ORCS finishes fourth in Casselton tournament

CASSELTON – The Our Redeemer’s Christian School volleyball team placed fourth in the gold division at the Volley in the Valley tournament on Saturday.

ORCS defeated Milnor, Barnes County North and Pingree in straight sets and fell to Thompson during pool play. In tournament play, the Knights (9-5) defeated Des Lacs-Burlington in three sets before losing to Thompson and May-Port CG.

“I think the girls did a really great job,” ORCS coach Kara Nunziato said. “It’s tough for them to come in as a rebuilding year and a pretty inexperienced team and play these bigger schools that have a lot of juniors and seniors. It was just a lot of competitive volleyball.”

ORCS was led by freshmen Makayla Gartner and Morgan Olson, who each finished the tournament with 43 kills. Olson had a team-high 42 digs as well.

The Knights host Bottineau at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

– Daily News Staff

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Ryan wins Glenburn Volleyball Invite

GLENBURN – The Bishop Ryan volleyball team beat Berthold (25-16, 25-13) to win the Gold Division at the Glenburn Volleyball Invite on Saturday.

The Lions dropped just one game through six two-game matches. Glenburn stole an 18-16 time-limit-shortened game in the morning’s first match, but Ryan rolled after that with wins over TGU, Surry, Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood and Kenmare in the semifinal.

“We had to come back on M-L-S the second game, so that just gave us the fuel to push all the way through it,” Ryan coach Kaycee Grochow said. “It was just good to see how the district will go. Every game is gonna be a tough one.”

Individual statistics were not provided. The Lions host Velva at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

– Daily News Staff

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No. 24 Central Missouri tops Minot State

WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The Minot State University women’s soccer team suffered its first loss of the season Saturday, falling to No. 24 Central Missouri 2-0 in a nonconference matchup.

The Beavers (0-1-2) managed just two shots on goal against the Jennies (2-1-1).

UCM freshman Hannah Moran opened the scoring 29 minutes, 37 seconds into the game and classmate Kayla Hamner added another goal in the second half. Sophomore Nicole Pond assisted on both scores.

MSU sophomore goalkeeper Gemma Biasetto tallied five saves in the loss.

The Beavers travel to Southwest Minnesota State University on Saturday for a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference match.

– Daily News Staff

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MSU freshmen star in 6-2

hockey win

CARONPORT, Saskatchewan – The American Collegiate Hockey Asso-ciation defending national champion Minot State University men’s team won its second game of the season 6-2 over Briercrest College on Saturday.

The Beavers received a huge lift from freshmen, including Sean Delwo, Cole Olson and Jeremy Johnson. Delwo scored twice, including MSU’s first goal, which came just over seven minutes into the second period. The Beavers led 2-1 after two periods.

Delwo scored again to open the third period. Johnson finished with one goal and three assists. Olson added a goal and an assist.

“We played very well today,” MSU coach Wade Regier said in a press release. “The boys made some mistakes in the first period but corrected them in the third. I really liked how our young guys responded.”

Reigning national player of the year Wyatt Waselenchuk made 23 saves for MSU (2-0).

The Beavers beat Briercrest 9-4 Friday. Waselenchuk made 29 saves in the first win. Johnson had two goals in that game and Delwo also scored one in his MSU premiere. Seven different Beavers scored. Briercrest returns the visit for a pair of games Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Maysa Arena.

– Daily News Staff

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Beavers split final day of NSIC Challenge

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Minot State University volleyball team split a pair of matches on the final day of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Challenge on Saturday.

The Beavers (4-6) began the day with a five-set loss against Drury University (Mo.). MSU won the first two sets, but dropped the final three in a 24-26, 17-25, 27-25, 25-21, 15-9 loss.

The Beavers finished the tournament strong with a straight-set victory against South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. MSU cruised in the final two sets, winning the match 25-17, 25-10, 25-9.

MSU junior outside hitter Jen Dixon and sophomore outside hitter Mallory Sall combined for 30 kills in the first match and 31 in the second. Junior setter Emily Byrne had a match-high 53 assists against Drury and added 38 more against SDMT.

The Beavers finished the tournament 2-2.

MSU hosts Minnesota State-Moorhead at 7 p.m. Thursday.

– Daily News Staff

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MHS No. 1 doubles

team wins twice

WEST FARGO – The Minot High School No. 1 boys doubles team picked up two wins in the rain-shortened West Fargo Tennis Invite on Saturday.

