It has become evident our TEAM just does not get off to hot starts following bus trips to Wahpeton. The Ladyjacks played a very tough Central Lakes (14-3) team to begin the classic. We never seemed to find our stride as we dropped 3 straight sets (25-9,25-12,25-16). Although Central Lakes is a difficult matchup for anyone, we were not pleased by our TEAM effort.
Following the match a TEAM meeting took place amongst our Ladies and a few things must have been cleared up, because they bounced back I'm match two vs. St Cloud Tech. The match was grueling as it went 5 sets and our Ladyjacks truly grinded out a much needed victory (25-10, 25-20, 24-25, 24-26, 15-8). Our communication was descriptive, focus was intense, and TEAMWORK was obvious.
Through Day 1 Asheligh Aufforth has combined to set our TEAM with 63 assists while doing a good job of organizing attacks. Jordyn Sondrol has produced 30 kills and Jackie Miller is joining the action with 15 kills to lead the offense. Josie Degagne is continually our defensive anchor with 20 digs. As you know by watching us each player contributes to the Team in a variety of ways.
Day 2 begins with a match against Anoka Ramsey at 10am followed by us aying Hibbings at 1p.
Stay tuned for updates this evening.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
DCB Battles BSC at Home
It would be too easy to come out and speak about the obvious right now. Ladyjacks are in somewhat of a slide at the moment, and the road is not going to get any less bumpy along the way during the upcoming schedule. Tonight's loss in 3 sets to BSC (25-23, 25-12, and 25-12) is not our primary focus, but rather the obstacle WE must overcome.
Bismarck State College is clearly a complete group of talented individuals which is stated on paper by the undefeated mark in the Mon-Dak (6-0), as well as an overall record of 15-4 on the season. Coming out of the gates in set one our intensity, execution, and focus were at an optimal level for us to compete with any team on our schedule as BSC is leading the Mon-Dak. Consistency is our major opponent and not necessarily the other team, because this group of Ladies have proven on multiple occasions they can play at a winning level. Mental mistakes combined with our TEAM effort at critical points in each set created a change in momentum that our TEAM could not overcome. Although the overall outcome may not have been altered in the end, the reflection may have been directed in a more positive manner.
I could throw a few statistics down, and make a few other comments about how each one of our Ladyjacks had moments when they impacted the game but once again that is not what we value as a group. WE believe we are being tested by adversity, and discussed how our true colors will be revealed over the next couple weeks.
We leave Friday for the NDSCS Tournament, and arrive back home on Saturday evening. Continue to stay updated with our Ladyjacks, and continue to support as these group of Ladies are being challenged at this point in the season.
Bismarck State College is clearly a complete group of talented individuals which is stated on paper by the undefeated mark in the Mon-Dak (6-0), as well as an overall record of 15-4 on the season. Coming out of the gates in set one our intensity, execution, and focus were at an optimal level for us to compete with any team on our schedule as BSC is leading the Mon-Dak. Consistency is our major opponent and not necessarily the other team, because this group of Ladies have proven on multiple occasions they can play at a winning level. Mental mistakes combined with our TEAM effort at critical points in each set created a change in momentum that our TEAM could not overcome. Although the overall outcome may not have been altered in the end, the reflection may have been directed in a more positive manner.
I could throw a few statistics down, and make a few other comments about how each one of our Ladyjacks had moments when they impacted the game but once again that is not what we value as a group. WE believe we are being tested by adversity, and discussed how our true colors will be revealed over the next couple weeks.
We leave Friday for the NDSCS Tournament, and arrive back home on Saturday evening. Continue to stay updated with our Ladyjacks, and continue to support as these group of Ladies are being challenged at this point in the season.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Ladyjacks Fall in Three at Jamestown
The road has not been kind to our Ladyjack Volleyball TEAM over the past week or so, due to some difficult matchups and surprising struggle at times to play consistently. We played a competitive first set vs JC, but seemingly struggled to put any runs together the following two sets (25-17, 25-11, 25-12). Although the ball does not seem to be bouncing our way, WE understand this season is going to be a continual process of improvement as we play with a short bench as well as asking majority of players to impact from positions probably not considered their strong suit.
