Photo by Sam Thiel Minneota’s Abby Hennen goes up for a kill during their match against LQPV on Thursday. Minneota defeated LQPV 3-0.

MINNEOTA – Socially-distanced spectators. Players, coaches and fans cheering on their team with face masks on. Teams not switching sides after each set or shaking hands after the match.

There’s a new look to the volleyball season.

What wasn’t new was the energy and excitement brought by both the Minneota and Lac qui Parle Valley volleyball teams as they officially began their 2020 campaign on Thursday night in Minneota. The Vikings, who are fresh off completing their second consecutive season with a Class A championship, started in strong form, using key runs in the middle of all three sets to earn a 3-0 (25-9, 25-10, 25-7) victory over the Eagles.

Minneota held a slim lead to begin Set 1 at 5-3, but quickly took control of the pace of the match, going on an 11-1 run to extend its advantage to 16-4. The Vikings continued to roll the rest of the frame, pushing their lead to 21-7 before taking the opening set 25-9.

Set 2 again saw a back-and-forth start with Minneota holding a tight lead. LQPV would continue to fight over the next few serves drawing to within three at 11-8, but Minneota quickly responded with a 9-1 run to make it 20-9. The Eagles were able to reach double-digit points in the set, but couldn’t gain much momentum, as Minneota took Set 2 25-10 and a 2-0 lead in the match.

The third set had Minneota take an early 5-3 lead before the Vikings went on a 9-2 run to take a 14-5 advantage. Minneota continued to keep its foot on the gas pedal the rest of the way, finishing the frame with an 11-2 run to take Set 3 25-7 and sweep the match.

Abby Hennen led the way for Minneota with 13 kills while Natalee Rolbiecki added eight and Abby Frie had six. McKenna Yost led in set assists with 28 while Ireland Stassen added 26 and McKenzie Tolk had four aces on the service line.

Up next

Minneota (1-0) will face Renville County West on Monday at 7:30 p.m.