On Saturday, Our Redeemer’s Christian School wrapped up its volleyball season with a four-set loss to Kenmare at the Class B State Tournament in Fargo (22-25, 20-25, 25-21, 11-25).

Our Redeemer’s ended the tournament with an 0-3 record and concluded the 2020 season with a 17-10 mark and an eighth place finish at state. Meanwhile, Kenmare finished up 17-5 and ended up placing seventh at state with a 1-2 tournament record.

For the game, Olivia Nelson led the way for the Knights offensively with 10 kills, and Eden Olson contributed with a team-high 29 assists. Meanwhile, Kendal Braun tallied a club best 29 digs. As for Kenmare, Brenna Stroklund led all players with 15 kills, and Abbey Kohler added 10 kills of her own for the Honkers. Kate Zimmer also made her presence felt with a game-high 32 assists.

The Minot Daily News asked Knights’ head coach Kara Nunziato about her club’s highlights at state and what fans can expect from the volleyball program moving forward. Here is what Nunziato had to say via email.

MDN: Overall, what was team experience like at the Fargodome?

Nunziato: The Fargodome is a great stage to play on. Achieving the goal of making it back to the state tournament in Fargo is a goal we are proud of.

MDN: Who were some of the players that stepped up their level of play during the tournament?

Nunziato: Olivia Nelson played one of her best tournaments in her career. Additionally, Eden Olson was instrumental in controlling the ball. She has a strong volleyball IQ, and made a lot of high-level plays that resulted in points for the team.

Kendal Braun was also a leader defensively. She was impressive with her speed and consistency in directing the ball to our setter. Overall, our front row was up against the strongest teams in the state. Our hitters and blockers worked extremely hard, and will bring a lot of experience back home with them to our gym.

MDN: What would you say was the highlight of your trip to Fargo?

Nunziato: We were able to spend the last three days of the season together and finish eighth in the state. This is an experience that many never get to have in a high school career, and we are grateful.

MDN: How disappointed are you that Our Redeemer’s did not record a win at state?

Nunziato: From previous experiences, we knew the state tournament would be a battle. We are not disappointed with our finish. Even though we finished in eighth place, this team is still a record-breaker. It was confirmed that we are the first Class B team to make seven consecutive state appearances.

MDN: Looking ahead to next year, what are your expectations are for the immediate future of Our Redeemer’s volleyball?

Nunziato: We bring back a lot of experience from this year’s team. We are looking to continue to play Knights volleyball, and we will work hard to get back to the state tournament again.

MDN: How many seniors do you have on the roster this year, and what is your message to the graduating class of players?

Nunziato: We have four amazing seniors on this year’s team. I am grateful to have been a part of their high school career. Coaching them has been a true privilege.

I am proud of each and every one of them, and I know they will achieve great things in the future. The door is always open for a visit, phone call, or text. I hope they are all proud of their achievements and take the lessons they’ve learned to the next big adventure.