Bethlehem Academy To Play Tracy-Milroy-Balaton for State Title

The Faribault Bethlehem Academy Cardinal Volleyball team did not have a very good start to their semi-final match against Martin County West Friday, but they still got the sweep.  The Cardinals struggled to win the first set 25-22 and waivered a bit early in set two before claiming a 25-15 win and cruised in the third set 25-17.  The spark plug appeared to be Senior Payton Schultz.  Last Saturday Head Coach Franz Boelter told us for a taping on the Faribault Coaches Show from Bashers/J&J Bowling Center he hoped to get Schultz on the floor at the State Tournament.  Schultz played in all three sets the opening day in limited time, came in the second set in the semis in the back row. The Cardinals were struggling in the back row a bit.  Libero Shanna Matejcek turned an ankle and couldn't move like she normally does and Hitter Maddie Strodtman also rolled an ankle during the first set.  Coaches say both should be fine for the title tilt.  Schultz settled things down for the team with perfect passes from the back row and was very efficient with her running attacks accounting for 5 kills on .333 hitting.  Sophmore Payton Nutter continues to make one play after a nutter after a nutter. She had 18 kills and collected a blistering .429 attack percentage while doling out 18 assists and collecting 8 digs.  Senior Lauren Mathews tallied 8 kills, a service ace and two block solos and two block assists.  Freshman Mary Campbell had 7 kills and a .333 hitting percentage.  Sophmore setter Shelby Meyer had 20 assists in the 1:11 match.  Bethlehem Academy will face the Panthers of Tracy-MIlroy-Balaton with just three seniors on their team and some incredible freshman players.  Their Senior Libero appears to be the pulse of the team and flies around all over the floor.  Freshman Sydney Lanoue took over a stretch of their four set semi-final win over Mayer Lutheran.  Roy Keonig will be joined by Bethany Boelter on the call for the Championship match on KDHL Saturday beginning about 12:45pm .  First serve is scheduled for 1:00pm.  Thanks to B.A. team photographer Renee Thompson for the pic.