I was once told by Coach Biesiot at Dickinson State, "Sometimes you just need to play catch better". Sounds extremely simple right, but reality is the pressure of performing at a high level combined with the speed of the game can cause simple mistakes. Right now we are being tested by a tough schedule, gone from home regularly, and questioning our ability because of our recent struggles but WE believe if we keep "showing up" to demand daily improvement we will turn the corner. These Ladyjacks have been impressive in the fact our attitudes do not appear to be shaken, but at the same time it is clear we are disappointed in our recent efforts.
Wednesday is an opportunity for us to bounce back to a level of performance we are accustomed to displaying early on in the year. Our Ladyjacks are Home vs. BSC at 7:00pm with a much needed match at "The Woodshed". BSC is leading the Mon-Dak at the moment, so your presence is huge as support will be needed along the way.
Catch you on Wednesday!
I was once told by Coach Biesiot at Dickinson State, "Sometimes you just need to play catch better". Sounds extremely simple right, but reality is the pressure of performing at a high level combined with the speed of the game can cause simple mistakes. Right now we are being tested by a tough schedule, gone from home regularly, and questioning our ability because of our recent struggles but WE believe if we keep "showing up" to demand daily improvement we will turn the corner. These Ladyjacks have been impressive in the fact our attitudes do not appear to be shaken, but at the same time it is clear we are disappointed in our recent efforts.
Wednesday is an opportunity for us to bounce back to a level of performance we are accustomed to displaying early on in the year. Our Ladyjacks are Home vs. BSC at 7:00pm with a much needed match at "The Woodshed". BSC is leading the Mon-Dak at the moment, so your presence is huge as support will be needed along the way.
Catch you on Wednesday!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Ladyjacks @ NDSCS - Swept in 3
It was a tough night for the Ladyjacks Volleyball TEAM. We ran into a well coached and talented group of individuals at Wahpeton as we were swept in 3 straight sets (25-9, 25-12, 25-18). It is difficult to find bright moments when looking at the score, but I believe we at least show some fight as each set grew closer. An excuse would be out of line, but as a TEAM we are struggling getting off the bus and playing with an intensity level necessary to compete.
We are 1-1 on the week thus far and our main priority is to bounce back versus Trinity Bible tomorrow evening at 6pm. Going into the week we knew 3 straight road games would be challenging, but of we can grab one more tomorrow I believe our outlook on the week should be positive. Hopefully we will take a few notes from this loss and transfer learning into our match tomorrow evening.
Our true character and identity will be tested. Catch up with us after we look to bounce back on the road.
We are 1-1 on the week thus far and our main priority is to bounce back versus Trinity Bible tomorrow evening at 6pm. Going into the week we knew 3 straight road games would be challenging, but of we can grab one more tomorrow I believe our outlook on the week should be positive. Hopefully we will take a few notes from this loss and transfer learning into our match tomorrow evening.
Our true character and identity will be tested. Catch up with us after we look to bounce back on the road.
Monday, September 17, 2012
DCB @ Lake Region - Ladyjacks Win in Four
Every Coach, player and sports fan understands how difficult beating a team three straight times can be. Our Ladyjacks showed mental toughness and resilience against adversity to grab a win on the road versus Lake Region in four sets (25-16,19-25,25-17,25-20). There wasn't a set that came easy as Lake Region is improving game by game, and it showed as we began each set in the hole early on. Fortunately we made enough good decisions down the stretch to overcome mental mistakes.
Josie Degagne (9 digs) continues to be our defensive anchor along with solid play by Amber Gagel. Courtney Hart and Jordyn Sondroll commonly lead the offensive attack, but tonight hitting was not as sharp as usual and both did a great job contributing to the back row. Jackie Miller had the hot hand with 9 kills as she continually made aggressive and smart decisions all night. Freshman Leah Parizek was crucial at the net with big plays as she seems to be finding the speed of the game more and more. Ashleigh Aufforth recorded her season high in assists with 29 as she is doing a better job of managing the offense with a variety of attacks. It was not our best TEAM effort, but a win on the road we will take as we prepare for a long week.
