Owatonna Volleyball Falls to Section Rival Farmington

The last time Owatonna High School traveled to Farmington, they rallied from a rough first set to upset the Tigers in the section playoffs. Owatonna was not able to repeat the feat on Friday.

The Tigers jumped out to a 10-2 lead in the opening set. The teams traded mini runs the rest of the way and Farmington took the set 25-13. The Tigers scored eight of their points off service aces.

After falling behind 9-3 in the second set, the Huskies rallied to within three points several times and drew withing 20-18 before Farmington ended with a 5-1 run for a 25-19 victory. The Huskies kept it close in the third set until the midway point. Leading 13-12, Farmington went on an 8-1 run and finished off a 25-19 win.

The Tigers return several of their big hitters from last year, including senior Makenzie Hesse, who had about 15 kills Friday. She put up 20 on the Huskies in last season's section showdown. Owatonna senior Riley Birk, junior Sydney Schultz and freshman Alyvia Johnson each had about five kills Friday. OHS returning starter Lexi Langeland missed the match with an ankle injury.

The Huskies are off until Thursday, September 8, when they play at Albert Lea. That match was rescheduled as a road date. There is a chance the Huskies will play a few home matches at Medford, possibly starting with a September 20 match against Winona. Huskies coach Jason Kaytor looks at the Winhawks as a team to challenge reigning Big Nine and section champ Rochester Mayo. The Owatonna High School gym is not usable due to water damage from an early August storm.