Nathan Beitler/MDN Minot North senior middle hitter Aven Kelly (right) taps the ball over the net in the Sentinels’ first conference game of the new season.

The Minot North Sentinels lost their conference-opening game at home versus the Bismarck Legacy Sabers 3-1 on Thursday night, September 2.

The Sentinels had a rough start in the first set of the game ending with a score of 25-22 for the Sabers. The Sentinels had a whopping six serve errors to give the Sabers the edge in the first set. The Sabers started out the set with a 7-0 lead and despite their eros, The Sentinels were able to bring the set back to just a three point difference.

The Sentinels were able to respond in kind in the second set of the game, winning it out 27-25. Both teams had matchpoint opportunities, but Minot North was the first to secure the two point lead. The Sentinels were able to cut down on their errors but lost their 24-21 lead after the Sabers went on a five point run. The Sentinels were then able to take control back with two scores of their own to give them the set win.

The Sabers took sets three and four 25-19 and 25-21 respectively. The Sentinels played clean volleyball but the Sabers were just a little cleaner and Legacy was able to grab the wins in each set with sizable leads.

The Sabers will find themselves back at home for the next game against the Minot High Majettes with a comfortable 1-0 conference record. The Sentinels will take their next game on the road, taking on the Coyotes over at Williston High School Thursday night, September 4.