We are back in action on Wednesday evening vs Wahpeton, and a quick turn around with a Thursday match in Ellendale. The road trip will be another test of our ability to fight through adversity, and possible fatigue at times. With the win we improve to 4-4 on the year. As a TEAM we are beginning to understand how hard we have to play each point in order to compete at the level we desire.
Scores and comments will continue to be posted following each match.
Let's Get Jacked UP!
Josie Degagne (9 digs) continues to be our defensive anchor along with solid play by Amber Gagel. Courtney Hart and Jordyn Sondroll commonly lead the offensive attack, but tonight hitting was not as sharp as usual and both did a great job contributing to the back row. Jackie Miller had the hot hand with 9 kills as she continually made aggressive and smart decisions all night. Freshman Leah Parizek was crucial at the net with big plays as she seems to be finding the speed of the game more and more. Ashleigh Aufforth recorded her season high in assists with 29 as she is doing a better job of managing the offense with a variety of attacks. It was not our best TEAM effort, but a win on the road we will take as we prepare for a long week.
We are back in action on Wednesday evening vs Wahpeton, and a quick turn around with a Thursday match in Ellendale. The road trip will be another test of our ability to fight through adversity, and possible fatigue at times. With the win we improve to 4-4 on the year. As a TEAM we are beginning to understand how hard we have to play each point in order to compete at the level we desire.
Scores and comments will continue to be posted following each match.
Let's Get Jacked UP!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
DCB vs Williston @ Bottineau
The Ladyjacks dropped a competitive match at home tonight vs Williston State in 4 sets (25-20, 12-25, 20-25, 10-25). I believe it is not the loss to the Tetons which is most concerning, but the simple truth we are having trouble sustaining winning plays. Very similar to our match against Rocky Mountain we were able to take the 1st set by outsmarting and outhustling the opponent. We have not indentified any areas which should be considered major issues, but rather continuing the ability to make better decisions down the stretch.
All in all I am pleased with the effort our Ladyjacks have provided day in, and day out. Williston was another difficult match because of their size and athleticism. The most important aspect of our TEAM is the strength of the defense. Offensively we are learning to place the ball in a weak area for the opposing team while combating effective blocking schemes at the net. Without a doubt we are winning as a TEAM and losing as a TEAM with the coaching staff included.
Leaving the locker room we made it very obvious we understand the task at hand. Junior College is an exciting season because the best teams do not certainly have the best record, but are playing their best volleyball come the Region XIII tournament. I believe we are a resilient TEAM with a sophmore oriented group of ladies who are willing to come back on thursday ready to work.
Our Ladyjacks will be back in action on September 17th vs Lake Region on the road at Devils Lake.
All in all I am pleased with the effort our Ladyjacks have provided day in, and day out. Williston was another difficult match because of their size and athleticism. The most important aspect of our TEAM is the strength of the defense. Offensively we are learning to place the ball in a weak area for the opposing team while combating effective blocking schemes at the net. Without a doubt we are winning as a TEAM and losing as a TEAM with the coaching staff included.
Leaving the locker room we made it very obvious we understand the task at hand. Junior College is an exciting season because the best teams do not certainly have the best record, but are playing their best volleyball come the Region XIII tournament. I believe we are a resilient TEAM with a sophmore oriented group of ladies who are willing to come back on thursday ready to work.
Our Ladyjacks will be back in action on September 17th vs Lake Region on the road at Devils Lake.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Dawson CC Classic Overall Success for LadyJacks
SPLIT! Although teams practice and prepare to win every game on the schedule, many coaches would agree a split on the road is the main objective.
