6AA Quarterfinal #5 Melrose at #4 Pequot Lakes

Preview

For the first time in three years, the Pequot Lakes volleyball team advanced to the Section 6AA semifinals as the #4 Patriots defeated #5 Melrose in four sets.

The first set was wild with 10 ties and eight lead changes. After Melrose took a 13-8 lead, Pequot Lakes put together an 8-2 run to take a 16-15 advantage. The battle ensued, with the Patriots scoring seven of the final ten points to take game one 25-21.

Set two didn’t have all the ties and lead changes, but remained close throughout as the biggest lead only grew to five. Melrose battled through two set points before Pequot Lakes closed it 25-22.

Melrose’s defense was astounding in set three as the Dutchmen never trailed and kept their season alive with a 25-18 win.

Once again, Pequot Lakes had the answer. After a tight start through 20 points, tied at ten, Pequot Lakes went on a 9-2 run to lead 19-12. Melrose reset themselves and fought back within one at 20-19, but three straight Patriot points put the Dutchmen on the brink. The Patriots relied on the swinging of Mia Trumpold, with senior Sidney Larsen tapping down the clincher for a 25-22 win.

Trumpold finished with 18 kills and three aces. Brooklin Hansen has 41 assists and 3 kills. Lauren Nelson had 7 kills and 7 blocks for the Patriots.

The 21-9 Patriots advance to take on top seed and third-ranked Minnewaska Area Monday at St. Cloud State in the 6AA semifinals. Melrose’s season finishes at 21-8.