The Class B volleyball season started on Tuesday, September 3, around the state. Local teams shared the courts with conference and non-conference foes alike.

Even with game one, the goal for each team is to advance to the 2024 North Dakota High School Activities Association Class B Volleyball State Tournaments will be held November 21-23 at the Fargodome.

The three-day event will begin Thursday, November 21, and the Class B tournament will be seeded by the head coaches of the eight qualifying teams via an electronic process.

North Star 3, Rugby 1

The North Star Bearcats faced the Rugby Panthers to open the season for each team. The contest got off to a fast start for North Star with a 25-19 win. The Panthers pushed the Bearcats in the second frame, but lost 29-27 to give North Star the 2-0 lead.

Rugby stormed back to claim the third frame 25-13 to make the score 2-1 but lost the fourth frame in an evenly played 27-25 contest.

Rugby was led at the net by senior Lacie Deplazes who had 15 kills and three aces in the game. Sophomore Samantha Blessum had a pair of blocks to go with her 19 digs in the game. Senior Elise Fahnestock also had 19 digs for the Panthers.

Junior Anna Bessonova had eight kills and 12 blocks for North Star while junior Claire Weber added 23 digs in the win.

Our Redeemer’s 3, Nedrose 0

The Nedrose Cardinals faced Our Redeemer’s Knights in the opening match for the new season for both teams. Despite being senior heavy as a team, Nedrose would drop the contest to Our Redeemer’s in three games. The Knights won 25-16, 25-12 and 25-10 to start the year.

Des Lacs-Burlington 3, Kenmare-Bowbells 1

In a contest that showcased two teams sure to be in the mix at the end of the season, the Lady Lakers survived a first frame loss to the Lady Honkers 25-17 to bounce back and win the next three 25-23, 25-21 and 25-24 for the win. The match could have gone either way.

Kenmare-Bowbells has 11 seniors, one junior and one freshman on the team. Des Lacs-Burlington has two seniors, four juniors, three sophomores and a pair of freshman on roster. Expect both teams to be competitive for the season.

Newburg-Westhope 3, St. John 0

The St. John Woodchucks faced the Newburg-Westhope Sioux in the season opener. The Sioux would take the win with scores of 25-8, 25-7 and 25-14 over the younger team. With one freshman, six sophomores combined with a pair of seniors and a junior, St. John will improve with varsity play. The Sioux are heavy with seniors and have a pair of juniors and a pair of sophomores and have the experience to be ready for this season.

Drake-Anamoose 3, North Prairie 0

The Drake-Anamoose Raiders volleyball girls got off to a solid start with a hard fought win over the North Prairie Cougars to open the season. Although a younger team, the Raiders won with scores of 25-16, 25-21 and 25-22 against the slightly more senior heavy Cougars.

Stanley 3, North Shore-Plaza 0

The Stanley Blue Jays were able to start their season with a win over the North Shore-Plaza Wildcats 25-13, 25-20 and 25-13 between schools that are familiar with each other. Both teams have a good mix of upperclassmen and will be competitive.

South Prairie-Max 3, Bottineau 0

The South Prairie-Max Royals posted a solid win over a competitive Bottineau Stars group 25-13, 25-23 and 25-13 to start the season for both teams.

South Prairie-Mx sophomore Keira Francis had 12 kills at the net and freshman Reagan Trudell added 32 assists in the win.

Senior Kyra Beckman set the tone for the Stars with nine blocks and nine digs. Junior Avery Keith added seven kills and seven assists in the effort.