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MARSHALL — The Russell-Tyler-Ruthton volleyball team had a historic performance in the Southwest Challenge this past weekend.
The Knights earned 10th place in a field of 32 teams.
“I’m very happy with our team’s performance at this point of the year,” RTR head coach Daynica Brown said. “Achieving the highest ranking in RTR history (at this tournament) speaks volumes about this team.”
These hard-working Knights squared off with 2024 Class AAAA runner-up Champlin Park — topping them in three sets 25-20, 27-29, 15-12 — before losing to Chanhassen 25-16, 25-20.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Paisley Thooft (6) attempts to hit the ball over Benilde St. Margaret’s block during a Southwest Challenge match on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Marshall High School. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Eventually, Chanhassen reached the championship match, but Marshall stopped the Storm in straight sets.
Wrapping up pool play, RTR defeated Class AAA state champion Alexandria, 25-23, 22-25, 15-7 — which put the Knights through to the 9th-16th place bracket.
RTR downed Minneota 25-23, 30-28, gaining a small measure of revenge from an earlier season loss.
The Knights had eight match points in the second set before securing the win.
“We limited our errors, and cleaned up our play,” Brown said. “I feel playing those AAAA schools gave us confidence.”
Benilde St. Margaret swept the Knights in the ninth-place match by scores of 26-24, 25-14.
“These types of opportunities expose your strengths and weaknesses,” said Brown regarding playing in the SW Challenge. The tournament also allows for team and individual growth, the coach commented.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Laken Baartman (right) celebrates winning a point with teammates during a match versus Benilde St. Margaret. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
In the win over Minneota, Laken Baartman scooped up a team-leading 16 digs and served up a pair of aces while Sara Thooft supplied 13 and Brezlyn Buchert 10.
Dru Ellefson and Buchert joined forces for 27 assists in the Knights’ 6-2 offense.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Brezlyn Buchert (5) and Ava Karbo (9) both attempt to put up a block versus Benilde St. Margaret. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Ava Karbo, Sara Thooft, Paisley Thooft and Brynn Borresen totaled 24 combined kills, with Karbo the leader (eight). Paisley Thooft also contributed two ace blocks.
Baartman had 16 more digs versus Benilde St. Margaret, while Ellefson had six digs, six assists and two ace serves. Makenna Hess also had six digs for the Knights.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Makenna Hesse serves during a Southwest Challenge match at Marshall High School on Saturday, Sept. 6. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
In other statistics, Sara Thooft pounded down seven kills and Brynn Borresen had four kills and one solo ace block. Jaida Fricke and Kaysie Serreyn also played a part in the Knights success during the tournament.
It capped off a thrilling week for RTR, which included a five-set victory over Canby.
The Knights overcame an 11-3 deficit in the fourth set and three match points in the fifth for the win. Scores were 25-22, 17-25, 22-25, 25-20, 19-17 in favor of the Knights.
This match lasted nearly two hours, 30 minutes.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Brynn Borresen tips the ball over Benilde St. Margaret’s front row during a Southwest Challenge match on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Marshall High School. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)