Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Bishop Ryan senior defensive specialist Maya Wald celebrates after scoring a point in the second set of Thursday's District 12 Tournament match against Mohall/Lansford/Sherwood at the Minot Municipal Auditorium. The Lions swept the Panthers by set scores of 25-11, 25-16, 25-18.

After battling through some sluggish opening stages, Nora Kramer and the Bishop Ryan volleyball team found ways to overcome their struggles Thursday against the Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood Mavericks at Minot Municipal Auditorium.

No. 4 Ryan (22-12-2) swept No. 5 MLS (11-16) in the first round of the District 12 Tournament by set scores of 25-11, 25-16, 25-18. Although Kramer had never played libero before this year, she switched to the spot before the end of her junior season.

“I feel like the switch was for the best,” Kramer said. “I am where I’m strongest now.”

Senior defensive specialist Maya Wald tallied a match-high 16 digs, while Kramer followed closely behind with 15. The Lions recorded 64 team digs.

“We kept the energy up,” Kramer said. “We never stopped talking. We always start out slow, but we eventually pick it up and get more energy from the bench.”

After some early back-and-forth rallies in the first set, Ryan stormed out to a 21-9 lead and never relinquished it. The second set also featured some stiff competition, but the Lions took a 15-11 advantage.

After increasing their lead to 21-13 off the strength of an aggressive offensive attack, the Lions snatched a 25-16 set victory.

“All of my starters except for two played in Districts last year,” Ryan head coach Nick Theis said. “Last year, I felt like experience hurt us at Districts time. This year, it was nice to see that they settled in and shook stuff off.”

Junior outside hitter Sylvie Kramer and sophomore middle hitter Sydney Upton engineered the Ryan attack in the third set. Sylvie finished with a team-high 12 kills, while Upton contributed seven.

After the Lions closed out a 25-18 third set, they officially laid claim to three wins over the Mavericks this season.

“In the past, we’ve seen a few mistakes turn into a lot of mistakes,” Theis said. “This time, I felt like it was maybe two or three at the most. We came back and we shook them off with smiles, so that was good.”

Ryan senior setter Grace Candrian dished out a match-high 23 assists. The Lions notched 11 service aces in addition to their work at the net.

“We know they have great blockers,” Theis said. “We worked on seeing the block, getting around the block and attacking holes that we’ve scored on in the past against them. Once it gets them out of rhythm, it gives us a chance to swing big. I felt like it really worked.”

Although the Mavericks made the Lions work early, they struggled to maintain an offensive rhythm in the later sets. MLS senior outside hitter Janie Savekoul posted a team-high eight kills.

“You learn what the girls do well, but you also learn a lot about their character as individuals,” MLS head coach Justice Brown said. “It’s nice to see them come together more as a team. Any time you’re working with high school girls, they kind of have those ups and downs.”

Since Our Redeemer’s swept No. 8 Surrey in Thursday’s first contest, the Lions will face the Knights in today’s 6 p.m. semifinal game. The Mavericks will square off against the Mustangs at 3 p.m. in today’s first loser-out contest.

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30