The StormHawks boys volleyball team continues to build on a strong season. They had an impressive showing at the recent Bloomington Jefferson tournament, defeating Robbinsdale Cooper, Twin Cities Academy and St. Paul Como Park. They also earned a 3–2 win over New Prague on April 28.
Playing for the first time at Chanhassen High School, the StormHawks (6–4) were ready to face a 14–3 Bloomington Jefferson team on April 30. Even though boys volleyball is only in its second year as a sanctioned sport in Minnesota high school athletics, Jefferson has already established itself as a dominant competitor.
The StormHawks were up to the challenge and did not allow the Jaguars more than a two-point lead for much of the first set. From courtside, Jefferson appeared to have a slight height advantage and showcased strong power hitting at the net. The StormHawks countered with timely blocks, digs and spikes, but Jefferson pulled away late for a 25–19 win in the first set.
In the second set, both teams settled in and executed fundamentals, demonstrating effective offensive and defensive play. Jefferson took an early 8–4 lead, but the StormHawks responded and eventually took a 16–15 advantage. The StormHawks held a lead at some point in every set of the match. With the score tied at 21–21, however, the Jaguars closed out the set for a 25–21 win.
After adjustments and encouragement from the coaches between sets, the StormHawks kept pace with Jefferson in the third set. They took an 11–10 lead and continued strong play from that point forward. Energized by the cheer “what goes up must come down,” they executed with enthusiasm and held a narrow lead even after a late Jefferson push to make it 22–20. The set remained within two points the rest of the way, with the StormHawks securing a 25–23 victory.
Jefferson entered the match with 14 wins, 13 of which were sweeps, making the StormHawks’ set win especially notable. The team continued to push in the fourth set, though momentum shifted.
Junior Tobie Vang had several strong serving rotations and solid setting execution, while senior Carter Dean contributed timely serves. At the net, sophomores Sam Manthei and Lucas Hargreaves, and junior Wyatt Fischer delivered powerful spikes to keep the match competitive. Outside hitters senior Deveon Hargreaves, freshman Lucas Engen, junior George Reisdorf and Benjamin Codding provided consistent offensive and defensive support. The StormHawks fell behind early, 7–2, and were unable to close the gap as Jefferson claimed the fourth set and the match, 25–18.
After the match, StormHawks coaches emphasized the team’s strong effort.
“You played one of the better teams and played them well. I want you to be proud of that game. They have talented and skilled players—we do too, and you showed that,” said head coach Sydney Drose.
Assistant Coach Joe Willson added, “You kept your head in the game and didn’t shy away from anything. That is the sign of a good team.”
“That was a fun game. We played hard, and I don’t know about you, but I learned a lot,” Vang said to his teammates.
“Losing isn’t the greatest, but as a coach, I see how hard they played and how focused they are on improving their skills. Jefferson is a great team, and we played them well. I’m proud of the effort,” Drose said.
The StormHawks’ next home game will be May 14 at 7 p.m. at Chaska.
