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Chisago Lakes Head Coach Hannah Lindstrom was hoping this year would be the time they could hang with North Branch in volleyball and make some noise against the Vikings.

Then COVID-19 shut down their practice schedule and first two weeks of games while North Branch was able to practice and play. When the teams finally tangled on Wednesday, October 28, NB had already played three games while Chisago Lakes had just two practices.

It showed in the game, as North Branch swept Chisago Lakes 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 to keep the Chisago County crown in the rivalry.

On North Branch’s end, they had a balanced offensive attack again, with Lindsey Bunes leading with nine kills, Paige Peaslee and Leah Kent gathering eight kills each, and Paige Sheehan and Maddie Helin with five apiece. Sheehan also chipped in 26 assists and four aces.

For Chisago Lakes, Samantha Paulson led the ‘Cats with eight kills. Ashley Peltier had four from the middle. “They were both strong on offense,” Chisago Lakes Head Coach Hannah Lindstrom said. “It was a good start considering all the factors.”

Lindstrom also thought that the ‘Cats serve receive consistency was great. “We really worked on that and it got us into our offense,” she said.

Lindstrom also pointed to the rustiness as a factor in some of the points that got out of system. “Some normal balls fell through that you’d expect in the first game of the season,” Lindstrom said. “It was just some cohesiveness and communication issues. Some of those intangible things kept us behind.”

The coach was impressed, though, with the play of Annika Zins, saying, “Her ability to play defense, pass, set, hit, block and serve was amazing. She’s very well-rounded in all facets and her game as a whole is impressive.”

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