The Eagan girls' fall sports teams — soccer, volleyball and tennis — had a remarkable run.
The Wildcats' soccer and volleyball squads won state championships while the tennis team finished fourth.
"We have been blessed to see so much success this fall with our teams," Eagan athletic director Sandra Setter Larsen said. "I am proud of all of all our teams. They have worked hard to pursue excellence at what they do."
The soccer team defended its Class 2A state championship by defeating Eden Prairie 3-2 in a shootout after playing to a scoreless draw at Husky Stadium on the St. Cloud State campus.
The year before, Eagan defeated Eden Prairie 1-0 on a goal by Jade King in the title game for its first state title in the sport. King also had one of the shootout goals this year.
The volleyball program is putting together an impressive run under the direction of longtime coach Kathy Gillen. The Wildcats outlasted South Suburban Conference rival Prior Lake 25-17, 25-23, 15-25, 16-25, 15-13 for their second Class 3A in the past three years. They accomplished the feat without a senior on their roster.
The Wildcats have won six state titles in volleyball and been the runner-up twice, including in 2014.
The girls' tennis team also had its share of youth on this year's roster. The Wildcats will return their top three singles players along with two doubles players.
"It has been a blessing to watch our teams battle this fall through sections and then throughout the state tournaments," Setter Larsen said. "No team had an easy road. I am happy our community got to enjoy this ride."
Top performances
• Junior Brie Orr had 16 kills, 12 digs and 31 assists in Eagan's five-set victory over Prior Lake in the title match. The setter was named to all-tournament team along with outside hitters Ally Murphy and Taylor Olstad.
• Mariena Hayden (17), Kaylee Hentges (15) and Dakotah Poitra (11) combined for 43 kills, leading Belle Plaine past Concordia Academy 25-20, 26-24, 25-20 for its first Class 2A volleyball state championship. All three players, along with setter Danielle Taylor, were named to the all-tournament team. Taylor had 48 assists in the final.
Ron Haggstrom
