TREVOR KLINK
Rogers • soccer
The senior forward acknowledged that had never been involved in a game with as many dramatic twists as in the Royals' 5-4 victory over Maple Grove on Saturday in the Class 2A, Section 8 semifinals. The game featured four lead changes, three penalty-kick goals, two overtimes and one fantastic game-winning goal.
"I had a throw-in from about 30 yards out and I threw it to Logan Olkon and he flicked it into the goal," Klink said. "We try that every time but I think it's only worked once. It took about two seconds for it to hit me that we had won."
The assist was Klink's second of the game, to go with two goals he had scored in regulation. Two days earlier in the section quarterfinals, he had tallied the game-winner in a 2-1 overtime victory over St. Michael-Albertville. Rogers plays St. Cloud Tech on Tuesday in the section finals for a shot at the first state tournament berth in team history.
"This is the best year we've ever had," said Klink, who is enjoying his best year ever as well, with 29 goals and 22 assists. "I think if we can keep the momentum going from Saturday, we should be good."
PAIGE ASPINWALL
Maple Grove • volleyball
The senior setter orchestrated a perfect 5-0 week for the Crimson, including the championship of the Sartell Tournament. Overall, Aspinwall had 126 set assists, 26 digs and 7 kills, highlighted by a 39-assist effort in a 3-0 victory over Sartell in the finals.
THOMAS BARBER
Armstrong • football
The senior linebacker/fullback, who has committed to Minnesota, made 16 tackles — 12 of them solo — and rushed for 58 yards and three touchdowns as the Falcons defeated Woodbury 43-27 in the 6A playoffs. It was Armstrong's first postseason victory since 2009.
SARAH GIGSTAD
Burnsville • soccer
The senior goalkeeper demonstrating a time-honored soccer truth: A team cannot lose if the opponent doesn't score. She made 14 total saves as the Blaze advanced to the Class 2A, Section 3 final with shutout victories over Hastings (3-0) and Eastview (1-0).
