Maple Lake has an answer at last in 2A volleyball

Maple Lake volleyball players were screaming loudly, giving each other high fives. Concordia Academy's group looked on dejectedly.

The Irish ended three years of frustration, rallying to defeat Concordia Academy 16-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-13 in the Class 2A quarterfinals Thursday at Xcel Energy Center. They lost to the Beacons (26-8) twice earlier this season in the Class 2A Showcase.

"That was crazy, just like the whole atmosphere in the building," Maple Lake senior middle hitter Emily Webb said. "You get that feeling in your stomach, that good feeling."

Webb ended the marathon with a tip over a pair of Concordia Academy blockers. It was the school's, first victory in state tournament play. Maple Lake is making its fourth consecutive appearance in the field.

Maple Lake dropped the first two games, largely due to unforced errors. It got that corrected in the final three games.

"We had a lot of work to do, but it wasn't over," Webb said. "Once we got to the fifth game, we felt like we were going to win."

Webb finished with 10 kills for the Irish (28-5). Freshman outside hitter Linsey Rachel had a game-high 18 kills and 22 digs.

Maple Lake's Emily Webb

Marshall 3, Thief River Falls 0: The three-time defending state champion Tigers aren't as imposing as past years. That doesn't mean they can't make a run at a four-peat.

The No. 3-ranked Tigers cruised past the much taller Thief River Falls 25-23, 25-12, 25-20 in their 14th consecutive trip to the state tournament.

"We're back with the same goals we had last year," Marshall junior middle hitter Marah Mulso said. "We've felt a lot of pressure because of what we've done over the past years."

Mulso had 16 kills to lead the way for the Tigers (24-9). Junior setter Abby Louwagie had 33 setting assists and a team-high nine digs.

Stewartville 3, Mora 0: The last of the No. 1 seeds, Stewartville, advanced to the semifinals in three straight games just like the previous two. It just didn't come as easily.

The Tigers disposed of a pesky Mora squad 25-19, 25-17, 25-22 in an atypical sluggish performance. Stewartville was the runner-up in 2011, its last state tournament appearance.

"I was really excited to play here," Stewartville senior Marissa Behrens said. She watched her older sister, Brianna, as a member of that 2011 team from the stands of the Xcel Energy Center. "I remember wanting to play in the state tournament, too."

Junior middle hitter Jenna Willenborg paced the Tigers (28-6) with nine kills while Behrens had eight.

"We're a young team," Behrenas said. "We'll regroup and come back better tomorrow."

Belle Plaine 3, Rocori 1: Welcome back, Mariena Hayden.

The Tigers sophomore outside hitter, who missed more than a month of the season because of a back injury, has returned with a vengeance. Hayden was dominant in leading Belle Plaine past the Spartans 25-16, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22.