Submitted Photo Leah Lindquist serves for the Our Redeemer’s Knights during their semifinal match at the 2023 NDHSAA State Volleyball Class B Tournament. Lindquist is one of three Knights named to the Class B Volleyball All-Tournament Team. Photo by Tom Mix of NDHSAA.

FARGO — After losing in five-sets to Maysville-Portland-CG in the state semifinals on Friday, the Our Redeemer’s Knights were again pushed to the limit in the third-place game on Saturday afternoon by the Dickinson Trinity Titans.

This time though, the Knights prevailed, 25-23, 20-25, 25-19, 21-25, 15-13.

At the conclusion of the state tournament, the Class B Volleyball All-Tournament Team was announced, and Our Redeemer’s saw three seniors named to the team: middle hitter Leah Lindquist, outside hitter Maya Vibeto and setter Allie Francis.

In the third-place match, Francis led the Knights with 11 kills, two blocks, 40 assists and 33 digs. Vibeto tied for a match-high 17 kills with Dickinson Trinity’s Ava Jahner, and she also contributed two assists and 33 digs for the Knights.

Junior libero Olivia Ebel, one of three Our Redeemer’s players with over 30 digs, had a match-high 35 to pace a well-rounded Knights defense. She also had one ace and eight assists.

“It’s been such a blast,” said Ebel. “I love volleyball, and I just love getting to play with these girls. They’re just all such sweet girls, and the bond we’ve had over these years, the experiences we’ve shared, it’s just been a lot of fun.”

Tavia Carlson recorded nine kills and 15 digs for the Knights. Teammate Isabel Engelhard led the service game with two aces, while also contributing one assist and eight digs. Brooklyn Roedocker had one assist and four digs, while Mikayla Altringer finished with six kills, three blocks and one dig.

“While it sad to see them finish out the season, we’re finishing up the season on the stage that we wanted, to be back at the state tournament,” said Our Redeemer’s volleyball head coach Kara Nunziato. “Their leadership is something that I will definitely talk about for many years to come.”

Our Redeemer’s finishes the season with a record of 32-7-6 and a third-place finish at the state tournament.

The Knights graduate four seniors in Lindquist, Vibeto, Engelhard and Francis, but their impact on the program will be felt for years to come.

“Their leadership, the examples that they set for the younger girls and the upcoming senior class has just been amazing,” said Ebel. “They’ve been so encouraging, really pushing us to be better and work towards our goals.”

Junior middle hitter Altringer was quick to thank the community for their support this year as well.

“It’s been great,” said Altringer. “The team itself, parents, and fans. We all love watching volleyball. We feed off that positive environment. The student body is so excited and love coming to our games. They get pretty rowdy, which makes it a lot of fun.”

Kelsie Belquist, of New Rockford-Sheyenne, was named the 2023 NDHSCA Class B Volleyball Senior Athlete of the Year, and Stacy Hanson, of May-Port-CG, was named the 2023 NDHSCA Class B Volleyball Coach of the Year.

Northern Cass repeated as state champions, defeating May-Port-CG in four sets, 25-23, 25-14, 21-25, 25-13. West Fargo Sheyenne defeated Shanley in the Class A state championship match, 25-14, 10-25, 25-17, 25-18.