Raptors tested before playoffs

The Carlton/Wrenshall girls volleyball team is moving along heading into the final few matches of the regular season. At the .500-mark, the Raptors are hoping to make some noise in the section playoffs.

The team is coming off a weekend tournament in Burnsville against much larger schools and have a tough schedule before the section tournament.

"We were the only single A school in the Burnsville tournament," said head coach Barb Soukkala. "We played some great teams and most were AAA schools down there."

The Raptors went 1-4 in the two-day tournament with the lone victory over Twin Cities Academy. The losses came against AAAA schools Forest Lake and Minneapolis Washburn along with Blake and Pine River.

"It was a great tournament that had 44 teams over the two days and to see our girls kind of walk in and go 'awww' at all the huge teams and six volleyball courts. It was a nice experience," Soukkala said. "Normally we play in the North Branch tournament, but we had to find another tournament to play in, and [activities director] Brent Pokornowski found the Burnsville tourney."

The Raptors entered this week with a 10-10 record after blanking Floodwood Tuesday. The team was set to face Esko, South Ridge, Silver Bay and Mt. Iron-Buhl to close out the regular season.

The Raptors started the season winning four of five matches.

A highlight last week was a victory over Cook County on "Cancer Night" in Wrenshall, when the team and school raised over $4,000 to help Carlton student Cayden Ragsdale. "The parents and players came together to raise money," Soukkala said. "There were raffles and baskets made up for bid on and the players decorated the gym before the match. It was so nice everyone working together."

An injury to top hitter Jaycee McMillen will make things even harder doen the stretch. "It's tough to replace someone of her ability," Soukkala said.

With only two seniors among the 10 team members, the Raptors can expect a bright future.