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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Grizz on fire going into playoffs

Marcus White
Posted 10/18/18

FIELD TWP - The Grizzlies will earn a first-round bye in the post season after going 22-3 on the season. The team easily swept through their final week opponents in the regular season, beating …

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Grizz on fire going into playoffs

Posted

FIELD TWP - The Grizzlies will earn a first-round bye in the post season after going 22-3 on the season. The team easily swept through their final week opponents in the regular season, beating Chisholm in straight sets Monday, 25-16, 25-10 and 25-17. North Woods would then sweep South Ridge on the road 25-23, 25-21 and 25-20.

While the scores on the road at South Ridge were closer Tuesday night, North Woods still walked away on top.

“The girls came out intense and it showed,” Coach Gabby Sundquist said. “They played well with each other, had great passes and some amazing hits. I was impressed with how hard they worked.”

Regan Ratai and Coley Olson led the team, each putting up 14 kills on the evening. Ratai would also put up two blocks and Olson would add two aces. Karlyn Peirce would help the team with eight kills with Taylor Mejdrich rounding out the team with four kills. Morgan Burnett had a strong showing Tuesday night, putting up 29 set assists.

In their win on Monday night, Ratai would lead the team with 14 kills and three aces, while Pierce posted eight kills of her own and a block. Olson rounded out the pack with seven kills, three aces and a block. Burnett would also have her usual strong showing on set assists, racking up 26 along with three aces and three digs.

Sundquist is optimistic the team can be a contending force in the section playoffs.

“Looking on to the postseason I see that we will have some good competition and I think it’s important to make sure that we are always improving and getting better to compete,” she said. “I am excited to see what this postseason holds and how the girls compete. If we played like we did last night, with the drive to never give up and win, we will have a chance to keep moving forward.”

Just how far the team will go, their fans will have to wait to find out. North Woods will host their first playoff game on Wednesday, with expected game time at 7 p.m.