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They say beating a team three times in one season is near impossible, but Grand Rapids proved that anything is possible when they beat the North Branch volley squad in the section semifinals on Monday, October 27.

NB’s postseason run came to an end Monday night, but not without a fight. The Vikings pushed Grand Rapids early in the the Section 7AAA semifinal, before falling 3-1 to the Thunderhawks at North Branch High School.

North Branch, seeded second in the section, entered the match riding the momentum of a convincing quarterfinal win over Hibbing. Against the third-seeded Thunderhawks, they showed the same grit that defined their season, even as Grand Rapids’ size and balance eventually proved too much to overcome. But, when the Vikings were on, they were lethal, beating GR 25-13 in the third set.

The Thunderhawks took the opening two sets, using a quick-hitting offense and strong front-line play to build control. But true to form, North Branch refused to fade. In the third set, the Vikings found their rhythm behind crisp passing and the steady sets. 

However, Grand Rapids regrouped in the fourth set and closed things out 25-21 to seal the match and advance to the section final against Princeton

For North Branch, it was a tough ending to a strong season — one filled with growth and big performances from both veterans and emerging underclassmen.

The Vikings finish the year as one of the top teams in Section 7AAA, once again showing that the program remains a perennial contender with Head Coach Mike Selbitschka in charge.

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