The StormHawks boys volleyball team hosted its home opener against the Rosemount Irish on April 9. The team entered the match after opening its season on April 7 with a three-set victory over Lakeville North, winning 25-15, 25-19 and 26-24.
With a strong home crowd in attendance, the StormHawks played evenly with the Irish early in the first set. Whether due to early-season jitters or fatigue from playing their second match in two days, a few miscues and a stretch of miscommunication midway through the set allowed Rosemount to pull ahead and take the first set, 25-18.
The StormHawks regrouped and pushed Rosemount hard in the second set. The score was tied at 13-13 midway through before the StormHawks built a 22-18 lead. However, Rosemount rallied to tie the set at 23-23 and went on to win 25-23, taking a two-to-zero lead in the match.
Using the close second set as momentum, the StormHawks came out strong in the third set, jumping to an 11-6 lead. That advantage allowed them to settle into a rhythm, maintain control and secure the set 25-20.
The fourth set featured several short runs by both teams, with neither side leading by more than four points. Strong serving on both ends contributed to the back-and-forth scoring. The set was tied at 20-20 late before Rosemount pulled away to win 25-21, taking the match three sets to one.
After the match, head coach Sydney Dose encouraged the team to focus on the positives. She highlighted their hustle and determination, noting that they made Rosemount earn every point.
“Great job—we played a great match. I’m proud of the solid effort. There are a couple of things we can improve on, and we’ll work on those,” she said.
Coach Dose is optimistic about the StormHawks’ prospects this season. “We’re a young team with a strong group of returning players. Their volleyball IQ is fantastic, and their play is very focused.”
While statistics are tracked, the coaching staff emphasizes total team effort in each match. With steady and strategic player rotations, many StormHawks contributed significantly against Rosemount. Junior Wyatt Fischer, sophomores Sam Manthei and Lucas Hargraves had notable moments with spikes and blocks at the net. Junior Toby Vang and senior Devon Hargraves were active all over the court, contributing with digs, sets and passes.
On April 13, the StormHawks traveled to Minnetonka for an early-season challenge against the always-tough Skippers. The StormHawks took the first two sets, 25-23 and 25-17. Minnetonka responded by winning the third set 25-19. In a close fourth set, the Skippers pulled out a 25-22 win to force a deciding fifth set. Minnetonka won the final set 21-19 to take the match.
The StormHawks’ next home game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 21 against Benilde-St. Margaret’s at Chaska High School.
