Apple Valley's current volleyball players weren't yet born the last time the storied program made it to a state tournament.

They hadn't seen the Eagles program take one of its 13 trips to state, win titles in 1985 and 1992, then finish runner-up in 1997. Instead, they'd seen Apple Valley finish with zero wins in 2020, five in 2021 and four in 2022.

Over the years, they hosted the annual Eagle Invitational that included top state-bound teams — and the Eagles.

But then, a rebuilding season turned into a state tournament run.

"We kept achieving some of these heights I didn't think we'd get to for another season," coach Hannah Specktor said. This fall, the Eagles beat defending Class 4A champ Wayzata in September, then knocked off top-10 Prior Lake in October.

"The team was really pushing hard to make this their opportunity in the section to advance," Specktor said.

Apple Valley (14-14), the No. 4 seed in Section 6, booked its latest trip to state by upsetting the top two seeds in its section tournament last week — No. 1 Edina in the semifinals, then No. 2 Minneapolis Southwest in the championship.

In their first trip to Xcel Energy Center since 2001, the Eagles are the eighth seed in Class 4A, slated to face No. 1 Lakeville South (29-2) in Wednesday's quarterfinals.

"[We're] used to being underestimated as a program," Specktor said. "We are allowed to sneak in a little bit unsuspectingly at times, get a little bit more momentum, and we can take off."

Specktor took over as the Eagles coach in 2021 after eight years as Apple Valley's junior varsity and assistant varsity coach. An emphasis on refining fundamental skills, time for returning players to gel and increased participation in the district's juniors program has helped boost Apple Valley's performance in a stacked South Suburban Conference, she said.

Combine that with a unique playing style — opting to run the middle more than most teams — and the Eagles were able to challenge opponents with a different-looking defense and big performances out of sophomore middle blocker Ginny Gores and sophomore outside hitter Sophia Cowan to win their section.

"I've watched a lot of those celebrations happen in front of me, so to be able to live that moment, I'm still kind of pinching myself," Specktor said. "I'm so happy for the girls they get to live this experience."

In the Class 4A quarterfinals, the Eagles get a rematch with the top team in their regular-season conference, Lakeville South. The Cougars swept the Eagles 3-0 in September.

State tournament quarterfinals schedule

Wednesday

4A quarterfinals

No. 1 Lakeville South vs. No. 8 Apple Valley, 1 p.m.

No. 4 St. Michael-Albertville vs. No. 5 Roseville, 1 p.m.

No. 2 Champlin Park vs. No. 7 Anoka 3 p.m.

No. 3 East Ridge vs. No. 6 Minnetonka, 3 p.m.

3A quarterfinals

No. 1 Delano vs. No. 8 Hermantown, 5 p.m.

No. 4 Mahtomedi vs. No. 5 Alexandria, 5 p.m.

No. 2 Marshall vs. No. 7 Monticello, 7 p.m.

No. 3 Stewartville vs. No. 6 Cretin-Derham Hall, 7 p.m.

Thursday

2A quarterfinals

No. 1 Albany vs. No. 8 New London-Spicer, 1 p.m.

No. 4 Southwest Christian vs. No. 5 Annandale, 1 p.m.

No. 2 Chatfield vs. No. 7 Rush City, 3 p.m.

No. 3 Hawley vs. No. 6 St. Croix Lutheran, 3 p.m.

1A quarterfinals

No. 1 Mayer Lutheran vs. No. 8 Sebeka, 5 p.m.

No. 4 West Central vs. Kittson County Central, 5 p.m.

No. 2 Minneota vs. No. 7 Ely, 7 p.m.

No. 3 New Life Academy vs. No. 6 Fillmore Central, 7 p.m.