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Young, Tested Gophers Volleyball Team Set for NCAA Run

On Friday, Minnesota hosts Fairfield at Maturi Pavilion in its NCAA Tournament opener, aiming to turn belief into results and craft memories at home this weekend.
Forced by injuries, the program promoted several freshmen and a transfer as Stella Swenson, redshirt freshman setter, became an anchor after four starters were sidelined.
Kelly Kinney has emerged as a primary offensive contributor with 231 kills and 2.33 kills per set, while Minnesota focused on eye work and defending three front-row hitters against Fairfield Stags' 6-2 system.
Coach Keegan Cook says the team is peaking in November and playing its best volleyball, but calls this NCAA Tournament field the deepest and most talented after a Purdue win and Wisconsin loss.
Minnesota last hosted opening weekend in 2022, when Keegan Cook's faith helped freshmen flourish and `play free`, leading to a run to the round of 16 against Ohio State at Maturi Pavilion.

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Young, tested Gophers volleyball team set for NCAA run

Minnesota, with a handful of freshmen in tow, is hosting the first rounds of this year's NCAA tournament, starting on Friday against MAAC champion Fairfield.

2 days ago·Fargo, United States

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Pioneer Press

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‘This group is ready’: Young, tested Gophers volleyball team set for NCAA run

“This group is ready.” Those three words from Minnesota Gophers head coach Keegan Cook carry a lot of weight. Cook will likely be starting five freshmen in the No. 4 seed’s opening NCAA Tournament match against Fairfield on Friday at Maturi Pavilion. It has been a mixed-bag all season for Minnesota (22-9), which entered the year with a talented roster and a redshirt freshman setter in Stella Swenson. She turned out to be an anchor for the Gopher…

2 days ago·Saint Paul, United States

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