UPDATE: In a thrilling conclusion to the state volleyball tournament, the Stewartville Tigers secured third place after a dramatic five-set match against Cretin-Derham Hall on October 28, 2023, at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. The Tigers, who entered the tournament as the No. 3 seed, triumphed with a score of 3-2 (25-19, 25-23, 19-25, 24-26, 15-10), capping off their season with an impressive 28-5 overall record.
Stewartville’s standout player, senior middle Matilda Dube, led the charge with a remarkable 15 kills. Senior teammates Ella Theobald and Dream Petersohn contributed significantly with 13 kills each, while Sydney Klar added 12 kills to the team’s total. Freshman outside hitter Sylvia Heusinkvelt also showcased her skills with 9 kills.
Defensively, senior defensive specialist Reagan Mittelstadt shined with a match-high 22 digs, supported by sophomore Spencer Nagel and sophomore defensive specialist Leah Hebl, who added 21 and 10 digs, respectively. The match was highly competitive, featuring 10 ties and 6 lead changes, demonstrating the intensity of high school volleyball at this level.
Earlier this weekend, the Fillmore Central Falcons also made headlines by clinching fifth place in the Class 1A tournament. The Falcons, seeded No. 3, swept Cleveland with a decisive 3-0 victory (25-22, 25-22, 25-14), ending their season with a commendable 27-7 record.
Sophomore middle hitter Madilyn Zwart and senior outside hitter Kyla Hellickson each dominated the court with a match-high 12 kills. The team’s success was bolstered by sophomore outside hitter Norah Nagel and junior middle hitter Lauren Dahly, who contributed 9 and 8 kills, respectively.
In the setting department, sophomore Hannah Vaalemoen and senior Aubrey Daniels provided a solid foundation with 16 and 15 assists. Junior libero Josiana Corson anchored the defense with 21 digs, ensuring the Falcons’ victory was both commanding and strategic.
Both teams displayed resilience and skill throughout the tournament, with Stewartville marking its 26th trip to the state volleyball tournament, adding to a legacy that includes five championship wins, the last achieved in 2019.
As the volleyball season wraps up, fans are already looking ahead to next year, eager to see how both these teams will build on their successes and challenges faced during this tournament. The excitement and anticipation for the following season are palpable, promising more thrilling matches to come.
This weekend’s matches not only highlighted the talent of high school athletes but also showcased the community support that fuels these young players’ ambitions. The future looks bright for both Stewartville and Fillmore Central as they continue to strive for excellence in Minnesota volleyball.