Senior Isaac Massey and junior Dustin Foster held their No. 4 seed in an 8-1 win over an unseeded Shanley team. The Magicians then beat No. 5 Siddharth Gupta and Evan Kottsick (Davies) 8-4. The singles and doubles flights of the touranment played eight-game pro-set matches in an effort to finish more contests.

Foster and Massey would have faced No. 1 Ryan Kenyon and Jake Kuhlman of Grand Forks Red River in a semifinal.

“They were very happy with how they played,” MHS coach Scott DeLorme said. “They thought they played better from the first match to the second match, which was good.”

In second flight doubles MHS senior Grayson Bahl and junior Drew Thomas won their only match of the day 8-1 over Szymon Zmyslony and Max Fisher of West Fargo. Sophomores Cody Reynolds and Ty Nygaard won their only match 8-5 over a Shanley team in the third flight.

MHS varsity reserves competed through the six singles flights. The Magicians host Williston at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday.

– Daily News Staff

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MHS boys XC team

third in Mandan

MANDAN – Minot High School senior Andrew Beach took 12th overall to lead the Magicians to a third-place finish at the Mandan Kiwanis Meet on Saturday.

Bismarck High crushed the competition with 26 points followed by Century with 106 and Minot with 116.

Beach finished the 5K (3.1-mile) course in 16 minutes, 49 seconds. Dickinson’s Jackson Binstock won the race in 16:01. Sean Krill was the second Magician to finish and 20th overall in 17:09.

“Andrew, it wasn’t his best race but he ran well,” MHS coach Aaron Klingbeil said. “Sean Krill, in particular, had a fantastic race.”

Century won the girls meet with 42 followed by Dickinson with 81 and Mandan with 123. Minot took eighth with 243 led by eighth-grader Emily Nelson. She finished the 4K in 15:59 for 21st place. Bismarck’s Lexi Zeis won in 14:08.

– Daily News Staff

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Magicians find scoring touch in rout

FARGO – After a pair of scoreless draws, the Minot High School boys soccer team needed just 15 seconds to net its first goal in a 10-2 rout of Detroit Lakes (Minn.) on Saturday at the Fargo Invitational.

Senior Ryan Crabtree and junior Ekow Annan combined for four goals and three assists. Annan’s opening goal was the first of eight unanswered goals.

“When you score 15 seconds into the game, the tone has been set for your team and the monkey’s off the back from not scoring the last two games,” MHS coach Cody Saunders said. “Ryan and Ekow, when they work well together, are hard to stop.”

Crabtree netted Minot’s sixth and seventh goals of the contest.

Ben Johnson scored both goals for Detroit Lakes, the first on a penalty kick in the 56th minute.

MHS senior goalkeeper Garrett Weishaar made nine saves in the first half before classmate Jake Saunders played the final 40 minutes. Saunders made three saves.

The Magicians (3-2-5) host Bismarck High at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

– Daily News Staff

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MHS swimmers finish second at Bismarck meet

BISMARCK – The Minot High School girls swimming and diving team racked up 383 points and took second place Saturday at the 10-team Bismarck High School-Century High School Invitational. West Fargo tallied 447 points to win the event.

“Overall, my expectations for this meet were not necessarily to win this meet,” MHS coach Dan Hinton said. “I just wanted to have a good showing. West Fargo won the meet and their lineup also wasn’t the strongest. There’s gonna be a strategic game we have to play to see who is the powerhouse.”

Sophomore Emily Hamel was the Majettes’ lone event winner, finishing the 50-meter freestyle in 25.43 seconds. Junior McKenna Brown took second in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1 minute, 2.31 seconds. Williston senior Samantha Miller won the 100 breaststroke in 1:11.80, just ahead of Minot senior Sarah Bogenrief (1:11.95).

The Majettes also finished second in the 200 freestyle relay and the 200 medley relay. Hinton said the Majettes and Packers had strong relays.

“It’s going to be quite the chess game for putting the pieces in the right places at the end of the season,” he said.

Minot competes against Century and Grand Forks Central on Friday.

MHS divers Paige Melby, Maddy Fickle and Alexis Leiner all turned in state-qualifying performances, and senior swimmer Devin Scott qualified for the state meet with a time of 58.74 seconds in the 100 freestyle. Scott had already qualified in the 50 freestyle and the 100 butterfly.

– Daily News Staff

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MHS volleyball defeats Dickinson in five sets

DICKINSON – The Minot High School volleyball team closed out the week on a good note, defeating Dickinson in five sets Saturday.

The Majettes (5-6 overall, 1-3 West Region) dropped the opening set before winning the next two and the deciding fifth-set tiebreaker for a 14-25, 26-24, 25-19, 15-25, 15-9 region victory.

