Shakopee coach Matt Busch learned his lesson in a 2-0 loss to Eagan in the championship match of the Sabers' tournament on Sept. 7.
The lesson: That big sophomore in the middle of No. 1-3A Eagan's lineup plays even bigger than her 6-foot-5 frame. No matter how hard they tried, Shakopee's hitters struggled to get around the 10-fingered brick wall that is Kendal Kemp.
"Even with back row attacks, (Kemp) was still blocking shots," Busch said.
So Shakopee (9-2, 3-1) will enact a revised plan on Tuesday at Eagan (10-0, 3-0).
Junior Anna Rolley, who leads the Sabers with 92 kills and is second in attack percentage, moved from right hitter to outside hitter and has been "a pleasant surprise," Busch said.
Lauren Aus, a third-year starter in the middle, has 29 blocks and a .288 hitting percentage, and sophomore Maddie Lipetzky has 76 kills and 29 blocks. Karlee Jensen has been a steady presence in her first season as the Sabers' libero and Maddie Fratzke has 90 kills after a slow start this season.
Busch said the difference in the tournament loss to Eagan was the Wildcats' typical consistent and error-free play. Shakopee held a 14-8 lead in the second set but lost momentum with a few errors. By overcoming obstacles, Busch said, his team can find a way to win.
But the problem with playing Eagan is the Wildcats have so many game-changers in the lineup. And that's without junior setter Kennedi Orr, considered one of the state's best players, who has missed most of the season while playing with a national team. Eagan coach Kathy Gillen said Orr will be back for the rematch with No. 6-3A Shakopee.