NEW PRAGUE, Minn. – The Farmington Tigers faced off against Section 1A non-conference opponent New Prague on Monday night, marking their first meeting since the 2023-24 season opener.
Farmington started strong in set one with an 8-4 lead, but New Prague quickly settled in. Capitalizing on several Tiger service errors, the Trojans took their first lead at 13-12. Andrew Kaliev responded with his fourth kill to even the score, but another miscue at the service line shifted momentum back to New Prague, who closed out the set 25-18.
Set two was all Tigers from the start. TJ Martin sparked the team with back-to-back aces as Farmington surged ahead 6-1. Brayden Kemmet made a standout debut in his first serving appearance of the season, recording two kills and an ace to help push the lead to 12-5. A timeout by New Prague couldn't stop the Tigers, and Martin continued to dominate at the net, guiding Farmington to a 25-16 win to tie the match.
Riding the momentum, Farmington jumped out to a 10-5 lead in set three. Junior setter Isaac Albrecht kept the offense rolling, finding Kemmet in rhythm for several key kills. Braden Woody was cruising at the service line, dropping in serves exactly where he wanted. The Tigers maintained control throughout, taking the set 25-17.
Martin and Kaliev stayed relentless in set four, helping Farmington build another early lead and forcing a Trojan timeout. Despite a late push by New Prague, unforced errors kept them from closing the gap. Kaliev sealed the match with a powerful swing on an open net, securing the final set 25-19 and a 3-1 win for the Tigers.
Final Score - Farmington defeats New Prague 3-1 (18-25, 25-16, 25-17, 25-19).
Location - New Prague High School, New Prague Minnesota.
Record - Farmington 6-6, Lakeville North 2-9.
Up Next - The Tigers head to Lakeville South on Tuesday, April 29th.
Follow Along – For more information on Farmington Tigers Athletics, Activities, and Arts follow along on Instagram, X, and Facebook @tigerfarmington.
