Streeters top Albany, move on to section finals

The Mainstreeter volleyball squad beat Albany Thursday, moving one step closer to the coveted state tournament.
Sauk won 3-1, winning games one, three and four, claiming the 6AA sub-section title. The victory advances them to Saturday's section final against ROCORI, who defeated St. Cloud Cathedral 3-1. Kali Peschel had 13 kills and Macy Weller had 11 kills and 10 ace blocks to lead the Streeters, who controlled the game at the net despite Albany having several quality hitters with size.
After losing game two, Sauk had three consecutive blocks to start game three. Head coach Jim Klaphake said that set the tone.
"Macy and Kali were huge for us in the middle," he said. "We knew they had some great hitters and that we needed to slow them down."
Defensively Kendra Zenzen had 14 digs and Krista Primus nine. Jena Klaphake and Lexie Berscheit combined for 37 assists and 16 digs. Peschel added 7 ace blocks and senior Shelby Deters chipped in 8.
The Streeters seem to be playing their best volleyball at the right time. They have not made it to a state tournament under Klaphake's tutelage, although his team's have come close. Last year they lost in the section finals to New London-Spicer.
After Thursday's game he was asked about his team's chances against either cathedral or Rocori.
"It won't be easy, but I believe we can beat either one of them," he said.
They had beaten Cathedral already, but it will be ROCORI they will have to beat Saturday when they face them at 2 p.m. at St. Ben's.
Klaphake said last year's experience of being in a section championship game should help this year's squad. He also said he sees a different look in the eyes of his players.
"I don't see fear," he said. "I see determination."