The Vikings finished their regular season at Ely last week. At press time they were entering playoffs with a home game against Mesabi East. (L-R) Ashley Deschampe, Sarah Fagerman, Autumn Clearwater-Day, Kristina Rude, Brea Boomer, Linnea Leonard, Bekah Laky, Jenny Curtis, Chelsey Sorenson.
The Cook County Vikings ended the season with an away game at Esko and now look ahead to the Section 7A playoffs. Although they finished the season with a 3-0 loss to the Eskomos, the Vikings have done enough to earn a #1 seed in the Section and were awarded a home playoff game.
The Vikings made the long trip to Esko to take on the Polar League champion Eskomos. Esko came into the game with a very impressive 25-1 record, while the Vikings had posted a 17-2 mark. Because the Vikings losses came to conference opponents, though, Esko had already wrapped up the Polar League title.
The Vikings’ played with the Eskomos early, equaling their first five points with five of their own. But Esko flexed their muscle from that point on, taking control of the game with setter Keely Deadrick leading the way. Deadrick showed why she’s one of the best setters in the area and state, totaling 42 assists on the night and controlling the net with her vision. The Vikings’ blockers couldn’t get a read on where she was going with the ball, giving the Eskomo hitters a clean shot at the Viking defense.
Above: Chelsey Sorenson, who serves as the libero, serves at a recent home game. Right: Sophomore Ali Iverson (front) and Junior Cecelia Olsen are ready for the return.
The Eskomos rolled to a 25-11, 25-14, 25-20 win, with each game getting better for the Vikes, but not up to Coach Taylor’s expectations. She disgustedly said, “We didn’t come to play at all. Esko is a very good team, but we didn’t play up to our caliber, either.”
Senior Brea Boomer added, “Well, it’s done with now. Thatwas the regular season, but now we’re starting a new season and this is the one that counts. We have to put it behind us and move on.”
The Vikings will look to move on this week as they begin playoffs at home against Mesabi East on Wednesday night. The Vikings beat the Giants 3-0 earlier this season but know that it’s a different game in the playoffs, where it’s win or go home. If the Vikings continue to win, they will advance to play in Virginia on Friday the 29th and Wednesday, November 3. The Section Championship game would follow at UMD on Friday, November 5. Come cheer on the Vikings as they make their playoff push!
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