Ridgewater Volleyball Battles but Falls to No. 3 Minnesota West

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown on October 13, 2023, the Ridgewater College volleyball team faced off against the highly-ranked Minnesota West Technical & Community College but ultimately fell short, losing the match 3-1 in Willmar.

The match saw Minnesota West, currently ranked third in the nation for NJCAA Division III, secure victories in the first two sets with scores of 25-12 and 25-19. Ridgewater managed to fight back, claiming a hard-fought victory in the third set, 26-24, before Minnesota West sealed the match with a decisive 25-12 in the final set.

This contest highlights the competitive spirit within the Minnesota College Athletic Conference, where Minnesota West boasts a record of 10-1 in the conference and an impressive overall record of 28-4. Meanwhile, Ridgewater now holds a 5-5 conference record and 7-9 overall.

Ridgewater’s standout player, Johanna Braun, delivered an outstanding performance with 26 set assists and 15 digs. Her teammate, Rachel Jakel, contributed significantly with 11 kills and 14 digs. Freshmen players Kori Bristle and Hannah Magnuson also made their mark, with Bristle achieving 9 kills and Magnuson adding 13 digs. This young roster shows promise, with Braun and Bristle hailing from Renville County West and MACCRAY, respectively, while Magnuson is from Willmar.

Looking ahead, Ridgewater is set to compete against Riverland Community College at noon on October 15, 2023, in Willmar. As the Warriors prepare for this upcoming match, fans are eager to see if they can bounce back from this challenging defeat and improve their standing in the conference.

The resilience demonstrated by Ridgewater in facing a top-tier opponent like Minnesota West speaks volumes about their potential and determination in the league.

Stay tuned for further updates as Ridgewater aims to regain momentum in their upcoming matches!