The StormHawks boys’ volleyball team (1-5) took on the Minnetonka Skippers (2-9) on Thursday, April 24, at Chaska High School.
The StormHawks came off spring break with a win over Lakeville North (3-1) and then hit a challenging run against Rosemont, Eastview, West/Orono/Waconia and Benilde-St. Margaret’s (BSM). The BSM match had the StormHawks battle the Red Knights for 45 minutes in the first set, taking the score all the way up to 34-36.
The StormHawks were ready for the Skippers and took the momentum of having played conference leader BSM so tough. Taking a quick lead in the first set with a number of solid vollies and effective serves, the StormHawks went on to take the first set, 25-21.
The second set saw both the StormHawks and the Skippers upping their defensive game. Points see-sawed back and forth for both teams with each team demonstrating solid plays with digs, saves and spikes. Minnetonka took the second set, 25-21.
Both teams focused on the third set. Tonka jumped out to an early lead and used a deep bench to keep fresh, working their plays with targeted shots and blocks. Minnetonka built up a lead and kept it to take the third set, 25-16.
The entire StormHawks team showed strong coordinated play. Sophomore Ben Codding provided strong serves throughout the match in all sets. Co-captain Devon Hargraves provided constant positive communication to his teammates.
Settling in for a fourth set, both teams kept up the intensity. Strong play on both sides took the set to 8-8, and then Tonka started to make a few more critical shots. The Skippers started to push a bit harder and took the set to 25-14 to take the match three sets to one.
After the match, Coach Syndey Dose stressed with the team the progress they have made in their game play and the effort the team gave in the match.
“I’m proud of the team and the great play I saw tonight,” Dose said, “Everyone was hitting the floor, diving/going after the ball and showing great effort.”
Ben Godding shared with his team, “Guys, that was the most fun I’ve had playing so far. That first set was awesome.”
The StormHawks travel to Bloomington Jefferson for their first tournament of the season. The Jaguar Block Party is Saturday, April 26, and consists of four matches. Their next home match will be Tuesday, April 29, against New Prague at 7p.m.
