Volleyball Finals Tonight

Kerry Rodd-NSO

The day has finally arrived for three NSO area volleyball teams vying for a spot in next weeks state volleyball tournament.  Two of those local NSO teams square off against each other, while the other faces the defending sectional champion.

  Carlton and McGregor, Polar League Conference foes, have seen each other a lot this season and today they will do battle in the Section 7A title match in Deer River at 6pm.  Carlton, the #1 seed, comes in with a record of 25-5, while the #3 seeded Mercs have been a suprise this season and enter with a 20-7 record.

  Carlton is led by a team filled with depth that includes; Grace Macor, Jessica Stanslaski, Hannah Benson, Grace Macor, Macy Belich as well as Brianna Walton and others who all meld together for a fast-paced squad.  Carlton is seeking its third state tournament berth.

  McGregor relies on middle hitter Gretchen Grams as well as Abby Hawkinson for their leadership on a team that is dominated by senior athletes.

  In Section 7AA the Cloquet Lumberjacks came in as the #3 seed and they are chalk full of talented athletes, but they will need all that athleticism to overcome Mora the defending section champs.  Cloquet downed Hermantown 3-0 in the semi finals and will need more of the same from players like; Sami Westendorf, Alex Oakes, Olivia Mayasich, Kassidy Steen and others. 

  Cloquet comes in with a 22-7 record against the 26-4 Mustangs.  The Lumberjacks are looking for their first state tournament berth in school history.

  The Cloquet vs Mora match up will take place in Duluth at 4pm at Denfeld High School.

Kerry Rodd