The new three-class system implemented this season offered non-regional champions a second chance to earn a spot in the state tournament and Des Lacs-Burlington and Surrey took advantage of that lifeline to continue their seasons for another three matches.

In Class A, Des Lacs-Burlington advanced to just its second state tournament in program history after defeating Shiloh Christian in four sets, 25-27, 26-24, 25-20, 25-23, in a state-qualifying match on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Bismarck St. Mary’s High School.

The Lakers are seeded seventh at the Class A state tournament and play No. 2 seed May-Port-CG in the quarterfinals on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. at the Bismarck Event Center’s Exhibit Hall.

Surrey will be making its inaugural trip to the Class B state tournament after winning its state-qualifying match in four sets against New England, 22-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20. After falling to Our Redeemer’s in the Region 3 semifinals, the Mustangs won their third-place match against Ray to get themselves to a state-qualifier.

Last season, Surrey came within a win of ending its state tournament drought, but lost to South Prairie-Max in the Region 6 championship.