Fillmore Central stuns Mabel-Canton, state bound for first time since 2013

ROCHESTER — Fillmore Central pulled off the upset of upsets, stunning No. 2-ranked Mabel-Canton in four sets Saturday in the Section 1, Class 1A championship at Mayo Civic Arena.

That snapped what had been a three-year state tournament run by the Cougars, whose season finished at 34-3 overall. Fillmore Central, which was seeded just sixth in this section event, is 17-15 and state bound for the first time since 2013

The Falcons got it done with excellent play everywhere. And in a match that they won 25-21, 12-25, 25-12, 25-23, that they were able to win that first set bordered on the unbelievable.

Mabel-Canton was in complete control there, having built a 20-12 lead.

But then, out of nowhere the Falcons surged and surged and surged. By the time the set was done, they'd gone on a 13-1 scoring run. That wild ending set the tone for what turned into a championship day for Fillmore Central, which was meeting Mabel-Canton for the only time this season.

The Falcons got a huge effort from middle hitter Katelyn Scheevel. Just a freshman, Scheevel finished with 18 kills and three blocks. Kyla Hellickson led a tenacious and deadly efficient defense with 21 digs. Aubrey Daniels had 25 set assists.

The match ended a brilliant high school career by Mabel-Canton setter Sahara Morken. A multiple-years All-State choice, Morken — the Cougars' all-time sets leader — added to that total with 38 more against Fillmore Central and 11 digs.