State Volleyball: Prior Lake Ends Apple Valley’s Run in 4A Semifinals
The Lakers will face Lakeville South in the 4A final on Saturday at 7 p.m. After upsetting second-seeded East Ridge in the quarterfinals, Apple Valley took the first set against third-seeded Prior Lake decisively. Earlier this month, Apple Valley lost to Prior Lake when star middle blocker Ginny Gores was sidelined with a concussion, but this match was different.
“They definitely pushed us in ways that we hadn’t been pushed in a little while,” Lakers coach Mike Dean said.
The Lakers rallied to win the next three sets, securing a four-set victory and advancing to Saturday night’s final against top-seeded Lakeville South. This marks Prior Lake’s first state final appearance since 2015. The Lakers have yet to win a state championship.
“I think we just stayed together and we really found ourselves and found our team,” said Lakers sophomore middle blocker Brielle Gunderson. “We came together, we really put it all out there and we showed them Prior Lake is going to come back and they’re not going to see the same team they saw the set before.”
Prior Lake’s serving and blocking intensified, disrupting Apple Valley’s typically smooth offense. Coach Dean praised his team’s response after a shaky start.
“I’m just really proud of the way the girls responded. I know in that first set we came out a little flat and gave them something to feel good about. The way we battled back and stayed composed spoke to the maturity and the resilience this team has.”
The Lakers demonstrated strong mental toughness and teamwork to secure their place in the final.
Author's summary: Prior Lake overcame a tough start and Apple Valley’s challenge to reach their first state final since 2015, showing remarkable resilience and team unity.