UPDATE: The Stewartville Tigers clinched a thrilling third-place victory in the Class 3A state volleyball tournament after a dramatic five-set match against Cretin-Derham Hall on October 28, 2023, at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. The Tigers, ranked No. 3, concluded their season with an impressive 28-5 record.
In a nail-biting showdown, Stewartville triumphed with set scores of 25-19, 25-23, 19-25, 24-26, 15-10. Senior middle hitter Matilda Dube led the charge with 15 kills, while seniors Ella Theobald and Dream Petersohn contributed 13 kills each. Freshman sensation Sylvia Heusinkvelt also made a mark with 9 kills.
The match was intense, featuring 10 ties and 6 lead changes, showcasing both teams’ competitive spirit. Senior setter Abigail Langseth and freshman Clara Theobald combined for a total of 51 assists, while senior defensive specialist Reagan Mittelstadt recorded a remarkable 22 digs.
Meanwhile, the Fillmore Central Falcons also celebrated a victory, securing fifth place in the Class 1A state tournament after a decisive sweep against Cleveland, with set scores of 25-22, 25-22, 25-14. This victory came just a day after Fillmore Central rebounded from a quarterfinal upset, finishing the tournament strong with a 27-7 overall record.
In this match, senior outside hitter Kyla Hellickson and sophomore middle hitter Madilyn Zwart each delivered a match-high of 12 kills. Sophomore outside hitter Norah Nagel added 9 kills, with junior libero Josiana Corson leading defensively with 21 digs.
These performances mark significant milestones for both teams, with Stewartville making its 26th trip to the state tournament and Fillmore Central achieving its third. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season, making their communities proud.
As the volleyball season concludes, fans are left buzzing from the excitement and competition witnessed throughout the tournaments. Stay tuned for more updates on the teams’ futures and player highlights in the coming days.