MHS senior middle blocker Jayden Moum had 13 kills and junior outside hitter Kaitlyn Stenberg finished with 12. Senior setter Ashley Gathman led the Majettes with 35 assists and three aces.

“It was a great way to end the week,” MHS coach Ellen Jebens said. “The girls played well tonight and did their job.”

Keely Hutchens led the Midgets (3-8, 1-3) with 13 kills.

MHS travels to play Bismarck High at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

– Daily News Staff

Sports briefs

Bishop Ryan rolls to 3-0, beats Turtle Mountain

BELCOURT – Every Bishop Ryan player received playing time Friday night during the Lions’ 41-12 win over West Region foe Turtle Mountain.

Ryan (3-0 overall, 1-0 West Region) scored 41 straight points to open its first road game of the season, then inserted its second- and third-team players before settling for a 29-point win – its third double-digit victory in as many games.

Turtle Mountain fell to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in region play.

“We came out of the blocks well,” Ryan coach Brad Borkhuis said. “We started fast, which is exactly what we wanted to do.”

Ryan senior quarterback Austin Eggl accounted for the first four touchdowns – a 25-yard run and passes to junior Tanner Sanders, senior Brody Bosch and senior Jake Magnuson. Senior running back Braden Kalamaha also scored on a 17-yard run before Sanders hit senior wideout Nick Berentson for a 10-yard touchdown strike to cap the first-half scoring and stake the Lions a 41-0 halftime lead.

“(Turtle Mountain) didn’t react well to our motion,” Borkhuis said. “We really took advantage of that. We were very efficient with the ball.”

The Lions return home Sept. 20 for a West Region matchup against Dickinson Trinity.

– Daily News Staff

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MSU VB team splits at NSIC Challenge

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Minot State University volleyball team split a pair of matches Friday during the opening day of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Challenge.

In their first match, the Beavers (3-4) claimed the opening set against Northwest Missouri State University (4-2) but dropped the next three, eventually losing 11-25, 25-11, 25-18, 25-22.

“We got at them in the first set,” MSU coach Travis Ward said in a press release. “(NMSU) settled in the rest of the way and we didn’t respond the way we needed to. We did play hard in our fourth set and had a chance to push it to a fifth set so I am really proud of that.”

MSU responded in its second match with a five-game victory over Missouri Western State (2-4). The Beavers struggled in the first two sets, but fought back to dominate play in much of the final three for a 13-25, 16-25, X-X, 25-17, 15-8 win. The third set score was not available.

“We got our butts kicked in the first two sets and we made a lineup change which turned things around for us,” Ward said. “(Freshman outside hitter) Shaunessy (Dauwalder) got her first kills of her collegiate career and she really earned her spot today and provided us with some great energy off the bench.”

MSU squares off with Drury University at 11:30 a.m. today and finishes tournament play with a match against South Dakota School of Mines at 4:30 p.m.

– Daily News Staff

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MHS earns draw with Shanley

FARGO – The Minot High School boys soccer team shut out its second top opponent in a row Friday, playing Shanley to a 0-0 draw. The Magicians posted the same score against two-time defending state champion Century on Thursday night.

“Yesterday took a lot out of us,” MHS coach Cody Saunders said. “Century was a tough away game. To go on the road again and take on one of the top teams in the East was fantastic.”

Shanley currently sits atop the East Region standings, but another stellar performance by the Minot defense gave the Magicians a tie. Senior goalkeeper Garrett Weishaar finished with 12 saves and Saunders said defenders Drew Johnson and Jay Gray were solid on the back line.

Now the Magicians (3-2-4 overall, 2-2-2 West Region) need to find the goal.

“Offensively, we’re just missing the final shot, really,” Saunders said. “We build it up well, we get down there and we just don’t capitalize. … Basically, what we need to do is to put it in the net against a couple quality opponents.”

MHS plays a pair of Minnesota schools today – Detroit Lakes and Fergus Falls. Both matches will be held at Lodoen Field in West Fargo.

– Daily News Staff

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MHS tennis team struggles against Fargo squads

FARGO – The Minot High School boys tennis team dropped matches to Fargo North, Fargo South and West Fargo on Friday.

The Magicians (3-5) fell to North and South by 3-2 scores before losing a 5-0 decision to West Fargo.

Junior Dustin Foster and senior Isaac Massey continued to lead MHS, each going 2-1 on the day.

“They are doing everything we are asking of them and we need the rest of the team to follow suit and join them,” MHS coach Scott DeLorme said in a press release. “We’re now far enough into the season that experience can no longer be used as an excuse, and we need our guys to start making the shots required and give us the depth we will need for the tournaments.”

