State Volleyball: Esko & North Woods Tripped Up in Quarterfinals

Both the Esko and North Woods volleyball teams ended over decade-long waits on Thursday.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Both the Esko and North Woods volleyball teams ended over decade-long waits at the state tournament on Thursday.

Esko made their first state tournament appearance since 2011. They took on Chatfield in the AA quarterfinals.

Esko ended up taking the 2nd set 25-22, but that would be the only set they’d win as they fell to the Gophers 3-1.

Kennadi DeBondt led the team with 16 kills.

Esko now heads to the consolation bracket to play Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted. Gametime is at 7 PM on Friday.

As for the Grizzlies, they met up with the defending state champions Mayer Lutheran in the A quarterfinals.

Sadly, the Crusaders proved to be too much as they came away with the straight-set victory.

Isabel Pascuzzi had 15 kills in the contest.

North Woods will battle Cleveland in consolation play on Friday at 1 PM.