Unseeded Stillwater lost its first two sets against third-seeded Rogers but stormed back to win their Class 4A state volleyball quarterfinal in five sets Wednesday at the Xcel Energy Center.

The 21-25, 18-25, 25-20, 27-25, 17-15 victory advanced the Ponies to an 11 a.m. Thursday semifinal matchup against No. 2-seeded New Prague, which defeated Minnetonka in four sets.

Things did not look good for the Ponies right away. With their backs against the wall, the Ponies tightened up their defense and went on to pull off the improbable reverse sweep.

Stillwater coach Sara Baumgard said that even though things might’ve looked bleak, the comeback and upset were not a surprise to her and shouldn’t be to anyone.

“What a comeback, but it’s not a shock at all,” she said. “It may be a shock to the fans, but this is the M.O. of this team. That’s how we got to the section finals, was a reverse sweep. The grit, the perseverance, the mental toughness of this team is hands down the best I’ve coached.”

Stillwater senior Mackenzie Peters said that even after losing the first two sets, the players weren’t rattled.

“We all knew we had this game,” she said. “It didn’t matter the score. We knew we had it, because all of us want it so bad. Everyone on the team, on the bench, on the court. Few subs in, few subs out, they’re always engaged in the game. That’s what makes our team what it is, and that’s how we can always come back from these.”

Stillwater had obstacles to hurdle throughout the season, with Baumgard saying the season has felt like multiple seasons in one. But the players said they have the confidence and the skill to go far in the tournament and are peaking at the perfect time.

“We definitely are underdogs in this situation,” Peters said. “I think, with our record, that’s not what all the other teams have. But our mentality, our skill level, and how far we’ve come this season is what’s brought us here.”

“Surprised, yes, but I also think we all trust each other so much that even at our worst, we knew what our best could be,” senior Alexa Lehman said. “And so us being here — we earned it. We deserve to be up with the top dogs.”

Eagan dug itself holes numerous times against Anoka throughout their Class 4A state volleyball quarterfinal Friday at Xcel Energy Center. And on numerous occasions, the Wildcats successfully battled back.

But their final dilemma proved to be too much to overcome, as fourth-seeded Eagan was bounced in five sets by fifth-seeded Anoka, 29-27, 28-26, 26-28, 26-28, 15-4 in a thrilling quarterfinal.

“Yeah, fighting from behind is exhausting. The whole time you’re trying to push, you’re trying to fight,” Eagan coach McKenna Melville said. “That team was a really good defensive team. We knew that coming in, and we just had to keep on fighting. … We made it harder for ourselves.”

And they almost came through. The Wildcats trailed 18-9 in the second set before rallying to push it to extra points. But they weren’t able to finish off the set, creating a 2-0 hole for the match.

Eagan continued to start slow in sets but rallied to win each of the final two to force a fifth set.

“We’re fighters, through and through. We’re not going to let a game go without doing our absolute best, and today that was our absolute best,” senior setter Ava Bertsch said. “I think regardless of what team we play, we’re like, ‘No, we’re going to fight,’ because that’s who we’re meant to be. We fight for each other. … We just won’t quit.”

Eagan’s rally shifted the pressure to Anoka (26-3), which was playing in its first state tournament since 2012. Anoka coach Chris Fenwick said his team “thrives off pressure.”

True to form, sophomore Hayden Reeder’s mindset heading into the fifth was simply “we’re going to crush this.” They did, controlling the entire set en route to an impressive closeout.

“They played with a lot of heart and will,” Fenwick said, “and they showed that they’re definitely the high-caliber team we thought we were at the start of the year, and we just proved it just now.”

Logan Brent led Anoka with 28 kills, with Reeder tacking on 24. The Tornadoes will take on Goliath — err, three-time defending state champion Wayzata — in the semis at 9 a.m. Thursday. The Trojans (32-0) downed Edina in three sets Wednesday.

A battle with the state’s powerhouse with a state championship game spot on the line. Not bad for a program that hadn’t been to state in more than a decade.

“You look at Anoka volleyball and you don’t really expect them to put it to people,” Reeder said. “We definitely do, and we have confidence. Underdog for me, personally, is the best.”

Eagan was a bit of a surprise entrant after downing No. 2-ranked East Ridge in the section finals. Still, state was where first-year Wildcats coach McKenna Melville envisioned her program.

“I knew what it was to be at state. I knew the feeling, I knew the adrenaline. … I knew what it took,” said Melville, who starred for Eagan as a player. “Ultimately, that is the goal, but I don’t think the goal in my brain ever stopped at, ‘Oh, let’s get to the state tournament.’ The goal in everyone’s head should never be, ‘Oh, I just want to get to the state tournament.’

“So that’s things we can learn from, and I think now we’re the new kids on the block again and we’re back and we’re ready to go.”