Foster’s lone loss of the day came against West Fargo No. 1 singles player Brady Ballweber, who prevailed 7-6 (2), 6-2.

The Magicians play in a West Fargo tournament today. Players will be divided into singles and doubles flights.

– Daily News Staff

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Majettes finish fifth at Williston Invitational

WILLISTON – Junior McKinley Bender shot a team-best 88 and eighth-grader Marley Foltz fired a career-best 92 to lead the Minot High School girls golf team to a fifth-place finish Friday at the seven-team Williston Invitational.

“(Marley Foltz) didn’t give away too many strokes today,” said MHS coach Scott Foltz, also Marley’s father. “She had a really good day driving and her second shots were right around the green.”

Dickinson won the event with a team score of 347, six strokes ahead of second-place Bismarck. MHS carded a 374.

Dickinson’s Rachel Jahner earned individual medalist honors with an even-par 72.

The Majettes compete in the individual West Region qualifier Tuesday at Prairie West Golf Course in Mandan.

– Daily News Staff

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MSU cross country teams open season

MOORHEAD, Minn. The Minot State University men’s and women’s cross country teams kicked off the 2013 season at the Ron Smith Invitational Saturday evening.

Due to technical errors with the scoring and timing system, the official places and times were not reported.

Freshman Catie LeDesma led the Beaver women and junior Allison Windish finished second on the team.

Sophomore Joel Cartwright was the first to finish for the MSU men while junior Clay Armstrong and senior Brett Szafarski were second and third, respectively.

MSU travels to Bozeman, Mont., on Sept. 21 for the Montana State Bobcat Invite.

– Daily News Staff

Sports briefs

St. Mary’s VB sweeps MHS

BISMARCK – The Minot High School girls volleyball team is still searching for its first region win after it dropped a 3-0 decision to St. Mary’s on Thursday. The set scores were 25-10, 25-14 and 25-19.

MHS coach Ellen Jebens said the Majettes (4-6 overall, 0-3 West Region) struggled to make positive plays.

“We didn’t pass the ball very well,” she said. “After a tough loss (to Mandan on Tuesday), we were trying some new things and trying out a new rotation.”

Senior Jayden Moum led the Majettes with seven digs and five kills and Ashley Gathman recorded 18 assists. The Saints improved to 7-4 and 3-1-1.

MHS plays at Dickinson at 5 p.m. Saturday.

– Daily News Staff

MHS boys soccer team ties Century

BISMARCK – The Minot High boys soccer team dueled to a 0-0 draw Thursday against two-time defending state champion Century. MHS coach Cody Saunders said “it’s like a win for sure.”

“It’s the best match I’ve ever coached as a Minot High Magician,” he said. “They just took it to Century very hard on the road, on their turf.”

MHS senior goalkeeper Garrett Weishaar recorded 13 saves to Century sophomore Zach Sweep’s seven stops.

Century (6-1-4 overall, 2-0-3 West Region) blanked the Magicians 3-0 last month in Minot. Saunders noted the Magicians (2-2-2, 3-2-3) have improved significantly since that match.

“We’ve definitely gained momentum from the last four to five games,” he said. “We just need to realize how it feels to compete at this level. This team could do something special if they stay focused.”

MHS faces Shanley today at the Fargo Invitiational. Its next region game is against Bismarck High at Optimist Soccer Complex on Tuesday.

– Daily News Staff

Beavers soccer ties Bearcats

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Freshman forward Chloe Melton scored her first collegiate goal in the 81st minute as the Minot State University women’s soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against Southwest Baptist University (Mo.) on Thursday.

The Bearcats (2-1-1) took a 1-0 lead in the 68th minute on forward Karla Jamison’s goal from the right side of the box. Midfielder Kate Jamison assisted on the goal.

The Beavers (0-0-2) responded 13 minutes later. Melton received a pass in front of the Bearcats net from junior forward Zoe Fisher and beat goalkeeper Paige Hemphill for the equalizer. Melton entered the game at halftime.

MSU sophomore goalkeeper Gemma Biasetto and Hemphill each finished with seven saves.

The Beavers play at Central Missouri at 1 p.m. Saturday.

– Daily News Staff

Sports briefs

MSU tops Mayville State volleyball team

MAYVILLE – The Minot State University volleyball team got solid contributions from middle hitters Kelsey Wingo and Tarah Dabovich in a four-game victory over Mayville State on Wednesday night.

The duo combined for 22 kills on just 34 attacks as the Beavers won 25-20, 17-25, 25-21, 25-21.

