Seniors Lead the Way to Take Down the Sabers in 3!

Farmington, MN-  An always emotional message prior to tonight's game from Coach Woody got the Tigers ready for battle recognizing our seniors. Maddy Dombeck, Becca Woody, Roselyn Bot, Mara Phillips, Jada Muehlenkamp, and Ella McAbee, are 6 seniors that have been the backbone of this program. Their leadership and commitment to the game has paved the way for many Tigers to come. 

As the tears dried and the whistle was blown Farmington battled back and forth against Shakopee continuously tying the game until 8-8. The Tigers then took their first run, a 4-0 run forcing a Saber timeout.  After a 7 minute delay while the officials were figuring out rotations the Sabers gained momentum and went on their own run. This was just enough to force the Tigers, behind Ellla McAbee's performance at the net, on yet another run this time six straight points. Farmington held this lead, winning set one 25-19.

Maddy Dombeck started set two serving for the Tigers, keeping Shakopee out of system and tallying 3 aces. The Tigers took a quick 10-5 lead in set two. With another 4-0 run by the Tigers they were able to secure a 19-11 lead until a Farmington missed serve. Farmington stayed hot, winning set two 25-17.

Between four of the seniors, Woody, Muehlenkamp, Phillips, and Dombeck the Tigers put up an impressive 11 aces. 

Shakopee did not shy away in set three, leading for a good chunk of it until The Tigers took a 16-13 lead and Shako exhausted one of their timeouts. With another comeback the Sabers brought it within one, Farmington leading 19-18. The Tigers put their foot down and finished set three and the match 25-20. This was an extra special night in the FHS gymnasium we were able to celebrate our seniors, but it was also Coach Woody's first time in his 18 year tenure as the head coach, defeating the Shakopee Sabers. Coach Woody was able to share this with the fan base in the gym tonight, his family on and off the court, and his daughter Sr. Becca Woody.

Becca Woody led the Tigers with 10 kills, Sabrina Caven with 9, Ella McAbee with 4 (in the first set), Braelyn Hendrickson with 4 and Dombeck with 3. Dombeck led the team with 4 aces and 28 set assists. Elexis West with 30 digs, Dombeck with 19, Phillips with 21 and Woody with 13.

Final Score - Farmington defeats Shakopee; 25-19, 25-17, and 25-20.
Location -  Farmington High School, Farmington MN
Records - Farmington 11-6, Shakopee 5-6
Up Next - The Tigers head to Lakeville South to face the Cougars on Tuesday, September 26th, the first time facing the Cougars since the 5-set match in the 2022-2023 playoffs.