Eden Prairie huddles during the Eagles' Sept. 8 victory over Chanhassen. Photo by Nick Wosika
Over the years, the Minnesota State High School League’s state tournament format has expanded in nearly all sports, from a single class field to crowning multiple champions. It’s rewarded numerous smaller schools with the opportunity for a state title, yet there has been a persistent minority call to “get back to basics,” i.e. return to the single championship days. That isn’t going to happen, but it doesn’t stop those advocated from dreaming.
On the volleyball court, that dream will get a dose of reality with this weekend’s premier Eagle Invitational tournament at Apple Valley. All three top-ranked teams in the most recent Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association poll dated Sept. 8, 2014 are in the 16-team field (No. 1-3A Eden Prairie, No. 1-2A Marshall, and No. 1-1A Faribault Bethlehem Academy) as well as numerous other powerhouse programs.
The tournament may not be a single match, but for the overall depth of field we’re tabbing it as our top Match of the Week.
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Tag(s): MSHSL Conferences Camden Minneota Central Lakes Alexandria Gopher Bethlehem Academy Lake Eden Prairie Edina Hopkins Minnetonka Wayzata Independent Moorhead Chaska Shakopee Northwest Suburban Andover Blaine Osseo South Suburban Apple Valley Eagan Lakeville North Lakeville South Prior Lake Rosemount Jackson County Central Marshall Suburban East Roseville Waconia Metro West Big South West Wright County East