“Any time you get the middle involved, it means your passers did an excellent job,” MSU coach Travis Ward said in a press release. “Passing and hitting was fantastic and they were able to take more swings than they had previous to this.”

MSU junior outside hitter Jen Dixon led the Beavers (2-3) with 14 kills and sophomore pin hitter Mallory Sall added 12. MSU used two setters, with junior Emily Byrne notching 31 assists and freshman Brooke French tallying 23.

“We are finally starting to put the numbers up between Emily and Brooke that we need to do to win matches,” Ward said. “Emily’s experience is helping Brooke and the two are really working well together. Brooke has settled in nice as a freshman and I think we are going to see more of this moving forward.”

MSU competes in a tournament in Sioux Falls, S.D., beginning Friday.

– Daily News Staff

MHS grad finishes first Ironman triathlon

Minot High School graduate Kyle Johnson, 36, completed his first Ironman triathlon Saturday in Madison, Wis.

Johnson finished the event – which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run – in 16 hours, 45 minutes and 35 seconds. Johnson started the race at 7 a.m. and ended less than 15 minutes before the midnight cutoff.

“When you start the day, you don’t comprehend that you’re gonna be out there until almost midnight,” said Johnson, who lives in Moorhead, Minn. “There was nothing that was gonna stop me from finishing before the cutoff.”

Johnson, who has been training for triathlons since 2008, steadily upped his distances until he felt he was ready for the Ironman length. He said he’d like to participate in more Ironmans around the country.

“The distances are pretty overwhelming,” he said. “It’s an amazing event. It’s a pretty cool accomplishment not only to sign up but to actually do it.”

– Daily News Staff

MSU luncheon series set to

resume Friday

The Minot State University athletic department’s noon luncheons return Friday at Seven’s Restaurant in the Vegas Motel.

MSU football coach Paul Rudolph and first-year men’s golf coach Randy Westby are scheduled to speak, along with student-athletes from both programs.

The event is open to the public and costs $9 per person.

– Daily News Staff

Sports briefs

Beavers finish 8th at NSIC Fall Preview

BRAINERD, Minn. – The Minot State University men’s golf team shot a second-round 320 Tuesday to finish eighth at the 10-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Fall Preview.

The Beavers improved slightly from their first-round 324. Junior Kowan O’Keefe shot MSU’s low round of 76 on day two, finishing in a tie for 25th overall with 159 total strokes.

St. Cloud State University placed four golfers in the top seven and won the event with a two-day score of 593. University of Sioux Falls sophomore Andrew Nelson garnered individual medalist honors with a combined score of 144. He carded a 2-under 70 Tuesday to edge SCSU’s Jack Pexa by one stroke.

The Beavers compete at the North Dakota State University Erv Kaiser Invitational beginning Sunday in Oxbow.

– Daily News Staff

Century shuts out MHS boys tennis team

BISMARCK – What a difference a year makes.

Last fall, the Minot High boys tennis team edged Century to claim the West Region title.

With six of the top eight Magicians from last year’s squad graduated, the experienced Patriots hold the upper hand this year.

Century shut out MHS 9-0 Tuesday at Sertoma Park, winning all but two matches in straight sets.

“We lost 9-0 today to a very good Century team,” MHS coach Scott DeLorme said in a press release. “Century proved why they are the best team in the region and showed us we are a long ways from them.”

At No. 1 singles, junior Dustin Foster fell to Century senior Sam Mastel 2-6, 6-2, 10-4 with the third set completed as a 10-point tiebreaker due to darkness. Senior Chace Peterson and sophomore Cody Reynolds also won a set for Minot, but dropped their No. 3 doubles match to CHS freshman Casey Beck and sophomore Peyton Kerzmann 6-2, 1-6, 6-0.

Delorme said the Magicians need to become more consistent to have success in the West Region tournament.

“We just made way too many unforced errors to compete with them,” he said, “and we need to get that fixed in the next two weeks to take that step forward we need.”

MHS travels to Fargo for three non-region dual matches on Friday and competes in the West Fargo Tournament on Saturday.

– Daily News Staff

Lions top Bottineau in volleyball

BOTTINEAU – The Bishop Ryan volleyball team defeated Bottineau 25-21, 25-19, 23-25, 25-23 on Tuesday night.

Senior Anika Rovig tallied 12 digs, 12 assists and seven kills for the Lions, who also received seven kills from junior Hannah Stewart. Junior Gabbie Bohl was dominant at the net with 10 blocks.

