The Cannon Falls Bomber volleyball team is returning to the state tournament once again. After making history in the 2021 season by defeating Zumbrota-Mazeppa at sections and advancing to state, the Bombers once again proved themselves capable by beating the No. 4 seeded Caledonia Warriors. 

Rachael Miller, a senior captain on the team, stated that, “Every aspect of our team picked up, especially blocking. Playing each game like it was our last showed a noticeable difference in the way we competed. Everyone wanted to win and it showed.”

Although they dropped the first set 18-25, the team came back fighting by taking the next three sets 25-12, 25-21, and 25-21 to secure the section final title. Madison Burr led in kills, tallying up a total of 18. Miller led with 3 ace blocks and a total of 6 blocks. Finally, Kyra Schoenfedler led in digs with 23. 

While Bomber fans were left stunningly surprised that the Cannon Falls achieved back-to-back state tournament trips, various players on the team knew that a trip to state was in the works much earlier in the season. Many players believed there were multiple turning points within their season that allowed them to accomplish this great achievement. 

“I was in shock,” stated senior captain Elle Lind. “I knew our team could do it again if we gave our best effort, but going back to state for the second time in school history still seems kind of unreal.” 

Lind went on to explain that a crucial turning point in the Bomber volleyball team’s season that gave them the momentum to succeed in playoffs was their game against Byron in late October. Lind shared that, “After our loss against Byron, I think our team came to a realization that we can’t play as individuals.” Following the loss, the team began doing team building exercises to build their team chemistry. “I truly believe that we needed that loss to open our eyes and show us we need to be a team on the court,” Lind admitted. 

Senior captain Kyra Schoenfelder used the word “unbelieveable” to describe her reaction of going to state for only the second time in Bomber history. She expressed that being able to prove everyone wrong and win the section championship was extremely rewarding, especially when many doubted their ability. 

“I knew we had the capability to go to state again when we beat Kasson-Mantorville, a top ranked team in class AAA,” stated Schoenfelder. The match went to 5 sets, but the Bombers came out on top. The girls showed all fans what it looks like to play with grit and determination as a team. This was also shown during the section final game against Caledonia, who are strong both offensively and defensively. Schoenfelder described the outcome of the match saying “Caledonia truly made us work for the win.” She also talked about how surreal it felt to be section champions again and couldn’t be more excited for another chance at the state tournament.

Kallie Johnson, a junior on the team, also shared her thoughts. “I was so pumped, I couldn’t stop smiling,” she expressed. “It felt uplifting to see all the fans to cheer us on and it feels good that we make them proud,” Johnson added, as the team achieved their final victory to advance to state. 

Johnson said, “I think a turning point in the season was our quarterfinals match against Pine Island. It was our first game at the Civic Center and made playoffs feel real.” Losing that first set against the Panthers made the Bombers realize they had to up their game for the sets to come. Johnson complimented a couple of the Bombers strengths that allowed them to achieve their goals. “Our communication was an important aspect to our game and having the mindset of defense first.” As the season is coming to a close, Johnson is looking forward to all the memories she will soak up with her team this week.  

When asked about going to state for the second year in a row, head coach Melissa Huseth exclaimed, “This year, our team worked even harder to earn that repeat trip to state and show how strong our program is.” Huseth said she knew early on the team had high potential. She described the playoff matches at the Civic Center as defining moments because, “Our entire team was determined, aggressive, and disciplined to play their role to the best of their ability.” 

Finally, the girls’ greatest strength is playing well as a team. Huseth proudly stated, “We have multiple attackers, tenacious defense in the backcourt and our blockers have come alive!” The girls push each other and play their role to succeed together. Huseth emphasized, “To say that I am happy and humbled by this team would be an understatement.”

Despite facing various ups and downs during their season, the Bomber volleyball team experienced crucial turning points that allowed them to accomplish extraordinary victories throughout playoffs. The Cannon Falls Bombers received the number 2 seed for the state tournament and are scheduled to play the unseeded Pipestone Arrows on Thursday, November 10 at 3:00 PM at the Xcel Energy Center.