The Lake Conference girls volleyball title has been Wayzata’s domain for more than a decade, but the Trojans are tied for second place going into this week’s action.
That’s because they lost to St. Michael-Albertville 25-19, 25-21, 25-19 Sept. 12.
Earlier in the week, the Trojans defeated Minnetonka in another Lake match 25-19, 19-25, 25-23, 25-21.
The good news for both Wayzata and Minnetonka is that the conference race was still up in the air going into a match between Minnetonka and STMA Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the STMA gym in Albertville.
A Minnetonka victory could create a three-way tie for the championship. An STMA victory would likely end the race.
Minnetonka head coach Karl Katzenberger gave his analysis: “We had a good effort against Wayzata. The last few years, they have out-rostered most of their opponents. They graduated some really good players, but they are still a very good team. We lost to them by a whisker, so I have to tip my hat to them.”
Turning his attention to STMA, Katzenberger said, “We are happy to be in the picture. Lake Conference matches are always fun. These are very good programs.”
Wayzata is rebuilding with two tall front-liners, Katie Kelzenberg and Reilly Kurth, who were key players on the state-championship team last year. Eva Swenson has taken over as the setter after her older sisters, Stella and Olivia, graduated and joined the University of Minnesota squad.
Minnetonka has the height to match Wayzata up front and is taller than the STMA squad.
“In our match with Wayzata, Ava Wolff came out strong, and Wayzata had to change their blocking to contend with her,” coach Katzenberger said. “KK Anderson is having a really good sophomore season and out setter, Aubrey Johnson, is a very important piece in what we want to do.”
Katzenberger likes the Skippers’ depth. Sophomore libero Jordyn Courtney has stepped up this year. Senior Olivia Leuer is an excellent second setter and Rylie Frandrup is another key defensive player.
All-Lake Conference hitter Hannah Jackson is a full-rotation player and an experienced leader.
Ninth-grader Thea Heiland is one of Tonka’s key newcomers as a 6-1 outside hitter.
“Thea had an extended role in the Wayzata match,” Katzenberger said.
There is a chance that the Lake Conference could have four teams in the State Class AAAA Tournament this fall, and all of the coaches would love to see that. Wayzata, Minnetonka and Edina all advanced to state as section champions in 2023. They all have a chance again this year along with St. Michael-Albertville.
Lake standings
STMA 3-0, Wayzata 3-1, Minnetonka 3-1, Eden Prairie 1-2, Hopkins 1-2, Edina 1-3, Buffalo 0-3.
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