Three Stars racked up double-digit kill totals – Stephanie Brenden (12), Courtney Gallagher (11) and Danielle McDonald (11). Setter Bailey Neubauer posted 37 assists.

Ryan competes in a tournament in Glenburn on Saturday.

– Daily News Staff

Knights get past Hazen in five-setter

HAZEN – The Our Redeemer’s Christian School volleyball team pulled out a tough five-set match against Hazen on Tuesday night.

The Knights (5-2) got 17 kills from freshman MaKayla Gartner and 14 kills, 13 assists and 15 digs from classmate Morgan Olson in the 26-28, 25-17, 21-25, 25-17, 15-12 win.

“Hazen played amazing defense,” ORCS coach Kara Nunziato said. “They never let anything hit the floor without two touches. Overall, it was a great match.”

Eighth-grader Karlee Zablotney tallied team highs of 30 assists and 17 digs for the Knights. Sadie Bolton posted 23 assists for Hazen.

ORCS travels to Casselton for a tournament on Saturday.

– Daily News Staff

Sports briefs

MSU splits pair of volleyball matches

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The Minot State University volleyball team picked up its first win of the season Saturday to avoid a winless road trip.

Montana State University-Northern topped the Beavers 22-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-20 in MSU’s first match of the day. The Beavers responded with a 25-16, 25-22, 25-11 sweep of University of Great Falls later in the afternoon.

Sophomores Mallory Sall and Tarah Dabovich led MSU (1-3) with 11 and seven kills, respectively, in the win over Great Falls.

“Mallory, and really the whole team did a nice job rebounding from a rough day yesterday,” MSU coach Travis Ward said in a press release. “We did a better job managing the game and making the right choices. When we do that, it pays off and we are a much better team.”

Against MSU-Northern, Sall notched 14 kills and freshman outside hitter Lauren Dunkle tallied 12. Junior setter Emily Byrne totaled 39 assists.

“Lauren is one of those kids we are excited to have in our program,” Ward said. “As a freshman preparing to play in the NSIC, you are going to need some confidence and I think she did that today.”

The Beavers travel to Mayville State for a nonconference matchup Wednesday.

– Daily News Staff

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Ryan, ORCS fare well at VB tourney

HAZEN – The Bishop Ryan and Our Redeemer’s Christian School volleyball teams finished second and third, respectively, at the Coal Country Invite on Saturday.

The Lions and Knights met in the semifinals of the event, with Ryan prevailing 21-25, 25-21, 15-12. Ryan lost to Lisbon in three games in the final match, and ORCS beat Dickinson Trinity in three sets to take third place.

Senior Anika Rovig led the Lions with 29 kills and 50 assists throughout the tournament, and junior defensive specialist Maddie Wald racked up 44 digs.

Freshman Morgan Olson totaled team highs of 53 kills and 11 aces for the Knights, while Karlee Zablotney had 79 assists.

Both teams are on the road Tuesday. ORCS plays Hazen and Ryan travels to Bottineau.

– Daily News Staff

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Two Minot State golfers break 80

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Minot State University seniors Rebecca Heinitz and Mackenzie Nagel each carded 7-over-par 79s in the first round of the Concordia College Invite on Saturday.

The Beavers finished with 321 strokes overall, six back of leader College of St. Benedict (Minn.). Sophomore Danielle Foster shot an 81 and freshman Kayla Barke posted an 82 to round out MSU’s scoring.

“Becca made a couple big numbers about midway through her round, but she did a good job of bouncing back,” MSU assistant coach Michael DeLorme said in a press release. “Overall, we didn’t finish particularly well. Hopefully we can improve in tomorrow’s round.”

The final round begins at 9 a.m. today.

– Daily News Staff

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MHS swimmers handle Mandan

MANDAN – The Minot High School girls swimming and diving team placed first in 10 of 12 events Saturday during a 127-59 rout of Mandan.

MHS sophomore Emily Hamel won handily in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, and later helped the Majettes to first-place finishes in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

Junior McKenna Brown was first in the 100 backstroke, 200 individual medley and the 200 medley relay.

MHS seniors Maddie Bickel and Emmalee Stach were the top two divers, racking up 194.60 and 192 points, respectively.

“We had a strong meet today all around,” MHS coach Dan Hinton said in a press release. “I feel like we have started the season off on the right foot.”

The Majettes compete Tuesday at Williston.

– Daily News Staff

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MHS boys 3rd, girls 7th at Dickinson

DICKINSON – The Minot High School boys cross country team finished third out of 11 teams Saturday at the Dickinson Invite. MHS placed seventh out of 13 teams in the girls meet.