In response to Hayes Gardner’s excellent article, “‘Essentially gifting the land’: Economists pan land deal with Orioles; state says it will ‘reinvigorate’ Camden Yards” (Oct. 27), there are still many unanswered questions about the development agreement included in the memorandum of understanding between Gov. Wes Moore and Orioles Chairman and CEO John Angelos. These include:

Is the state receiving adequate value for this agreement? Under the MOU, the state will lease the property to Angelos for 99 years and receive $94 million in rent over that time. Based on a present value analysis of the rents to be received over the term of the lease, $94 million is worth somewhere between $13 million and $20 million in today’s dollars. So how much are the state-owned properties included in the development agreement worth?

Without a procurement process whereby the Maryland Stadium Authority would solicit proposals from qualified developers and without an actual bid competition to see what the highest value is, there is no exact answer. However, in anticipation that the MSA and Orioles may want to look at developing these properties, the MSA engaged Cushman & Wakefield for planning purposes to estimate the value. I encourage MSA to release this report to the public.

The second question arises because under the proposed terms, the Orioles will have up to 10 years to begin construction. Who manages the property in the interim, and who collects rents from existing tenants and who bears responsibility for maintaining the property during this period? Currently, the MSA receives more than $3 million annually in rents but, under the development agreement, it will receive $1.5 million in rents from the Orioles for the first five years and $500,000 in rents for the next five years. Isn’t the state losing money?

The third question derives from the fact that, in 2021, the MSA invested significant dollars to upgrade aging infrastructure in the warehouse and to freshen all the common areas. There is approximately $30 million of debt still outstanding for that work, and the MSA pays more than $3 million per year in debt service. Will the Orioles assume responsibility for this debt service, or will the MSA still have this responsibility? Where will the funds to service the debt come from?

The fourth question is: Why would the Orioles be selected as the developer of this property when they have no prior development experience? The MSA is the only developer who has ever worked on the Camden Yards complex and successfully developed Orioles Park, M&T Bank Stadium and the warehouse. The concept of “live, work, play” was originally advanced by the MSA all the way back to 2017. Why would the MSA not be the developer or a partner in the development for the property it owns?

The fifth question is why would the state agree to allow the Orioles to have a 30-year lease for the stadium but a 99-year lease for the developable properties? Under this scenario, the team could change owners while Angelos keeps the development rights. Because there is no cross-default provision between the stadium use agreement and the development agreement, the state will tie up the developable properties for 99 years, receive only a base rent and receive none of the upside while it retains all of the downside risk. To develop the properties, the Orioles will need to secure financing, and its lender will want the state to subordinate its rights to collect even the paltry rent unless the debt payments are made. If the development fails, the Orioles walk away with no risk and the state will inherit a failed development with debt still outstanding.

My last question is: Why isn’t the state seeking competing bids from actual developers, as is typically required under Maryland law? The last time the state tried to pick a favored developer without real competition it didn’t turn out well. The State Center project was halted by a lawsuit that accused the state of violating its own laws in selecting a developer without competition. Ironically, the plaintiff in the suit was Peter Angelos. There are numerous developers both locally and nationally with real experience in developing sports-related properties.

In the statement from Kerry Watson, the Orioles’ executive vice president of public affairs, he talks about benefits to Maryland from the collection of sales tax, jobs that number in the thousands and community opportunities. David Turner, Gov. Moore’s communications director, cited the economic impact of entertainment districts around Major League Baseball stadiums in Atlanta, St. Louis, Colorado and Texas. He mentions tax revenues, too. Wouldn’t it be fair for policymakers and citizens to see these projections so we can weigh the likelihood these benefits are achievable?

In summary, I ask that the Cushman & Wakefield report and projections for tax revenues and other benefits to be derived by the state be shared with policymakers and the public. I also ask that Governor Moore explain why competing bids were not solicited and how the citizens of Maryland can be assured that they are receiving fair value for assets owned by the state that would be under private control for 99 years. More sunlight is a good thing.

— Thomas Kelso, Phoenix

The writer served as chairman of the Maryland Stadium Authority from 2015 to 2023.

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Week 9 was pretty busy for Joshua Dobbs. The quarterback was traded to the Vikings, spent a few minutes meeting teammates and learning a fraction of the playbook, then led Minnesota to a stunning comeback victory in Atlanta.

The former Cardinals QB had already posted surprising numbers before being dealt by Arizona. So much so that in the fantasy scoring system on NFL.com, Dobbs is the 10th-rated quarterback this season. Really.

As the season officially hits the halfway point, it’s time to look at the biggest fantasy surprises of the 2023 campaign.

We’ll deal with the dregs that have already ruined the season for The Loop and others next week. But for now we offer our lineup of the year’s most pleasant surprises. Players who have posted fantasy numbers far beyond what any experts predicted back in August:

C.J. Stroud (Texans QB) – The No. 2 draft pick is coming off a record 470-yard performance against Tampa Bay, the most ever for a rookie QB. He has 2,270 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns and one TD run. Only Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Philly’s Jalen Hurts are averaging more fantasy points per game among quarterbacks.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 05: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans leaves the field after a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Raheem Mostert (Dolphins RB) – He’s tied with Christian McCaffrey for the NFL lead with 13 touchdowns. He’s fourth in rushing with 605 rushing yards and is on pace for his first 1,000-yard season. And he’s one of three Miami players to top 21 mph on a play this season. SPEED!

