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MARSHALL -- The Minneota volleyball team is one win away from a section championship and a trip to the state tournament after sweeping Central Minnesota Christian 25-20, 25-19 and 25-22 in the Section 3A semifinals. The state tournament will be held next week at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
The Vikings improved to 28-4 overall with the victory and will face Adrian/Ellsworth in the Section 3A championship Saturday, Nov. 7, at Southwest Minnesota State University with first serve at 5pm.
Minneota head coach Kaley Buysse said she expected a battle against the Bluejays, especially with the teams meeting for the third time this season.
"We knew it was going to be a battle. We knew CMCS was going to come out fighting," Buysse said. "Our girls played so well, they fought hard. We fought through a lot of adversity, and I’m just so proud of them."
The Vikings also had to overcome an early lineup and rotation error, something Buysse said made her especially proud of how the team responded.
"I cannot express how proud I am of those girls for what they fought through and that because they stuck together and they had to fight," Buysse said.
Jaylyn Coequyt led Minneota’s offense with 13 kills, while Eden Meagher added nine and Leah Coequyt finished with eight. Brek Fier had four kills, and Sophie Gillund added three.
Buysse praised Jaylyn Coequyt’s ability to find openings in opposing defenses and provide a consistent offensive option.
"She’s such a smart offensive player. She sees those holes, she knows where she’s got to place that ball," Buysse said.
The Vikings also benefited from a balanced offensive attack, with Libby Sussner recording 19 assists and Gillund adding 17. Buysse said the team’s ability to spread the ball around gives its setters several options.
"We can give it to anybody, and somebody’s going to put it away," Buysse said.
Leah Coequyt and Fier led Minneota with three blocks apiece, while Gillund added two.
Meagher led the Vikings defensively with 14 digs. Autum Anderson and Sussner each had 10, while Brynn Rost added seven. Ava Rost and Gillund each finished with four digs.
Gillund led Minneota with two service aces, while Rost and Anderson each added one.
With a spot in the section championship secured, Buysse said the Vikings are focused on preparing for Adrian/Ellsworth and treating Saturday as a fresh start.
"Everything before this, honestly, doesn’t really matter at this point," Buysse said. "We got to come in on Saturday. We got to fight, and that’s the game that matters ahead of us."
Buysse also credited the Minneota community for its continued support throughout the season.
"The support that we have from our community, and just the support that the girls have from their community, and their families, and their friends is incredible. It does not go unnoticed," Buysse said.