Warrior Volleyball kicks off season with successful tournament

The Ridgewater Warrior Volleyball team kicked off the year in style, winning 3 out of 4 games in their first tournament under new coach Amanda Bohlsen. This is the first time Warrior Volleyball has played in two years, after last season was canceled to due the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We set a high bar coming into the season and coming off of COVID," Coach Bohlsen said. "We focused on the fundementals and the basics, and this team has executed them flawlessly."

The Warriors faced off against teams from the Northern Conference of the Minnesota College Athletics Conference (MCAC) -- beating the Rainy River Voyageurs (25-13, 29-27, 25-15) and the Northland Pioneers (25-20, 25-21, 25-14) on Friday and Mesabi Lady Norse (25-19, 25-23, 25-22) on Saturday. They lost to the Central Lakes College Raiders (28-30, 21-25, 20-25) in their last game on Saturday.

Setter Madi Leyendecker was commended for taking control of her calls and keeping her hitters in commiunication.

"She has the leadership we are looking for in a Setter," Coach Bohlsen said.

Defensive Specialists Halie Nichols and Tayler Schmidt were also credited with excellent spot serving, hitting their marks more than 80% of the time. However, Coach Bohlsen said the entire team deserved credit.

"Honestly, I could call out every single girl for something -- they all pulled the team together and showed incredible control of their skills," she said. "We have 11 solid, incredible players and we are excited to show off the versatility we have in the group."

Returning to play after a year away gave special energy to the event, and 

"The energy in that gym was like nothing I've experienced. Watching all of the teams getting their seasons back. These girls have been dying to get out there," Coach Bohlsen said. "When you commit to a college like this, you are doing it because you love the sport. Seeing these women play is incredible. We are thankful to [Ridgewater's] leadership and the MCAC for ensuring our safety as we get back to the sport we love."

Warriors begin conference play 6:30 pm Wednesday, Sept. 1 against the Minnesota State Spartans in Fergus Falls. Their first home game is Friday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 pm against the Lake Region State College - ND Royals.