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 29: Raheem Mostert #31 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after his rushing touchdown during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Travis Etienne (Jaguars RB) – The former Clemson star wasn’t considered a top-10 running back in the summer, in part, because of hype over rookie Tank Bigsby. But Etienne is sixth in the league with 849 total yards and eight touchdowns. BIgsby? Just 60 total yards.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 29: Travis Etienne Jr. #1 of the Jacksonville Jaguars converts a two-point conversion during the third quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Puka Nacua (Rams WR) – The rookie from BYU hasn’t completely cooled off after his record start. He’s fourth in the NFL in both receiving yards and receptions. The only drawbacks have been his lack of TDs (2) and the return of all-world teammate Cooper Kupp.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 29: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a first down during the first quarter o a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Adam Thielen (Panthers WR) – Turns out the Minnesota favorite is not nearly over the hill. The Mankato legend is sixth in the league with 62 receptions, and he has been the star of the otherwise stagnant Carolina offense with 610 yards and four TDs.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 29: Adam Thielen #19 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against Tavierre Thomas #4 of the Houston Texans during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Cole Kmet (Bears TE) – Chicago’s biggest pass catcher has 41 catches for 374 yards and five TDs. He has become a favorite target of backup quarterback Tyson Bagent and should continue to see ample targets with the return of starter Justin Fields.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 05: Cole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears catches a pass while defended by Zack Baun #53 of the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome on November 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys K) – The Dallas rookie hasn’t missed yet, making the first 19 field-goal attempts of his career, an NFL record. He’s tied for second in scoring among NFL kickers. Not too shabby for a dude who played only soccer in college at Notre Dame.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 29: Brandon Aubrey #17 of the Dallas Cowboys kicks in the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Matchup game

When is the Jonathan Taylor breakout coming, if at all? We say this Sunday when the Indy RB faces New England in Germany. … Green Bay RB Aaron Jones had his busiest week in a while against the Rams, and he’ll be productive again vs. the Steelers. … Vikings RB Alexander Mattison will be doing nearly all of the running for the Vikings against the Saints. … D.J. Moore is returning to Carolina, so we expect a big game from the Bears’ receiver Thursday night. … We also see big things for Vegas WR Davante Adams against a Jets team that tried in vain to trade for him. … Chargers WR Keenan Allen looked great Monday night, and he could have a big game against the Lions. … While on the other side, Detroit QB Jared Goff can post some great stats against the still-not-fantastic Chargers defense.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 05: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers and teammates celebrate after a touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field on November 05, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Sitting stars

The Giants’ offense is such a mess that you probably can’t even start RB Saquon Barkley against the Cowboys. … Cleveland RB Jerome Ford has cooled off, and he could be icier against Baltimore. … Same goes for Atlanta rookie Bijan Robinson, who is losing more carries to teammate Tyler Allgeier. … The 49ers’ George Kittle runs hot-cold, and he might be a bit chilly this week against Jacksonville. … Browns-Ravens should be a tight AFC North defensive struggle, so both Lamar Jackson and especially Deshaun Watson will be kept in check. … Denver QB Russell Wilson will come back down to earth against Buffalo. … And even though we like Kyler Murray’s prospects long-term after his knee injury, we would never consider starting him sight unseen against Atlanta.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 05: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants is tackled by Nate Hobbs #39 and John Jenkins #95 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half of a game at Allegiant Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Injury watch

The big news regards quarterbacks: those returning (Bears’ Justin Fields, Cardinals’ Kyler Murray), those who won’t be (Giants’ Daniel Jones) and those who are on Week 10 byes (Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa, Rams’ Matthew Stafford). Waiver activity for replacement QBs will be heated. … Vikings RB Cam Akers is done for the year after tearing his Achilles’ tendon. … Philly TE Dallas Goedart broke his forearm and will be sidelined for a while. .. . Cincinnati star wideout Ja’Marr Chase suffered a back injury Monday night and is a question mark for this week. … Others considered questionable include Lions RB David Montgomery, Houston RB Dameon Pierce, San Fran WR Deebo Samuel, Packers WR Christian Watson, Colts WR Josh Downs, Titans WR Treylon Burks and Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 05: Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals fails to catch a pass against Dane Jackson #30 of the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

The deepest sleeper

This mega-bye week’s pool of talent is so shallow that our deepest sleeper is a dude who just ran for 138 yards. Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell got the first nine carries of his NFL career last week against Seattle, and he wound up averaging more than 15 yards per attempt, with one touchdown. While Baltimore coach John Harbaugh will likely keep his backfield committee approach intact, the rookie from East Carolina could easily start getting some of the goal-line opportunities that were being monopolized by Gus Edwards.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Keaton Mitchell #34 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a touchdown during the second half in the game against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The Thursday pick

Panthers at Bears (-3½):
Pick: Bears by 7

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Breaking news

We’ll be updating our column, based on the latest injuries and innuendo, right up until Sunday’s kickoff. Go to TwinCities.com/theloop.

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Wednesdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on Twitter — @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.

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