HISTORIC GAME

PHOTOS BY PAT WALSH
Triton volleyball players were greeted by fans before the historic game under the lights between Kasson-Mantorville and Triton.

An approximate 3,000 people made their way to Kasson for the first game of its kind.
Kasson-Mantorville hosted Triton in a volleyball matchup under the lights at KMTelecom stadium last Friday.
Kasson-Mantorville Schools Activities Director Broc Threinen previously wanted to create a similar event in Kasson-Mantorville, “To have something different and unique for the girls.”
After preliminary research, however, he struggled to find similar outside volleyball games not just in Minnesota, but across the country.
“I don’t think there’s been one in Minnesota,” said Threninen.
Threinen called dozens of companies that might be able to set up the court. Some required plywood or oriented strand board to be put down before the court could even be constructed. In the end, Threninen went with Mayo Civic Center, which the school district has previously worked with, to set up the court.
Like many outdoor sporting events in Minnesota, weather played a role. Due to condensation on the court, which moved part of the matchup inside.
In a Facebook post ahead of the game Kasson-Mantorville Superintendent Beth Giese made clear that no school funds were used for the match.
“Several of you have called with questions regarding the costs associated with tonight’s history making volleyball game,” Giese wrote. “We want to clarify that this event is 100% sponsored. No expenditures for this event were paid by Kasson Mantorville Schools.”
The KoMets defeated Triton 3-1.

PHOTOS BY PAT WALSH