Owatonna Volleyball Sweeps Albert Lea in Playoff Opener

Owatonna swept Albert Lea 3-0 in Section 1AAA volleyball Wednesday night in Medford. OHS plays at Big Nine champ Rochester Century on Friday at 7PM on KRFO AM 1390.

The Huskies lost to the Tigers in a five-set match in early September. On Wednesday, however, seven-seeded Owatonna built a big lead in each set on their way to a 25-18, 25-13, 25-19 victory. OHS went ahead 20-9 in the opener before Albert Lea made a late charge.

The teams traded points in the second game. After a 4-4 start, Owatonna went on a 9-2 run. The third set went back-and-forth up to a 12-12 tie. OHS went on a 7-0 run for a 19-12 lead. Albert Lea had a late rally but Owatonna finished off the sweep.

The Huskies (14-15) were led by Lexi Langeland, who had about 20 kills, most of those coming in the third set. Sydney Schultz added about a dozen kills. Karissa Gregory had several kills and blocks. Olivia Spatenka served three aces. Madie Kubista handled the offense. Albert Lea ends the season at 8-14.

The OHS pep band and a Halloween-themed student section filled the Medford gym.

OHS plays at Big Nine champion Rochester Century on Friday night in the 1AAA quarterfinals. The Panthers (25-1) beat Owatonna 3-1 in Medford on September 22.

Section 1AAA volleyball, first round, Wednesday, October 26
Owatonna defeated Albert Lea 25-18, 25-13, 25-21
Rochester Mayo defeated Faribault 25-17, 25-9, 25-22
Farmington defeated Austin 25-16, 25-7, 25-12
Rochester John Marshall defeated Winona 25-20, 25-22, 18-25, 25-14
Quarterfinals, Friday, October 28
No. 7 Owatonna at No. 2 Century, 7PM on KRFO AM 1390
No. 6 Mayo at No. 3 Lakeville North
No. 5 Farmington at No. 4 Northfield
No. 8 Rochester JM at No. 1 Lakeville South
Semifinals, Thursday,, November 3
Finals, Saturday, November 5, 11AM at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester