Martin County West spikes after falling behind early against Ada-Borup

A year ago Martin County West's Taryn Tumbleson was sitting in the stands at Xcel Energy Center, unable to help her teammates in a first-round loss in the Class 1A volleyball tournament.

Tumbleson, a senior outside hitter, had been injured in a car accident just before the 2013 season and missed the entire year.

"I was ejected from the car," she said. "I had compressed vertebrae, broke 11 ribs, had a concussion. I sat in the stands and saw things much differently."

Tumbleson is back this year, and her blocking and hitting on Thursday played a vital role in the Mavericks' 14-25, 25-18, 25-14, 26-24 victory over Ada-Borup in the quarterfinals. Martin County West trailed 24-16 in the fourth set but reeled off 10 consecutive points to win the match.

For Tumbleson, getting another chance to play after her injuries was a blessing, no matter the result.

"It was an eye-opener for me," she said. "I don't take anything for granted."

She acknowledged, however, that winning the match in such dramatic fashion was particularly enjoyable.

Jim Paulsen

Bethlehem Academy 3, Kittson County Central 0: Not much has changed for Payton Nutter in the year she and her Bethlehem Academy teammates were absent from the Class 1A volleyball state tournament. But it sure feels good to be back.

The Cardinals easily defeated Kittson County Central 25-12, 25-25, 25-13, serving notice that their intent is nothing short of their seventh state title.

Nutter, who led the Cardinals with 14 kills and 14 assists, said not making the tournament last year has been a driving force all season. "After last year we were just motivated to get back here," Nutter said.

Bethlehem Academy coach Franz Boelter is just as happy to be back in Xcel Energy Center.

Jim Paulsen

Tracy-Milroy-Balaton 3, Browerville 0: Tracy-Milroy-Balaton is celebrating the 10th and 20th anniversaries of two of their seven state championship teams. Can history repeat itself?

The fourth-ranked Panthers (27-9) used a balanced attack to dismantle Browerville 25-11, 25-15, 25-13. They were the Class 2A champions in 2004 and Class 1A champions in 1994.

It also happens to be the Panthers' first state tournament appearance since that last state title run in 2004.

"We were a little nervous because we haven't been here in 10 years," said Panthers senior middle hitter Sammie Gervais, who led the winners with 14 kills. "There was a lot of energy out there."

"We're playing really well," Sammie said. "We're peaking at the right time."

RON HAGGSTROM

Mayer Lutheran 3, Carlton 1: Don't be fooled by the Crusaders' 15 losses on the season. They have learned from each of them.

A young Crusaders squad, with only one senior in its starting lineup, topped Carlton 25-22, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17. It also beat the Bulldogs in the Class 1A Showcase during the regular season.

"We couldn't be too confident just because we beat them earlier this year," said Crusaders senior middle hitter Maria Kuntz, who had a game-high 21 kills. "We've had a lot of close games."

"We've had our ups-and-downs," Kuntz said. "It's been a rough year, but we continue to fight through it."

RON HAGGSTROM