On the surface, it was just another regular-season match, two teams not even from the same conference, no tournament championship at stake. Didn't mean a thing.
But Wayzata's 21-25, 25-21, 25-18, 25-23 victory over Champlin Park was far from meaningless.
Wayzata, ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, won the past three Class 4A championships. Champlin Park, No. 3 in 4A, has been a huge Wayzata rival on some of the biggest stages.
Any time they play, the volleyball matters.
Champlin Park, attacking from the outset Tuesday, took advantage of early discombobulation from Wayzata to win the first set, but the Trojans won the next three sets and improved to 18-0.
Wayzata coach Scott Jackson said the entire reason for scheduling big games during the regular season is to prepare his team for the postseason.
"We want to play tough teams, and they're certainly that," Jackson said.
Wayzata was led by its tall and powerful front row of Olivia Swenson, Avery Jesewitz, Eva Swenson and Katie Kelzenberg, all 6-2 or taller. They were an effective counter to Champlin Park junior hitter Carly Gilk, whose relentless attack kept the Rebels close for the entire match. Gilk is committed to the Gophers for college, as are Olivia and Stella Swenson of Wayzata.
Champlin Park fell to 13-4, with two of the losses to Wayzata.
