Play began at 7 a.m. and continued until around midnight on eight courts from Center Street to 2nd Street North.

Division A included 12 teams, 32 in Division B, 20 in Division C and 27 in the recreation division.

“Some of the volleyball games were pretty intense, pretty impressive,” said tournament coordinator Sue Boddy.

“I just love volleyball. It’s my life. I’ve put on volleyball tournaments for a long time. It’s a huge undertaking, but fun. It works thanks to many volunteers. We couldn’t do it without them,” said Boddy.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Thrivent of New Ulm team member Ben Pearson, left, prepares to spike a ball against Brothers Gutters in the Division B title game. Thrivent edged Brothers Gutters 25-23, 27-26.

She said she came up with idea to create Spikin’ in the Street about four years ago and talked to B & L Bar owner Rick Kamm about it. With sponsorship help from many local businesses and industries, the tournament began last July with 44 teams in four divisions on four courts on Minnesota Street.

“We’ve got a great bunch of people sponsoring this to make it happen,” said Kamm.

Play intensity rose as the tournament progressed Saturday.

Participating teams included the Matchbox Volleyball Club of Aberdeen that included Hayley Swenson, formerly of New Ulm. Swenson coached volleyball at Presentation College in Aberdeen for five years and brought other volleyball coaches with her to compete Saturday.

“It’s just super fun to be here and compete. Our team has five women and two men,” she said.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Thrivent of New Ulm team member Ben Pearson, left, prepares to spike a ball against Brothers Gutters in the Division B title game. Thrivent edged Brothers Gutters 25-23, 27-26. Staff photo by Fritz Busch Wayne Owens, right, of New Ulm and the Printwear Graphics volleyball team blocks a shot at the net from Jamie Unke, left, of Marshall and the Bolleyvall team including Marshall and Sioux Falls, S.D. players.

Thrivent of New Ulm won the B Division, edging Brothers Gutters of Mankato, 25-23, 27-26 in the finals. Earlier in the day, Thrivent came from behind to defeat Printwear Graphics of New Ulm.

Thrivent team members were Megen Wegner, Kaylee Hunter, Ben and Maddie Pearson, Brad, Justice and Jaden Bauer.

“I liked the teamwork and having fun with my cousins, friends and sister Maddie,” said Ben Pearson.

“I like playing volleyball outside and representing the New Ulm community,” said Maddie Pearson.

“I liked competing and having fun here today,” said Kaylee Hunter.

Brianna Johnson from the Tanker Bay Ball Buster B Division team, serves up a Volleyball during the Spikin’ in the Street competition. This was the second year in a row Johnson’s team competed in Spikin’ in the Street. She confirmed they would be back next year and every year the tournament was held. Staff photo by Clay Schuldt

Players, their families and fans remained downtown much of the day, buying food and beverages. Even after teams were eliminated from the tournament, many stayed on to support the other teams.

The Tanker Bay Ball Busters, a B Division team from New Ulm, cheered on the teams that defeated them. The Tanker Bay team competed in last year’s Spikin’ on the Street last, finishing second in the B Division, but members said the competition was tougher this year. “There is a lot of talent out there,” said Shanda Madsen “but it was a fun and fair competition.”

Madsen said overall all the teams showed great sportsmanship.

Fellow Tanker Bay teammate Brianna Johnson agreed. She said “If the other team made a great play, both sides cheered.”

Several downtown establishments including Sweet Haven Tonics, the B & L Bar and Lola-An American Bistro, Searles served items including beer, sangria, and mocktail options outside throughout the day.

Sweet Haven Tonics owner Leah Pekrul said setting up sidewalk tables this year made a big difference for her business.

“Last year, we were only inside. This year, we were outside too, where all the action was. I saw an incredible amount of people today. I’m very appreciative of everyone in the community who helped make Spikin’ in the Street possible,” she said.