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The Chisago Lakes volleyball team saw its postseason run come to an end Friday night in Mahtomedi, as the Wildcats fell to the top-seeded Zephyrs 25-12, 24-26, 25-12, 25-20 in the Section 4AAA championship match. The loss capped a successful  season for the Wildcats.

Mahtomedi, now 21-9, advanced to its fourth consecutive state tournament appearance and showed why it remains one of the most consistent programs in the metro area. The Zephyrs used their height and balance at the net to control play in the opening set before Chisago Lakes battled back in a tense second set, earning a hard-fought win that evened the match.

The Wildcats’ front line of Kate Friedner and Mariah Cave led the attack with nine and seven kills. Setters Kianna Osmundson and Morgan Mayer distributed the offense efficiently as Chisago Lakes forced long volleys and extended points against the powerful Zephyr hitters.

Mahtomedi’s standout Louisa Tarnowski proved difficult to contain, tallying 24 kills on the night. The Zephyrs regrouped after the second set, dominating the third and closing out the match with steady execution in the fourth.

Despite the loss, Chisago Lakes’ season was one marked by growth and determination. The Wildcats put together one of their strongest playoff runs in recent years and fell short to a familiar foe.

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