Lake Minnetonka Patch Game of the Week: Wayzata vs. Minnetonka Volleyball

Gameday
Wayzata (19-9, 6-2 Lake Conference) vs, Minnetonka (20-9, 3-5 Lake Conference)

Cheat sheet
Site: Benilde St. Margaret’s – Section 6AAA semifinals
Tune: 7 p.m. today
Last meeting: Wayzata won both matches during the regular season. They defeated Minnetonka 3-2 on the road and 3-1 at home.

On the line
Wayzata is hoping to advance to the section finals for sixth straight year. They have advanced to the state tournament four of the past five years, including the past three years—finishing second in both 2009 and 2010. The winner of this match will take on the winner of the Eden Prairie versus Hopkins contest that will be played at 5:30 p.m.

All four teams remaining in the section are from the loaded Lake Conference. Wayzata was ranked No. 8 in the final poll, and Eden Prairie was No. 9. Hopkins and Minnetonka also received votes.

Wayzata has won the last 14 meetings the past seven years between the two schools. The Trojans have finished third in the Southwest MN Challenge and Apple Valley Tournament this year while the Skippers, under first-year head coach Karl Katzenberger, hope to advance to the Section 6AAA finals. They are one of the state’s most improved teams are finishing just 12-16 last season.

Minnetonka won the Richfield and St. Michael-Albertville Tournament earlier this season.

Players to watch
Julie Doyle, Wayzata setter: The senior has led the Trojans to consecutive state championship appearances. The All-State selection has committed to Oklahoma. She leads the team in assists and service aces.

Laura Herman, Minnetonka Libero: The sophomore has a team-best 444 digs and adds 36 service aces.

Trojans in if...
They can continue to serve well and put pressure on Minnetonka’s back row.

Skippers win if...
They can neutralize standouts Doyle and Toni Okuyemi, who missed the beginning of the season after she suffered a ruptured Achilles' tendon in April.