A Five Set Thriller in Chaska

 The bleachers were packed with red and maroon clad volleyball fans Tuesday night to see the battle of top ranked teams the Mayer Lutheran Crusaders in Class A and the host Southwest Christian Stars in Class AA and it turned out to be a thriller as the Stars scored four straight points in the fifth set to beat the Crusaders three sets to two.  

There were several ties in the first set as the Stars used powerful attacks to go on a 5-0 run. Southwest Christian went on a 7-2 run that also included the 2000th career assist for senior setter Ella McIntosh that resulted in a 25-20 win.  Estelle Haugen, headed for Georgia next season got the set winning kill.  

To the second set where the lead changed hands throughout.  Mayer Lutheran would even the score at 18 and Southwest Christian would regain the lead.  They would score three straight points to clinch the win, including a kill from Annika Veurink.  

Down two sets to none, the unbeaten Crusaders would bounce back in the third set as the lead went back and forth like a pendulum on a grandfather clock.  Outstanding blocking by Mehlayna Straub and and Callie Coughlin kept the Stars shining in the set.  With the score tied at 24, Mayer Lutheran scored the last two points to win 26-24.  

The Crusaders, led by the all around play of Lily Wachholz, who will be heading down I-35 to Iowa State next season took the fourth set 25-22, thus forcing a fifth set.  

And what a fifth set it was as both teams displayed excellent volleyball and was the Stars who would prevail as they put the set away 15-11.  

Both head coaches Jessy Tow-Arnett of Southwest Christian and Joelle Grimsley were interviewed prior to the start of the match.  Tow-Arnett stated the key to the Stars success.  

"They understand high level volleyball has to be fought.  Every game shouldn't be an easy win."  

Grimsley gave her reaction to the expanded state tournament from three to four classes.  

"It's a great opportunity for people.  More people to experience the state tournament."  

The Stars improved their record to 16-2 and head to Delano to face the Tigers on Thursday, Spetember 30 at 7 PM.  The Crusaders fell to 17-1 and will also be in action on the 30th as they host the Belle Plaine Tigers at 7 PM.