Back to Mayo: Superlarks advance to Section 1A quarterfinals for first time in six years
Published 10:00 pm Thursday, October 24, 2024
Hallie Hendrickson sets for the Superlarks. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
Lauren Queensland sends a tip against Lanesboro at the net in Grand Meadow.
Grand Meadow’s Gracie Foster puts up a hit against Lanseboro’s Emma Ruen in a Section 1A Tournament match in GM Thursday. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
Kendall Jack attacks the net for the Superlarks. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
Grand Meadow’s Rylee Schaufler plays near the net. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
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GRAND MEADOW – The Superlark volleyball team celebrated a couple of big time accomplishments both as a team and individually as they finally got over the hump and advanced to the Section 1A quarterfinals for the first time since 2018 when they beat No. 9 seeded Lanesboro (16-15 overall) by scores of 25-11, 20-25, 25-23, 25-21 Thursday.
After dropping the second set, the No. 8 seeded Superlarks trailed the third set 12-4 before they were able to battle back. Gracie Foster had a key kill to bring GM within 15-14 and she added another kill to put GM up 21-20. GM’s Kendall Jack put the Larks in prime position when she placed a kill just inside the line to make it 23-21.
The final match was tied at 13 before junior Hallie Hendrickson served an ace to put GM up 15-13. The Larks never trailed again.
“We worked as a team, we played for each other and it all came together in the end,” said Hendrickson, who was honored after the match for recently recording her 1,000th career set assist. “I’m so excited to go with all of my best friends and play at the Civic Center together. I’m pumped.”
Even though they’ve had a winning record in each of the last five seasons, this will be the first time the Superlarks have won a playoff match since 2018, which was also the last time they played in Mayo Civic Center.
GM senior Lauren Queensland collected her 1,000th career dig in the win to go along with nine kills.
“It’s awesome. I grew up watching my oldest sister play there and it was always a goal of mine to get back there. It’s really cool and I’m so excited. I didn’t think it would happen,” said Queensland. “We just had to turn to each other, communicate and keep our energy high tonight.”
Queensland is one of GM’s top hitters, but she is equally effective in the back row.
“I’ve worked with timing on the hitters and they’re all really great,” Hendrickson said. “Lauren is amazing. She works so hard in the front row, back row and she serves well. She’s a really good player.”
Queensland gave credit to Hendrickson for being a great setter who has developed a solid connection with her. She also took a moment to reflect on her 1,000 digs.
“I never thought I would get there,” Queensland said. “I love playing in the back row and I find a lot of joy in it. I couldn’t have done it with all of my teammates and the support that they offer.”
GM (16-13 overall) will take on top-seeded Mabel-Canton at 6 p.m. in Mayo Civic Center on Monday.
GM stats: Hallie Hendrickson 2 kills, 33 assists, 9 digs, 3 aces; Lauren Queensland 9 kills, 17 digs, 1 ace; Cheyenne Bakken 23 digs, 1 ace; Rylee Schaufler 4 kills, 7 digs, 2 blocks, 1 ace; Kendall Jack 9 kills, 1 assist, 4 digs; Haylie Paul 6 kills, 10 digs, 2 blocks, 1 ace; Gracie Foster 12 kills, 28 digs, 1 block; Regan Schaalma 6 digs