Our LadyJacks shared moments of spectacular play with moments of adversity during the 4 matches in 2 days. The 2-2 outcome from Friday and Saturday allowed the TEAM to identify what ingredients put us in the best situation to be successful, along with areas of improvement vital to compete against the most difficult of opponents.
We opened up Saturday morning vs the host team in Dawson CC by sweeping the Bucs in 3 sets. Hands down this was our most complete match marked by hustle, teamwork, and an energy that could not be matched. It was exciting to see the LadyJacks compete with a collective purpose while sustaining a focus to improve point by point. Offensively and defensively we reached a new level of performance, it appeared Saturday would be our day.
Then some changes took place. Instead of competing against Williston State we walked onto the court and found Rocky Mountain College JV on the other side of the net. Needless to say they were extremely talented. We were able to take a 1-0 advantage after the 1st set, but the lead quickly disappeared as we dropped the next 3. I was not able to make adjustments to slow down RMC's quick offense and powerful hitters. The game was played at a fast pace, a pace we were not familiar or comfortable with as a TEAM. On a positive note, weaknesses were exposed that need direct attention before we play Tuesday evening at Home against Williston State.
Tomorrow will be an off day as rest is probably most important to us before we play our 6th match in as many days. Overall the DCB LadyJacks are now 3-3 on the season. Come support us at 7pm on tuesday evening as we face-off with Williston State at "The Woodshed".
Our LadyJacks shared moments of spectacular play with moments of adversity during the 4 matches in 2 days. The 2-2 outcome from Friday and Saturday allowed the TEAM to identify what ingredients put us in the best situation to be successful, along with areas of improvement vital to compete against the most difficult of opponents.
We opened up Saturday morning vs the host team in Dawson CC by sweeping the Bucs in 3 sets. Hands down this was our most complete match marked by hustle, teamwork, and an energy that could not be matched. It was exciting to see the LadyJacks compete with a collective purpose while sustaining a focus to improve point by point. Offensively and defensively we reached a new level of performance, it appeared Saturday would be our day.
Then some changes took place. Instead of competing against Williston State we walked onto the court and found Rocky Mountain College JV on the other side of the net. Needless to say they were extremely talented. We were able to take a 1-0 advantage after the 1st set, but the lead quickly disappeared as we dropped the next 3. I was not able to make adjustments to slow down RMC's quick offense and powerful hitters. The game was played at a fast pace, a pace we were not familiar or comfortable with as a TEAM. On a positive note, weaknesses were exposed that need direct attention before we play Tuesday evening at Home against Williston State.
Tomorrow will be an off day as rest is probably most important to us before we play our 6th match in as many days. Overall the DCB LadyJacks are now 3-3 on the season. Come support us at 7pm on tuesday evening as we face-off with Williston State at "The Woodshed".
Friday, September 7, 2012
Day 1: Dawson C.C. Classic
Today was a tale of two stories for the DCB LadyJacks Volleyball TEAM. We had a few tactical areas on the travel to begin the morning, causing our TEAM to arrive just minutes before the 1st match began. Although excuses are not acceptable in successful athletics or successful environments it was difficult to find any fluidity during our opening match. Much credit goes to our LadyJacks for responding positively in the second match to bounce back in a strong fashion.
During the first competition we faced University of Great Falls and dropped the match in 4 sets. I'd like to pinpoint a specific problem, but after a 6 hour trip on the bus it just seemed as though we could not sustain energy. Mental errors along with simply being a step slow led to uphill battles in each set. We competed in stretches, but clearly UGF was more prepared and disciplined. From the coaching staff to the individual players we were collectively responsible for the lackluster performance. It was evident our attitudes and our effort needed to improve going into our second match.
Our TEAM ran into a familiar face at 5pm as we squared off with Lake Region, who was our previous opponent from wednesday evening. There was a big difference early on with LRSC and ourselves as they got the jump on us and stole the first set 25-22 after we opened up with a 9-2 lead. For a moment it felt as though our TEAM was not going to be respond from the earlier loss, but just when the coaching staff began to worry our LadyJacks refused to play poorly back to back matches. The next three sets went 25-21, 25-11, 25-11 and hopefully we will continue to play with that same enthusiasm tomorrow.
