Mayer Lutheran, Minneota, Bethlehem Academy and Wadena-Deer Creek win in Class 1A state quarterfinals

With a 2016 state championship in her back pocket, three all-state players and nine seniors on her team, Mayer Lutheran coach Joelle Grimsley acknowledges that at times her biggest chore is spreading the wealth.

But after posting their 30th victory of the season in a 25-15, 25-9, 25-19 Class 1A quarterfinals victory over Cook County on Thursday, even that has become a nonfactor.

"Sometimes this year, there were times when we said, 'Let's get this person the ball a little more' or things like that," Grimsley said. "But they're super supportive and very encouraging toward each other. They're happy for each other when things go well."

With so much veteran experience, things scarcely could have gone better. The Crusaders have lost just twice this season, falling to the No. 1-ranked team in the larger classes, Eagan and Maple Lake. At times this season, the team ran so smoothly that Grimsley just sat back and watched.

"I don't call timeouts very often," Grimsley said. "They know what they're supposed to do. I've let them do a lot."

The all-state seniors lived up to their billing against Cook County. Madison Hucky had 23 set assists and added 10 kills. Sophia Heuer had nine kills and 14 digs and libero Mya Chmielewski had 10 digs.

Grimsley said the team's focus has changed from simply getting to the tournament to winning it all.

Minneota 3, New Life Academy 0: Back at the state tournament for the first time since 2013, No. 2 seed Minneota started with a 25-20, 25-10, 25-21 sweep of the Eagles.

The Vikings (28-5) were backed with 21 kills from Lydia Sussner, 36 assists from Morgan Kockleman and 15 digs from Lizzy Gillingham.

"We can definitely depend on Lydia in tough situations if we need to," Kockelman said.

Meanwhile, it was a struggle for New Life Academy (18-14) to contain Sussner. Eagles junior captain Kate Rogers said she was frustrated trying to block Sussner, saying, "I just kept my eye on her."

It's the first state tournament appearance for the Eagles, after they didn't drop a set in the Section 4 tournament.

"We started to block the ball a little bit better," Eagles coach Wally Bomgren said.

Bethlehem Academy 3, Pine River-Backus 1: Senior Mary Campbell led No. 3 seed Bethlehem Academy with 21 kills and 12 digs in a four-set, 25-17, 25-11, 25-27, 25-20 victory. Eighth-grader Abby Jandro had 50 set assists for the Cardinals.