Magician senior Andrew Beach took eighth in the 5K (3.1 mile) boys race with a time of 16 minutes, 54.47 seconds. Bismarck’s Matt Gotta won the race in 16:01.15 to pace the Demons, who tallied 27 total points for the team victory. Century finished second with 100 points, followed by Minot (104) and Williston (105).

Bismarck won the girls race with 61 points, edging Century (66) and Dickinson (72). Century’s Jordan Jacob won the nearly 2.5-mile race in 14:41. Eighth-grader Emily Nelson led Minot with a 25th-place individual finish, clocking in at 16:58.12.

A couple of area Class B athletes fared well at the meet. Watford City’s Asha Smith took fifth place in the girls race with a time of 15:58.86, and New Town’s Ryan Wheeling finished sixth in the boys race in 16:51.47.

MHS competes in the Mandan Invite on Saturday.

– Daily News Staff

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MHS finishes 6th after long round

BISMARCK – The Dickinson High School girls golf squad survived the longevity battle Saturday at the seven-team Century Invitational. The event featured five lightning delays and lasted nine hours.

Dickinson shot a 335, just ahead of second-place Century (339). Minot (358) finished in sixth place.

Century’s Annie Nelson won the event with a 2-under 67. MHS golfers McKinley Bender (85), Paige Argent (87) and Makensy Arlien (92) each carded career-low rounds.

“Just to finish today was an accomplishment,” MHS coach Scott Foltz said. “It was that brutal. … For the medalist to shoot a 67 today, that was pretty fantastic.”

The Majettes travel to The Links of North Dakota for the Williston Invite on Friday.

– Daily News Staff

Sports briefs

Magicians survive Davies in OT

FARGO – First-time starter and sophomore quarterback Ben Bolinske found senior tight end Jacob Holmen on a five-yard pass in overtime to give Minot High a 34-27 comeback win over Davies on Friday.

The MHS defense did its part on Davies’ overtime possession to hold the lead. Senior cornerback Josh Pizzo defended a fade pass in the end zone on the Eagles’ final play.

“I’m just thrilled that we responded the way we did and were able to put some points on the board with the game on the line,” MHS coach Barry Holmen said.

MHS (2-0) took a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. Senior receiver Kimani Benjamin scored on a 53-yard run and Bolinske connected with Jacob Holmen on a 4-yard pass. The Magicians took a 17-7 lead on senior Ben Love’s 37-yard field goal, but Davies got within four before the half on Jordan Hjelseth’s 95-yard kick return.

“Instead of being at halftime with a reasonably comfortable lead, it’s a dogfight and we were pleased with how we came out in the third quarter, as well,” Holmen said.

Love opened the second-half scoring with a booming 44-yard field goal, but Davies scored twice to start the fourth quarter and led 27-20. Bolinske scored on a 3-yard run with about 36 seconds left in regulation and Love’s extra point forced overtime.

“(Bolinske) did very well,” Holmen said. “We were careful and – I think I’m probably as much to blame – almost too careful or too conservative with the new young guy. … I think we have to let him do more things than we did tonight.”

– Daily News Staff

–

MHS soccer team routs Jamestown

JAMESTOWN – The Minot High School boys soccer team got a game it needed Friday. The Magicians’ scoring woes ended – at least for a night – as they pounded the Jamestown Blue Jays 6-0.

MHS (2-3-1 overall, 1-2-1 West Region) scored three times in each half. Senior Jacob Schmidt and junior Ekow Annan scored two apiece. Sophomore Matt Oswalt and senior Ryan Crabtree also scored.

“We got comfortable and the second half was really good,” MHS coach Cody Saunders said. “We got after them right away, won the ball in the midfield and for 15 minutes, I don’t know if (Jamestown) had the ball at all.”

It was a breakout game for Schmidt, who assisted Annan on the game’s first goal about 10 minutes in. Schmidt scored consecutive goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

“The thing is we need to utilize him more because he’s one of the fastest players on the field and he’s great at getting around the back defender,” Saunders said.

Saunders encouraged Schmidt to not only look to cross, but attack the Jamestown goalkeeper himself if he got around the edge.

MHS hosts Mandan at 1 p.m. today at Optimist Soccer Complex.

– Daily News Staff

–

MSU falls twice to start season

HELENA, Mont. – The Minot State University volleyball team opened its season with two losses to NAIA opponents Friday at the Carroll College Invitational. Montana Tech beat MSU in four sets, and Carroll swept the Beavers in the nightcap.

Both of the MSU’s opponents had already played double-digit matches this season.

