The Minnesota West Lady Jays volleyball team secured a spot in the national tournament by sweeping St. Cloud Tech 3-0 on Saturday in the Region 13A championship match. Game scores were 25-20, 25-22, 25-17.
Minnesota West, which is ranked second in the country and now 34-4 overall, advances to the NJCAA Division III Tournament for the first time. The tourney is scheduled for Nov. 14-16 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
In game one, the Lady Jays surged to an early 8-2 lead. St. Cloud Tech got within two points but no closer as Minnesota West's Lexi Schreurs passed for her 2,000 career set assist.
The Lady Jays jumped ahead 9-0 to begin game two and fought off a game comeback to establish control of the match, then took game three to move on. Schreurs, who was named the tournament's MVP, wound up with 35 set assists, 13 digs and 10-for-10 serving with one ace on Saturday.
Ella Hesse and Ally Nelson had 10 digs apiece for Minnesota West. Sadie Krahling contributed nine kills and 14 digs; Kadyn Paulson also had 14 digs. Madi Petersen had two ace serves and Kylee Larsen added a pair of blocks.
It was also announced Saturday that Lady Jays head coach Brittney McNab was named the 13A Coach of the Year.
Minnesota West had advanced Friday to the tournament finals by cruising past
Northland Community & Technical College 3-0. Game scores were 25-17, 25-7, 25-12.
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