Justin Martinez/MDN Senior outside hitter Sidney Lovelace extends to tip the ball over the net in Bishop Ryan's home match against Kenmare Tuesday.

Senior Night didn’t quite go as planned for the Bishop Ryan volleyball team.

The Lions (15-14-2) looked on top of their game during the opening set of their match against Kenmare on Tuesday. After dropping the first point, Ryan quickly claimed the lead and never gave it up for a convincing 25-14 win. But, the Honkers found their rhythm after that, winning the following three sets for the 3-1 victory.

“We started out strong in that first set,” Ryan head coach Nick Theis said. “We had energy, we had the momentum and we were passing well. But, Kenmare is a very scrappy team that plays good defense, and we just gave up too many runs.”

The Lions had a chance to take a 2-0 set lead in the second set, as they trailed Kenmare, 20-19. Senior outside hitter Sidney Lovelace put her team on top, delivering a pair of almost identical kills from the left side to give Ryan a 21-20 lead.

The Lions built up a 23-20 lead before the Honkers eventually came back, scoring the final five points to win, 25-23.

“We needed that wake-up call (in the first set),” Kenmare head coach Tim Wallstrum said. “I think the girls came out a little tired, but I’m really proud of them for bouncing back. It was a lot of fun to see that.”

After dropping the third set, 25-18, the Lions tried to claw their way back into the match during the fourth set. Ryan faced a daunting 23-14 deficit, but the home team didn’t go down without a fight.

The Lions ignited a 5-0 run thanks to a pair of kills by Lovelace, but that’s when the Honkers put an end to the comeback. Kenmare scored the final two points for the 25-19 win and the 3-1 match victory.

Lovelace finished with nine kills and three aces in her final home game with the team, while sophomore Sylvie Kramer totaled 13 kills and two aces.

Although her final memory in front of the Ryan home crowd will be a loss, Lovelace still showed her gratitude after the match for all the school’s support during her only year with the varsity team.

“It’s sad because this is our last home game, but it’s been fun to know that we’re so appreciated,” Lovelace said. “It’s been such a great experience because the crowd gets us hyped, they’re always cheering and it’s a great thing to be a part of.”

Fortunately, for Lovelace and the Lions, the team still has the postseason to play for as it currently holds the fourth spot in the District 12 standings. Ryan is set to close out the regular season out on Tuesday with a road match against Beulah at 7 p.m.

“I hope this motivates us,” Theis said. “We need to keep pushing if we want to turn the corner. We just have to maintain a high level of energy, and if we can do that it’ll be a fun postseason.”

Justin Martinez covers Minot High School and

Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JTheSportsDude.