Minnesota Monarchs

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The Minnesota Monarchs were one of six teams in the Major League Volleyball franchise. The league began in 1987 and ended short of completing a full season in 1989. Players consisted of former collegiate All Americans and Olympians. The level of play was highly competitive (above that of even the best Division I college teams) and fast past and utilized either a 5/1 or 6/2 defense.

Rules at the time were a bit different. The ball could not touch the net on a serve, and games were to 15 (no rally scoring). And then of course there were those uniforms. In 1988 the franchise changed the rules so that game 5 would move to rally scoring. Perhaps a little to late at an attempt to keep the energy and interest high.

The Minnesota franchise was reported to be the strongest in terms of attendance, repeatedly filling the stands time after time. Unfortunately the team was lack luster in 1987 coming in last place. However, some trading and new talent (a.k.a. Ruth Lawanson) joined the next season and the team was born again. The team finished in third place in 1988 and was leading the league in matches won before the leauge ended in 1989.

Heavy Handed Hitters: Ruth Lawanson (OH) (Major League Volleyball MVP 1988); Linda Chisolm (MB);