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The Wildcats fell 0-3 (16-25, 19-25, 22-25) to North Branch to conclude the regular season of volleyball for both local teams.

A slow start for the ‘Cats kept them out of system and struggling on defense in set one while the North Branch offense was cooking with Jenna Minke setting for the Vikings. Set two and three brought a more even fight between the teams and more talent from the ‘Cats, as they sped up their defense and added variation to their offensive threats. 

While there were many moments of excellent play from Chisago Lakes, North Branch would always answer back with a counter attack couldn't string them together enough to come back.

Highlights of the night for Chisago Lakes included Kate Friedner with eight kills, two aces, three blocks, 11 digs, and 27 receptions; Mariah Cave with eight kills and four blocks, Kayla Larsen with seven kills and seven digs; and Olivia Anderson with 22 receptions and 18 digs.

North Branch was led by Jade Knoespel, Heidi Hedberg and Amelia Lattimore in the win.

The match was the annual "Pink Out" match at Chisago Lakes, raising funds and awareness for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A "Kills for Cancer" pledge drive was run by the Wildcats. $172 was raised for the BCRF from the 30 kills earned by the Wildcats.

Section Previews

North Branch finished the season 17-11 and were co-champions of the Mississippi 8 Conference with Monticello and Princeton. They drew the second seed in the Section 7AAA tournament and opened with seventh seeded Hibbing on Wednesday, October 22.

In the likely event that North Branch won the match — Hibbing is 5-14 on the year — they will host either third seeded Grand Rapids or sixth seeded Rock Ridge in the semifinals at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 27.

The Vikings lost twice to Rapids earlier this year, a 3-2 thriller in the second match of the year and a 2-0 sweep at the Midwest Volleyball Warehouse Showcase.

Princeton drew the top seed in the section with a record of 23-4, but one of their losses was a 3-1 upset at the hands of North Branch in late September. If North Branch were to make it to the section finals, the game would be played on Thursday, October 30 at a neutral site.

Chisago Lakes, who finished 14-9, also drew the second seed in their section, 3AAA. They hosted Minneapolis Edison in the first round on October 22 and were heavily favored to win.

If the Wildcats won, they’ll tak on either third seeded Hill Murray or sixth seeded St. Anthony Village on Friday, October 24. They swept both squads earlier this year in prior match ups.

In the other side of the bracket, top-seeded Mahtomedi will likely breeze to the finals. The Zephyrs swept Chisago Lakes when they played earlier this year.

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