A long-awaited return to state

LAUREN SUTHERLAND

Meadow Creek Christian, volleyball

Things seemed to come pretty easily for the Saints three years ago. They qualified for the state tournament and, with a roster loaded with freshmen, seemed prepared to make state appearances a yearly occurrence.

But Meadow Creek Christian lost in the Class 1A, Section 4 finals in each of the past two seasons. So it's easy to see why Saturday's five-game victory over Mayer Lutheran in the section finals was more than a little fulfilling for Saints players.

Sutherland, a 5-11 senior middle hitter and team captain, was outstanding in the match with 24 kills, giving her 51 kills in three matches last week.

"We have eight seniors, and we've all been playing together since fifth grade," Sutherland said. "As freshmen, the state tournament was exciting, but we really didn't know what to expect. It was very disappointing that we lost in the [section] finals two years in a row, but this is what we worked for all season. To go back to the state tournament together as seniors is amazing."

It nearly didn't happen. After winning two of the first three games Saturday, Meadow Creek dropped the fourth game, and the teams were tied 13-13 in the deciding fifth game before Meadow Creek won the final two points and the match.

"Of course, we had some little doubts creep in, but we stayed confident," Sutherland said. "We all knew how bad we wanted it."

AARON BARTNIK

Eden Prairie, cross-country

Bartnik led nearly the entire race in winning the Class 2A meet, holding off Woodbury's Marty Joyce at the end and finishing with a 5K time of 15 minutes, 55.1 seconds. His victory helped the Eagles past Wayzata for the team championship.

KERRIE DINGMANN

Orono, soccer

The senior midfielder scored the winning goal in overtime and assisted on the other goal in a 2-1 victory over La Crescent in the Class 1A semifinals and scored a goal and added another assist in a 5-0 victory over Blake in the championship game.

JAMES NEHER

Mahtomedi, soccer

The senior goalkeeper did not give up a goal in two games as the Zephyrs won the Class 1A championship. His best save came on a point-blank shot by Totino-Grace's Paul Yonga that clinched a shootout victory in the semifinals.

KATIE HABECK

Farmington, volleyball

The junior middle hitter chose the right time to produce the best match of her high school career, charting a career-best 31 kills, 15 total blocks and seven digs in a five-game victory over Rochester Century in the Class 3A, Section 1 finals.

DAJON NEWELL

Lakeville North, football

Newell was a one-man gang for the Panthers in their 28-18 victory over Owatonna in the Class 5A, Section 1 championship game. He rushed for 310 yards on 25 carries and scored all four touchdowns on runs of 40 yards or longer.

MARIA HAUGER

Shakopee, cross-country

Hauger, a freshman, completed an undefeated season when she ran out to a big lead and held off Elk River's Emma Bates to win the Class 2A individual championship. Hauger's time of 14:40.8 was less than one second ahead of Bates.

JIM PAULSEN