West metro notebook: Bloomington Jefferson volleyball off to strong start

September 10, 2016 at 9:29PM

Is this the year Bloomington Jefferson regains its status as a top volleyball program?

The Jaguars made six state tournament appearances from 1990 through 1999 and had metro players of the year in 1993 (Becky Bauer) and 1994 (Marissa Kimbrough). Things have gone south since then, but there are signs the Jaguars might be turning a corner.

They won five of their first six matches and finished third in the Eden Prairie Pudas Invitational on Sept. 3. Their only loss was to Blaine, which won the tournament. Senior outside hitter/setter Katie Koch led the charge with 67 kills, 110 set assists, 49 digs and five ace serves in the Jaguars' first six matches.

Suk shines

Hopkins' Maddie Suk has been a varsity player for the Royals' tennis team since seventh grade and an all-conference performer for the past two seasons, but the sophomore is finally making a move up in the rankings.

With only one loss, to Delano's Ginger Valentine, through the first month of the season, Suk jumped to No. 4 in the Class 2A coaches association rankings, with a signature victory over Prior Lake's Savanna Crowell to her credit.

Jim Paulsen

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