Athletes of the week

MOLLIE GESKE

Shakopee, volleyball

When a team beats one of the best in the nation, as Shakopee did when it beat No. 1, 3A Lakeville North in the championship match of the Apple Valley Eagle Invitational, it's easy to focus on the stars, the big hitters and game-controlling setters.

But it was the play of Geske, a sophomore libero, that stood out for the Sabers. She had 43 digs in their four matches in the tournament and repeatedly stymied the powerful Panthers in the finals. "Her defensive play kept us in the match," Sabers coach Matt Busch said.

Playing libero -- a defense-only position that never plays in the front -- is often a thankless job. Geske admits it's difficult watching others get noticed for the unbeaten Sabers' success, but in the end, winning trumps all.

"Sometimes it's hard, but it's easy to shoo those kinds of feelings away when the team wins," Geske said.

Beating Lakeville North, which was ranked No. 6 in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com, was unique.

"For once, we were the underdogs," she said. "It was our first time going out to play with nothing to lose. I think it helped us relax."

TREVOR FUNK

West Lutheran, football

The senior tailback refused to let the Warriors lose Friday, posting a school- record 266 yards rushing and scoring five touchdowns, including a 23-yard game-winner with 6 minutes left in a 33-28 victory over Concordia (Bloomington).

KAELA ANDERSON

Stillwater, girls' swimming

The sophomore had seven victories in eight races, including back-to-back record-setting performances in the 200-yard freestyle in a dual-meet with Woodbury and at the Minneapolis South Invitational.

REGGIE GANDY

Mpls. Southwest, football

Gandy, a freshman RB/DB, was the star in a 36-26 victory over Minneapolis North. He rushed for 173 yards, gained 81 yards receiving, scored four touchdowns and intercepted a pass.

CASSY OPITZ

Eden Prairie, cross-country

The junior made it three victories in four races this fall when she won the Apple Valley Eagle Invitational. Her 4K time of 15:12.9, more than 10 seconds ahead of the runner-up, helped the Eagles to the team title.

MIKE HUTTON

Apple Valley, boys' soccer

The senior Mr. Soccer candidate scored the tying goal in a 2-2 tie with Eden Prairie and scored three times in a 4-0 victory over Lakeville South. Hutton leads the Lake Conference in scoring with 15 goals and 20 points.

DANA VAN BRUGGEN

Buffalo, girls' tennis

The best female tennis player in Buffalo history, the senior reached a milestone, winning her 150th match in a victory over Princeton last Tuesday. She won three more times and has a career record of 153-24.

JIM KARAGEORGIOU

Burnsville, boys' soccer

Karageorgiou, a junior forward, called last week the best of his life. He scored all three goals in a 3-0 victory over Eastview, had three goals in an 8-2 victory over Chaska and four goals in a 6-2 win over Grand Rapids.

JIM PAULSEN