UPDATE: The Stewartville Tigers clinched third place in the Class 3A state volleyball tournament, defeating Cretin-Derham Hall in a thrilling five-set match, 15 minutes ago. This victory comes just one day after their semifinal loss to the No. 2 seed, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, showcasing their resilience and determination at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
In a nail-biting showdown against Cretin-Derham Hall, Stewartville rallied to win with scores of 25-19, 25-23, 19-25, 24-26, 15-10. Senior middle hitter Matilda Dube led the Tigers with 15 kills, while fellow seniors Ella Theobald and Dream Petersohn each contributed 13 kills. Freshman outside hitter Sylvia Heusinkvelt added nine kills, demonstrating the team’s depth and talent.
Defensively, senior defensive specialist Reagan Mittelstadt made a significant impact with a match-high 22 digs. The match was tightly contested, with 10 ties and six lead changes, highlighting the intensity of high school volleyball at this level. The Tigers conclude their season with a commendable overall record of 28-5 and their 26th appearance at the state tournament, a testament to their program’s strength.
Meanwhile, the Fillmore Central Falcons also celebrated a successful finish, securing fifth place in the Class 1A tournament. They dominated Cleveland with a clean sweep, winning 25-22, 25-22, 25-14. Senior outside hitter Kyla Hellickson and sophomore middle hitter Madilyn Zwart each recorded 12 kills, leading the charge for the Falcons.
Fillmore Central faced an early setback, losing to No. 6 Ada-Borup-West in the quarterfinals. However, they bounced back by sweeping No. 7 Nevis and finishing strong in the consolation bracket. The Falcons end their season with an impressive record of 27-7, marking their third appearance at the state volleyball tournament, a significant achievement for the program.
These thrilling matches not only highlight the athletic skill on display but also the emotional investment from players, coaches, and fans. Both teams have showcased incredible sportsmanship and determination, leaving a lasting impact on their communities.
As the volleyball season wraps up, fans eagerly await the next chapter for both Stewartville and Fillmore Central as they look to build on their successes in the upcoming year.