We begin action tomorrow morning at 11am MT against the host team Dawson C.C. followed up by a 5pm MT match with Williston State. If the last three sets of today are any indication of what can be expected tomorrow, I believe both Dawson and Williston will be facing a group of determined LadyJacks fighting to improve with each play.
During the first competition we faced University of Great Falls and dropped the match in 4 sets. I'd like to pinpoint a specific problem, but after a 6 hour trip on the bus it just seemed as though we could not sustain energy. Mental errors along with simply being a step slow led to uphill battles in each set. We competed in stretches, but clearly UGF was more prepared and disciplined. From the coaching staff to the individual players we were collectively responsible for the lackluster performance. It was evident our attitudes and our effort needed to improve going into our second match.
Our TEAM ran into a familiar face at 5pm as we squared off with Lake Region, who was our previous opponent from wednesday evening. There was a big difference early on with LRSC and ourselves as they got the jump on us and stole the first set 25-22 after we opened up with a 9-2 lead. For a moment it felt as though our TEAM was not going to be respond from the earlier loss, but just when the coaching staff began to worry our LadyJacks refused to play poorly back to back matches. The next three sets went 25-21, 25-11, 25-11 and hopefully we will continue to play with that same enthusiasm tomorrow.
We begin action tomorrow morning at 11am MT against the host team Dawson C.C. followed up by a 5pm MT match with Williston State. If the last three sets of today are any indication of what can be expected tomorrow, I believe both Dawson and Williston will be facing a group of determined LadyJacks fighting to improve with each play.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
DCB vs. Lake Region
It was a great atmosphere tonight at "The Woodshed", as fellow students and community members did an outstanding job supporting our LadyJacks vs. Lake Region Royals. We appreciate all who attended the game and hope to continue defending our home court. The LadyJacks got out to a quick start by defeating the Royals in set one 25-16, followed up by winning the next two 25-17 and 25-14. Overall we played a consistent match from beginning to end, but the team still understands we have which need improvement.
Offensively it was a TEAM effort led by sophmores Jordyn Sondrol (9 kills) and Jackie Miller (6 kills). Courtney Hart and Freshman Leah Parizek also had multiple big plays allowing us to separate in all 3 sets. Bottineau native Ashleigh Aufforth appeared very comfortable at home as she set the tone with 16 assists, but more importantly served extremely well and made great TEAM decision throughout the evening. Although many good things happened on the offensive side of the net, we are clearly at our best when we have relentless effort defensively. Josie Degagne and Amber Gable have been exceptional in both matches thus far by putting us in great position to be aggressive offensively. As long as we refuse to be outworked or outhustled this TEAM will continue to make strides forward.
With this win the LadyJacks move to 1-1 in the Mon-Dak. This weekend will be the true test of resiliance as we play a 4-match road stand at Dawson Community College in Glendive.
Thank you again for coming out, and follow us over the weekend as we will continue to update the blog following each match.
Offensively it was a TEAM effort led by sophmores Jordyn Sondrol (9 kills) and Jackie Miller (6 kills). Courtney Hart and Freshman Leah Parizek also had multiple big plays allowing us to separate in all 3 sets. Bottineau native Ashleigh Aufforth appeared very comfortable at home as she set the tone with 16 assists, but more importantly served extremely well and made great TEAM decision throughout the evening. Although many good things happened on the offensive side of the net, we are clearly at our best when we have relentless effort defensively. Josie Degagne and Amber Gable have been exceptional in both matches thus far by putting us in great position to be aggressive offensively. As long as we refuse to be outworked or outhustled this TEAM will continue to make strides forward.
With this win the LadyJacks move to 1-1 in the Mon-Dak. This weekend will be the true test of resiliance as we play a 4-match road stand at Dawson Community College in Glendive.
Thank you again for coming out, and follow us over the weekend as we will continue to update the blog following each match.
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