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ST. PAUL — For the second time in three seasons, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton volleyball reached the Minnesota State High School League Class A state championship.
This time, however, Mayer Lutheran had too much experience and the edge on firepower as the Crusaders swept the Knights, 25-17, 25-15, 25-23 at Grand Casino Arena Saturday, Nov. 8.
“They put up a solid block against us,” RTR head coach Daynica Brown said. “They are a veteran, seasoned team that plays year ‘round. They were able to read our setters to put up the block.”
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Paisley Thooft (6) plays the ball at the net, sending it past a Nevis double block attempt during the Class A state quarterfinals on Thursday, Nov. 6, at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. Thooft was named to the all-tournament team. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Brown reflected on the rise of the Knights’ program these past few years.
“It’s been an amazing accomplishment,” Brown said.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton coaches Daynica Brown (front) and Neil Witte talk with media after beating Nevis in the first round at state. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
RTR has played in high-octane, pressure-filled matches, with an overall record of 83-21 over three years (including 30-6 in both 2023 and 2025).
This marked the final scholastic match for senior setter Brezlyn Buchert and 5-foot-11 middle blocker Ava Karbo (who earned Class A all-state accolades).
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Brezlyn Buchert (5) sets during the Class A quarterfinals versus Nevis at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul on Thursday, Nov. 6. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Mayer Lutheran has claimed six state championships, and played in five straight finals.
For their effortSecos and diligence, juniors Paisley Thooft and Sara Thooft (only related distantly) were named to the all-tournament team.
Brown said Sara Thooft was strong all around with digging and hitting placement, listening to libero Laken Baartman (who serves as the quarterback on the court). Paisley Thooft’s consistently powerful hit was tough for opponents to contend with — save for Mayer Lutheran.
Mayer Lutheran capped off an eight-point, first-set win as the Knights committed an attack error off a Buchert set. Clara Keaveny served for the Crusaders on the rally.
In the second set, Mayer Lutheran was even more dominant, with an 11-point margin on several occasions. Izzy Keaveny pounded down the winning kill from her sister Clara’s set. Courtney Tuttle served on the point.
During the final set, the Crusaders committed back-to-back attack errors and Buchert served up an ace — bringing the Knights within one point, 23-22.
Would there be a fourth set? No.
That’s despite a Sara Thooft kill drawing RTR within one again, 24-23. Courtney Tuttle ended the match with a kill into the deep right corner.
“This match was by far our best of the season,” longtime Mayer Lutheran head coach Joelle Grimsley told MSHSL in a prepared press release. The Crusaders defeated the Knights twice during the season. “You could just see our players moving and talking.”
Baartman’s experience was a factor in the Knights reaching the title match. Despite being bloodied after diving on the special red-and-blue court surface, she provided a team-best 19 digs and 30 accurate serve receptions.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton libero Laken Baartman pushes the ball forward during a Class A quarterfinal match versus Nevis. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Paisley Thooft finished with nine kills, Sara Thooft seven and Karbo four — however, the Knights recorded an ineffective .035 hitting percentage. Meanwhile, Mayer Lutheran hit at a .176 clip.
Dru Ellefson was the leader in assists with 13, and Buchert added 11. Buchert also scooped 14 digs and Makenna Hesse contributed 13.
As stated, blocking was the true difference in the match. The Crusaders had three solo ace blocks and 12 assisted ace stuffs from Hallie Hunter, Clara Keaveny, Preslie Hunter, Ada Hahn and Tuttle.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Ava Karbo (9) celebrates a point with teammates during the Class A state tournament on Thursday, Nov. 6, at St. Paul. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
RTR vs. Ada-Borup-West
In the semifinals, RTR bounced Ada-Borup-West 25-12, 25-17, 21-25, 25-13. The Knights were able to successfully navigate hits beyond 6-foot-5 hitter Malayna Severson’s control, Brown explained.
RTR also put up a stellar block with a combined 17 solo and assisted ace stuffs. Karbo had six alone, with three block assists from Brynn Borresen, Ellefson and Buchert.
Several Knights produced monster numbers in other statistical categories. Baartman scooped a team-best 22 digs and was a spotless 12-of-12 serving with two aces. Four players provided double-digit kills: Sara Thooft (22), Paisley Thooft (14), Karbo (11) and Borresen (10). Ellefson and Buchert combined for 56 assists (Dru also had two ace serves).
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Sara Thooft prepares to swing during a Class A state tournament match versus Nevis on Thursday, Nov. 6, at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
RTR vs. Nevis
Nevis played a competitive match versus RTR; however, the Knights did enough to sweep the Tigers 25-20, 25-21, 25-21.
“We did enough to get the job done, get the win,” Brown said.
RTR finished with a .136 hitting percentage while Nevis attacked at a paltry .038 and missing seven serves across five players.
Baartman, who did more than enough to merit placement on the all-tournament team, had 21 more digs and 21 precise serve receptions.
Sara Thooft and Paisley Thooft had 14 and 12 digs, respectively. Buchert and Ellefson joined forces for 34 assists. Karbo posted three solo blocks and two ace block assists.
In Class AAA, Marshall won its 10th state championship, beating Benilde-St. Margaret’s in four sets.
Sara Thooft was recognized for her play during the Class A state tournament, performing well in all facets including serving.(Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
The Class A state tournament team accompanies this story.
INFORMATION
VOLLEYBALL
All-Tournament Team
Class A
Class A: Paisley Thooft, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton; Sara Thooft, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton; Kyla Hellickson, Fillmore Central; Malayna Syverson, Ada-Borup-West; Kacey Fischer, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa; Hallie Hunter, Mayer Lutheran; Ada Hahn, Mayer Lutheran; Courtney Tuttle, Mayer Lutheran; Izzy Keaveny, Mayer Lutheran; Clara Keaveny, Mayer Lutheran
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Paisley Thooft and Sara Thooft are shown with the rest of the Class A all-tournament team. (Contributed photo by Garth Scholten)