The Benilde St. Margaret’s girls volleyball team has solidified its spot in the 2025 Minnesota State High School League state tournament for the third time in program history. After sweeping the number-one-seeded team, Delano, in the section final on Wednesday, the team is ready to carry its skills and dedication to the state tournament. Led by six dedicated and experienced seniors, the team is ready to make a run at the tournament.
Making it to the state tournament is a challenge in itself, but being in a section with three top-ten teams in Class AAA adds even more pressure. The team was prepared very well for this section’s final game, because earlier in the season, they fell to Delano in a close match, 2-3. “Delano was the number two team in the state, so I think that exemplifies how we are as a team and how we’re able to rise to the challenge, so I’m hoping we can have a good run at state,” senior captain Eleanor Porisch said.
The team has had a very successful regular season. With a record of 24-4-0, the team is ranked third in its class. There were a lot of nerves going into the big game, but with the preparation and long practices the team had, they felt more ready than ever. “I feel like I’ve never been more prepared for a section final game. We had film, longer practices, and even had a call with alumni from previous years to get us hyped up for the game,” Porisch said.
The BSM student body was right behind the team, supporting them every step of the way. A fan bus was provided by the school to help bring students to the game. The first 50 people who signed up received free food and a free ticket to the game. “It was so much fun having everyone there, I’ve never played in front of a crowd as big as that, and I could feel their energy during the game,” junior captain Sailor Friedly said.
The state tournament kicks off at the Grand Casino Arena on Wednesday, November 5th. The team is still awaiting its seeding and its opponent, but is excited to bring the energy. All the hard work and dedication the players put into the season will be put to the test. “This is such a fun group of girls, and I’m just excited to experience this special journey with them. I love them so much, and I think it’s going to be so much fun,” Friedly said.