Mike Kraft/MDN
The Our Redeemer’s Christian School (ORCS) volleyball team is navigating a pivotal moment as it sets its sights on returning to the state tournament. After a surprising season marked by a record of 28-12-1 but no championship titles, the Knights are ready to make their mark in a new era of Class B volleyball.
Historically, ORCS’s trophy case has seen considerable growth over the last decade, thanks to the consistent performance of its volleyball program. However, last season proved to be an outlier. For the first time since 2013, the Knights found themselves without championship hardware, finishing as runners-up to South Prairie-Max in the District 12 tournament and subsequently falling to Surrey in the Region 6 semifinal.
“It definitely wasn’t what we hoped,” reflected ORCS coach Kara Nunziato. “Surrey played assertively and kept their error rate low. They deserved to win that match.” The abrupt end to their season was a hard lesson for the Knights, emphasizing that past success doesn’t guarantee future victories.
A New Competitive Landscape
This season, ORCS faces a transformed landscape due to a transition from a two-class system to a three-class system in North Dakota volleyball. The Knights have moved from District 12 and Region 6, which consisted of six districts and five super regionals, down to District 6 and Region 3, which now comprises eight districts and four regionals.
Several competitors, including the Knights’ longstanding rivals South Prairie-Max, have shifted to Class A, making way for new competition. “The three-class system has definitely changed the landscape,” Nunziato noted, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by the new format.
New Competition and Old Rivals
The Knights will now compete against familiar yet new challengers, including Surrey, Bishop Ryan, and Glenburn. With a total of 33 state tournament appearances among the teams in Region 3, the stakes are high. ORCS and Kenmare-Bowbells are tied for the most state appearances, each with 11, making it essential for the Knights to step up their game.
An Experienced Roster
ORCS’s roster boasts a strong senior presence, with key players like middle hitter Brooklynn Roedocker and setter Grace Olson. Roedocker stands at 5-foot-11, providing a formidable presence at the net, while the team also benefits from the additional height of junior Lauren Strom at 6 feet. Together, they are expected to leverage their combined experience and skill to build a cohesive unit.
“We have different personalities that work well together,” Olson expressed. “It’s cool to see everyone come together for one goal—to play hard and win.” The emphasis on teamwork aids the Knights in developing a robust defensive strategy, particularly at the net.
Preparation and Goals for the Season
As they gear up for the season, ORCS has prioritized teamwork through rigorous summer practices. Despite graduating five players, the focus has been on strengthening their defense and developing a strong blocking strategy. “Our strengths lie in our scrappy defense and height,” Nunziato stated, pointing to the coaching staff’s efforts in creating synergy among returning players and newcomers.
The season kicks off at home against Kenmare-Bowbells, followed by participation in the Volley in the Valley tournament and other key matches, including a rematch with South Prairie-Max. The Knights are determined to stay focused on their execution rather than their opponents. Olson emphasized, “It’s the details that matter on our side of the court.”
Surrey’s Emerging Contenders
While the Knights are focused on their goals, they will not be able to ignore their challengers, particularly Surrey. Coming off a significant postseason run last year, the Mustangs are brimming with confidence. With a 12-player roster comprised mostly of upperclassmen, Surrey is poised to compete strongly in the new format.
Head coach Michaela Martin shared her excitement about the experience and camaraderie that her players bring to the court. The Mustangs, who barely missed a state appearance last season, are ready to turn last year’s success into a foundation for this year.
Bishop Ryan: A Call for Revival
Another team to watch is Bishop Ryan, now under the leadership of head coach Sierra Bosch, who takes the helm with a roster rich in senior talent. With eight seniors providing crucial leadership, Bosch aims to elevate the volleyball program at Bishop Ryan and build a competitive foundation.
“I’m trying to set a high expectation,” Bosch remarked, expressing optimism about the potential to send multiple teams from the region to state. This hope comes after years of striving for a breakthrough to the state tournament, with Bishop Ryan having last reached the regional championship in 2021.
With the revamped regional structure now allowing three teams to qualify for the state tournament, the pressure is on for these programs as they embark on another thrilling season of North Dakota Class B volleyball. Each match is more than just a game; it’s a step toward the legacy they aim to build and the dream of competing at the state level.