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Wayzata pushes around rival Minnetonka in four-set win to stay undefeated in league play

By Matthew Davis, SportsEngine, 09/24/19, 6:00PM CDT

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The Trojans, ranked No. 3 in Class 3A, have yet to lose a match to a Lake Conference opponent this season.

Wayzata's Sophie Jessewitz went to the net against Minnetonka defenders Kali Engeman (4) and Olivia Koeppen (12). Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine

Wayzata's Sophie Jessewitz went to the net against Minnetonka defenders Kali Engeman (4) and Olivia Koeppen (12). Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine

Sophie Jesewitz jumped at the opportunity to honor Ryan Johnson, her gym teacher and strength coach, for teacher appreciation night Tuesday at Wayzata’s home game against rival Minnetonka.

“He’s really pushed me to be my best and physically be better in the weight room,” Jesewitz said. “My physical game has been a lot better since working with him.”

The Trojans’ 6-foot-4 junior outside hitter credits Johnson, known by students as “RJ”, for improving her game around the net. The leg strength she’s developed helps with getting blocks and kills.

Jesewitz did her share of both Tuesday, posting 10 kills and three blocks as the Trojans defeated Lake Conference foe Minnetonka 25-13, 25-14, 24-26, 25-19.

Skippers junior middle hitter Kali Engeman knew Jesewitz would pose a challenge up front.

“She’s just really tall. She jumps really high, and it’s pretty hard to predict where her hands are going to go,” Engeman said of Jesewitz. “Most of the time, I think the best you can do is get in front of her and have a defense.”

Wayzata's Ella Voegele (right) and Avery Seesz prepare to field a serve. Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine

Wayzata's Ella Voegele (right) and Avery Seesz prepare to field a serve. Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine

First Report

Wayzata’s Katelyn Empkey, a 6-foot-4 middle hitter, and setter Olivia Johnson nailed the match-sealing block as the Trojans downed Lake Conference rival Minnetonka 25-13, 25-14, 24-26, 25-19 at Wayzata High School on Tuesday night.

The Trojans, ranked No. 3 in the Class 3A coaches’ poll, took command early by blowing out the No. 10-3A Skippers in the first two sets.

Minnetonka outside hitter Skyler Germann, didn’t let it end in a straight-sets sweep, however, as she had back-to-back kills to win the third set for the Skippers (15-4, 3-1).

Wayzata (16-2, 3-0) held off the Skippers in the fourth set to seal the win on teacher appreciation night.

Minnetonka's Kali Engeman (4) had to react quickly after her kill attempt was blocked by Wayzata's Katelyn Empkey (29). Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine

Minnetonka's Kali Engeman (4) had to react quickly after her kill attempt was blocked by Wayzata's Katelyn Empkey (29). Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine

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