“It wasn’t the way I envisioned our season beginning,” MSU coach Travis Ward said in a press release. “We were spotty the whole day. At times we played great and at times we couldn’t find a rhythm. It’s not an ideal situation playing your first games of the season against teams in midseason form, but I think that will make us better in the end.”

MSU junior Jen Dixon tallied 15 kills in just 21 total attacks in Tech’s 29-27, 25-20, 19-25, 25-20 victory. Sophomore Mallory Sall tallied 11 kills and senior Sara Friesen added 10.

Carroll College handled the Beavers 25-16, 25-17, 25-17 as Kathleen Mulligan led the host school with 10 kills.

MSU travels to Great Falls, Mont., today to face Montana State University-Northern and University of Great Falls.

– Daily News Staff

–

MHS places fourth at Dickinson Invite

DICKINSON – Junior McKinley Bender shot a team-best 91 and the Minot High School girls golf team finished fourth at the seven-team Dickinson Invite at Heart River Golf Course on Friday.

Freshmen Evie Reynolds (94) and Makensy Arlien (99) also carded rounds in the 90s.

“We had a great week of practice following a good finish at the Minot Invite and were really hoping that we had moved into the top half of the conference teams,” MHS coach Scott Foltz said in a press release.

Dickinson shot a team score of 356 to win the tournament, three shots better than Century. Dickinson’s Rachel Jahner took medalist honors with an even-par 72.

The Majettes play in the Century Invitational today at Tom O’Leary Golf Course.

– Daily News Staff

–

MHS tennis team crushes JHS

JAMESTOWN – The Minot High School boys tennis team jumped on the Jamestown Blue Jays, winning all six singles matches en route to an 8-1 win Friday.

The Magicians (3-1 overall, 3-1 West Region) saw improvement throughout the lineup. Junior No. 3 Drew Thomas had a strong showing in a 6-4, 6-3 win over Jamestown’s Braydon Love.

“(Thomas has) been close all year and played his most consistent match of the year and found some success,” MHS coach Scott DeLorme said in a press release.

Senior No. 4 Grayson Bahl and sophomore No. 5 Ty Nygaard grinded out three-set matches.

“It was 90 degrees here and both players battled back after losing the first set,” DeLorme said. “That was great to see and not easy to do in the weather conditions.”

MHS plays at Century at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

– Daily News Staff

Sports briefs

Knights roll in volleyball opener

VELVA – The Our Redeemer’s Christian School volleyball team swept Velva 25-17, 25-17, 25-18 to open its season Tuesday.

Knights freshman Morgan Olson led the way with 11 assists, eight kills, nine digs and four aces. Classmate MaKayla Gartner also had eight kills and sophomore Samiah Grigsby tallied a team-high five aces.

“They came out ready to play tonight,” first-year ORCS coach Kara Nunziato said. “They really served and passed extremely well. Velva is an extremely scrappy team. We had to work for everything we had, but overall it was a fun match. A great way to start the season.”

Cassidy Peterson had six kills and Morgan Bright posted 10 assists to pace Velva.

The Knights travel to Hazen for a tournament beginning Saturday at 9 a.m.

– Daily News Staff

–

Magicians fall short to Bismarck

BISMARCK – The Minot High School boys soccer team allowed two first-half goals and was unable to come back, falling to Bismarck High 2-1 on Tuesday.

Bismarck’s Willie Ulness put the Demons on the scoreboard first with a goal in the 16th minute. Hunter Johnson scored in the 38th minute to give Bismarck a two-goal lead at halftime.

“We definitely dug ourselves a hole,” MHS coach Cody Saunders said. “We came out a little flat. But both shots they had were phenomenal. I don’t think anyone could save them.”

Senior Jacob Schmidt cut Bismarck’s lead in half in the 49th minute, but the Magicians (1-3-1 overall, 0-2-1 West Region) couldn’t get the equalizer past goalkeeper Michael Matzke.

MHS travel to Jamestown at 7 p.m. Friday.

– Daily News Staff

–

Century sweeps MHS in volleyball

BISMARCK – The defending state champion Century High School volleyball team cruised past Minot with a 25-15, 25-9, 28-26 victory Tuesday night.

MHS coach Ellen Jebens said the Majettes (3-4) started sluggishly but improved their movement at the net in game three.

“That third game was a win for us,” Jebens said. “That showed that we can play with anybody in the region when we play well.”

Minot senior Ashley Gathman finished with five digs, five assists and two kills. Seniors Krista Jackson and Jayden Moum tallied six digs apiece for Minot, which hosts Mandan on Tuesday.

– Daily News Staff

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