November 3, 2016 at 3:31 p.m.
North Branch shocks top-seeded Elk River to move into semi-finals
North Branch shocks top-seeded Elk River to move into semi-finals
They were seeded ninth going into the section and drew eighth seeded Andover in the play-in round. The Huskies had beat North Branch in five sets just three weeks prior.
The Lady Vikings would not be denied, however, with their season on the line. They won the first set 25-17 before dropping the second set. They rebounded nicely for a 25-19 win in the third set and a season-saving 25-23 win in the fourth set.
Cianna Selbitschka had 19 kills and 18 digs and Haley Hadrava had two kills, seven digs and 29 asssists from her setter position.
Madison Hadrava added five kills and two aces and Katie Burnside had six kills for North Branch.
The win moved them on to play the top-seeded Elk River Elks. When the two teams clashed in mid-September, Elk River won in a three set sweep and none of the games were particularily close. NB had lost 25-15, 25-20 and 25-21.
It looked like their section match up would go the same way. Elk River won the first set 25-19, but North Branch responded for a 25-22 win in the second set.
In the third set, despite keeping it close, Elk River pulled away late to win 25-22 and put North Branch on the brink of elimination.
In the fourth set, North Branch’s season was oh-so-close to ending late in the set, but they were able to fight the Elk River offense off and hold on for the 26-24 win to send the match into the fifth set.
North Branch got off to a blazing fast start in the fifth set and won easily 15-7.
Selbitschka went off in the match, smashing 31 kills and 27 digs to go along with three aces. Haley Hadrava had 49 assists. Lydia Langevin had 12 kills, and Burnside and Madison Hadrava had eight each. Defensive specialist Sophie Linder had 28 digs for NB.
The big change for North Branch from the early season struggles, is that they’ve changed their offense and changed setters. “We’ve moved a few girls around and have found some great roles for our players,” Head Coach Mike Selbitschka said. “The girls are energized, confident, aggressive, and now focused on every play. They are ready for their next game!”
North Branch's dream run did end in the semi-finals against Grand Rapids. The Thunderhawks swept North Branch 3-0, ending their season.
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