The Hiawatha Valley League Champion Stewartville Tigers defeated defending State Champion North Branch 3-2 today for the Class AA MSHSL State Volleyball Tournament title.  The Vikings won the first set 25-20, Stewartville the next two sets 25-19, 25-16, North Branch the fourth set 25-23 before won the clincher 15-12.

It was Stewartville's 5th title, first since 2014 in their 24th appearance at state.  The Tigers finish their year 30-4 and North Branch was 29-5.  Stewartville was the top seed, North Branch the #3 seed.

The statistics for the match reflect just how close it was.  Stewartville had one more kill and North Branch one more dig.  Both teams had 55 assists.  Both teams collected six blocks.

The Tigers were a touch more efficient with a .204 team attack percentage compared to the Trojans .169.  North Branch had 10 service errors, Stewartville 8 serve miscues.

Tigers junior middle hitter Erin Lamb had 21 kills while hitting .353 and added 15 digs.  Senior Kaitlyn Prodzinski amassed 18 kills on .286 hitting with 10 digs.  Senior outside hitter Lily Welch had 12 kills, 23 digs.  Junior setter Jaidyn Brower had 46 assists, 11 digs.

North Branch senior outside hitter Cianna Selbitschka finished with 33 kills on 83 attacks, hitting .253 with 17 digs.

The five set match took exactly 2 hours to complete.

More From KQCL Power 96