1A volleyball: Bethlehem Academy in title match again

It's no wonder the Faribault team advanced to the 1A championship match for the eighth time in a row.

By JIM PAULSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: November 13, 2009 - 10:57 PM

The plan, as devised by coach Franz Boelter, is right on schedule.

Playing airtight defense and passing with precision, Bethlehem Academy of Faribault beat game-but-overmatched Meadow Creek Christian in straight sets, 25-20, 25-12, 25-16, to advance to the Class 1A championship match for the eighth consecutive year.

A big reason for the run of success the Cardinals have had is their schedule. Boelter makes sure his team is battle-tested during the season with an eye toward postseason success.

"We try to schedule the best competition," Boelter said. "We're fortunate that a lot of the Class 3A schools are willing to put us on their schedule."

Fortunate largely because Bethlehem Academy is never a pushover. All three losses this year came to teams ranked at or near the top of the larger classes, and they can boast of victories over such powers as Lakeville North, Delano and Chaska.

"It certainly helps us at this time of year," Boelter said. "Our team has learned how to make the right adjustments."

Bethlehem Academy took Meadow Creek Christian's best shot in the first set, falling behind the Saints 6-1 and 9-4 before rallying behind the smooth play of senior setter Jena Budde to win the set.

Budde was perfect in her setting attempts, getting the ball in position to Bethlehem Academy's heralded hitters Holly Hafemeyer (21 kills) and KariAnne Nass (8 kills). Budde finished with 35 set assists.

"My job is behind the scenes so they can do theirs," Budde said. "If I play my best, we do well."

Based on the pattern they've established, things are looking good for the Cardinals in today's championship match. Going back to their first state tournament appearance in 2002, they have finished as runners-up in the even-numbered years and won the state championship in the odd-numbered years.

"We're big fans of the pattern this year," Boelter said.

Minneota 3, Lake of the Woods 0

Samantha Hennen wasn't sure it would happen again. So, when the Minneota middle hitter was asked how it felt to be back in the state championship game three years after winning the Class 1A title in 2006, Hennen paused, started to talk, then paused again.

"I think I'm going to cry," she said. "This is what we've worked for for so long."

The Vikings, ranked No. 2 in Class 1A, utilized a balanced attack and put up a strong block at the net to beat Lake of the Woods 25-13, 25-19, 25-21.

Hennen and fellow senior Leah Fadness played on the 2006 state championship team. But the Vikings fell short of a state tournament berth in each of the past two seasons, falling to Windom in the section finals both years.

"We just have one match to go," Hennen said. "Not making it the last two years makes us want it that much more."