The Minnesota West volleyball team was defeated 3-0 at Ridgewater on Wednesday night. Game scores were 25-20, 25-17 and 25-16.
Statistical leaders for the Lady Jays were Kennedy Buckneberg with nine kills and 10-for-10 serving; Emily Dunlop with seven kills; Shelby Christensen with 25 digs; Taya Mason with 11 set assists and 10 digs; and Emma Keith with seven set assists and seven digs.
Minnesota West, now 6-9 overall, will play at Anoka-Ramsey at 6:30 p.m. Friday and at Century College at noon Saturday.
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The Minnesota West football team will aim to bounce back from its loss in Ely last weekend when it takes to the road once again Saturday to face Itasca Community College.
The Jays are now 2-4 on the season following last weekend’s 24-14 loss at Vermillion Community College. That defeat came one week after a 21-17 upset victory over then-No.5-in-the-nation Rochester at Trojan Field.
Inconsistency on offense has plagued Minnesota West this season. The Bluejays are ranked eight of eight Minnesota College Athletic Conference teams in touchdowns with 11 – that’s 19 fewer Itasca’s 30 TDs, which rates right behind Rochester’s 31 for the conference lead.
Statistically, Itasca also enjoys currently enjoys a notable advantage in average yards accumulated per game. Itasca is tops in the MCAC in total offense with an average of 471.2 yards a game, a number that’s just shy of 100 yards more than second-rated Rochester. The Jays, meanwhile, are last in the MCAC in total offense, averaging 218.8 yards per game.
Minnesota West’s defense has been far more effective. The Bluejays are surrendering an average of 280.2 yards per game to opponents, which ranks second in the conference. Their 14 interceptions also ranks second in the MCAC, and their 24 sacks rate them third.
Game time is noon. The Jays will be back home next Saturday to host Fergus Falls.
