Sabers swat Trojans in section semis

The New Prague Trojan volleyball team came out flat in the first two sets and lost in three sets to Shakopee, 25- 13, 25-14, 27-25 in the Section 2AAA semifinals Tuesday, Oct. 30, in Shakopee.

“Finding ourselves in the semi-final match was a new place for us this season,” said Trojan Coach Angie Andersen. The last time the Trojans had advanced this far in the section tournament was 2001, when they placed second at state.

“It was exciting and obviously a goal of ours. We came out with the physical effort and excitement for the match, but we couldn't get into a good rhythm against Shakopee,” she said. “Some nerves may have gotten the best of us in the beginning, but we did settle in and play some good volleyball with fight and determination.”

Shakopee picked up some big runs in the first two sets to take leads the Trojans could not overcome.

Finally in the third set, Andersen said the team had a good push. “We were able to find some momentum with some good plays and find the floor for some scoring, but it was just too late.”

New Prague led several times in the third set, taking a 17-14 lead. The teams traded points and the lead several times before the Sabers finally pulled ahead 24-21. The Trojans, though fought to stay in it, tying the match at.....

To see more on this story pick up the November 8, 2018 print edition of The New Prague Times.