Marshall Independent.

Heidi Peterson has resigned as volleyball coach at Minneota to take the B squad job at Marshall. Peterson teaches in Marshall. Peterson won the A title in 2006. From the Marshall Independent.

JO TOURNAMENT
Here are the standings after yesterday at the JO Nationals in Dallas, Texas
17s
OPEN
Northern Lights 5-2, 17-10
NATIONAL
M1 6-2, 13-6
MN Select 5-3, 12-6
AMERICAN
Northern Lights 4-4, 10-10
MN Select 4-4, 8-9
M1 Navy 2-6, 8-13
YME Sting 0-8, 0-16

15s
OPEN
M1 2-1, 4-3
NATIONAL
Northern Lights 2-0, 4-0
MN Select 0-2, 1-4
AMERICAN
Northern Lights 2 2-0, 4-1
Omeja 0-2, 1-4
MN Select 2 0-2, 0-4

13s (final)
NATIONAL
37th: MN Select 5-5, 12-11
AMERICAN
43rd: Lady Lakers 2-7, 4-16

12s (final)
AMERICAN
7th: Mabel-Canton Jrs 3-6, 8-13

On Sunday the 18s finished. Here are the final finishes in the
AMERICAN
13th: SW MN Juniors
34th: MN North
35th: M1 Navy
43rd: MN Select 2

Today the 16s start tournament play.
OPEN: Northern Lights
NATIONAL: M1, MN Select, Northern Lights 2,
AMERICAN: M1 East, Northern Lights 3, SMV, SW MN Juniors

Next up: tomorrow