Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Stanley senior libero Shayna Dazell celebrates after scoring a point in the third set of Thursday's Class B first-round match against No. 1-seeded Oakes. Dazell posted a team-high 27 digs in the 25-14, 25-15, 25-20 loss.

FARGO — The Stanley Blue Jays faced a tall order in their first volleyball state appearance since 2013 — No. 1-seeded Oakes. It was quite a daunting challenge to welcome the Region 8 champions back to the state tournament.

The scrappy Blue Jays (20-9-4) showed determination at the Fargodome, but ultimately fell short by set scores of 25-14, 25-15, 25-20 to the Tornadoes (36-3).

“I think we were a little nervous,” Stanley head coach Bobbi Jo Johnson said. “We didn’t come out playing as strong as we should have. You’ve got to have everybody on to beat a team like Oakes.”

Oakes kept the cat-and-mouse game going throughout the first and second sets. The Tornadoes’ heavy hitters kept the Blue Jays on their toes.

Senior middle hitter Jossi Meyer was a bright spot for Stanley throughout the evening. Meyer posted team-highs in kills (seven) and blocks (three), while adding 12 digs to boot.

“I think it’s a really good experience for us, being in the (Fargodome) for the first time,” Meyer said. “It was really cool.”

The momentum pendulum shifted Stanley’s way in the third set. With a great portion of their community behind them, the Blue Jays pushed ahead for a late lead.

Eventually, Oakes took over and rattled off some critical points to finish off a 25-20 frame. But in that third set, a glimmer of hope appeared.

“We really gave them in a run in the third set,” Meyer said. “We were winning, and we were really swinging. We just need to keep staying aggressive like how we did in the third set.”

Because Stanley was the underdog, the pressure was off. The Tornadoes were the team with more to lose. Despite that notion, the Blue Jays’ resilience in the thick of the third set was nearly palpable.

“Our team just needs to believe in themselves,” Johnson said. “When we are playing with self-confidence, they believe in themselves and they believe they can win. We play very well, but they just need to focus on their individual self-confidence. Things will come together for us.”

Stanley’s seniors led the charge. Senior setter Taylor Dean handed out 15 assists for the Blue Jays, while senior libero Shayna Dazell notched a match-high 27 digs.

Oakes senior outside hitter Nicole Schmitz provided a match-high 17 kills, while junior setter Sadie Hansen dished out a match-high 25 assists.

“We’re just really intentional about our culture,” Oakes head coach Shari Christenson said. “They just all lean on each other. When somebody’s not playing the greatest, they know that the other teammates have their back all the time. We’ve learned that this is the most driven group of girls that I’ve had the opportunity to coach.”

Stanley will face Thompson at 3 p.m. in Friday’s consolation round, while Oakes will square off against Oak Grove at 7 p.m. in the second semifinal contest.

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