Leah Fadness (center) did battle against Bethlehem Academy's Holly Hafemeyer and Jena Budde.

By Byron Higgin,

Mascot Publisher

After a fantastic run to the state finals, the Minneota Vikings girls' volleyball team finally fell to new state champion Bethlehem Academy.

The 3-0 loss didn't wipe out the 3-0 wins over Parkers Prairie and Lake of the Woods.

"This is the way it should be," said senior team leader Leah Fadness as she noted Bethlehem Academy was ranked No. 1 in the state and the Vikings No. 2 all season. "That's who should be in the finals she said.

When it was over, Fadness and Tayas Kockelman, the team setter, were named to the all-tournament team.

In the opening round:

The Vikings waltzed to a convincing 25-15; 25-14 and 25-14 win over Parkers Prairie to earn a spot in the state semifinals.
And Fadness led the team with 15 kills, served 11 of 11 and 15 digs, even more than steady digger Kelsey Hennen.
“We had great blocking at the net,” said Fadness. Taya Kockelman had two of the blocks and Ashlynn Muhl added thre more.

In the semifinals, Minneota went on to beat Lake of the Woods 25-13; 25-19  and 25-21 to earn a spot at the state championship.
The Bears from Baudette brought an immense front line, including 6-2 Ashley Feldman;  5-11 Ali Hasbargen and hard-hitting 5-7 ½ Shelby Nosan.
“They’re huge — and here’s me, at 5-7,” laughed Sam Hennen.
“But I know there are big people behind me to pick it up,” she said about her teammates.

In the finals, the Vikings gave it a good shot, but lost to the top ranked team, 25-18; 25-17 and 25-17.

Bethlehem Academy's Holly Hafemeyer had 31 kills against the Vikings. She's also been named Division A Player of the Year and will play college ball at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD.

"We have no regrets," said senior Sam Hennen.

The Vikings ended the season 28-6 season record and runnerup in the state.