UPDATE: In a thrilling finish at the Region 2B volleyball championship in Devils Lake on October 26, 2023, defending state champion Langdon Area/Munich triumphed over Park River/Fordville-Lankin with a decisive score of 25-9, 25-15, 25-13. This victory secures their spot in the upcoming state tournament.
The match began with Langdon Area/Munich dominating the first two sets, but a momentary lapse saw them fall behind 7-5 in the third set. However, the Cardinals rallied spectacularly, showcasing their resilience. Coach Rich Olson credited the team’s defensive prowess for their success, stating, “We had some outstanding digs and won some of the longer rallies, too.”
The turning point came when sophomore serve specialist Liv Prouty ignited the team’s momentum, helping to shift the score to 19-8 in the third set. A final point was clinched by Kemi Morstad, securing the championship trophy for Langdon Area/Munich.
Park River/Fordville-Lankin’s coach, Nicole Wollangk, noted the competitive nature of the match, saying, “Our serve-receive was doing a lot better, which was why we were able to stay competitive.” Despite the loss, she remains optimistic about her team’s potential in the state qualifier tournament.
With this victory, Langdon Area/Munich improves to a remarkable 36-5 record, while Park River/Fordville-Lankin now stands at 22-14. The Cardinals are poised to defend their state title under the new three-class system, a significant change from last year’s two-class format.
The match featured standout performances, including Hilary Haaven with 15 kills and 23 digs, and Mya Swanson contributing seven kills and five aces. For Park River/Fordville-Lankin, Lily Skibicki recorded 17 digs, while Lauren Bell added five kills and four blocks.
As the team celebrates their victory, anticipation builds for the state tournament, where Langdon Area/Munich will look to continue their winning streak. In contrast, Park River/Fordville-Lankin will have one more chance to qualify when they face the Region 1 runner-up on October 28, 2023, aiming for their first state tournament appearance since 2016.
In other news from the Region 2B tournament, Benson County secured a 3-1 victory over New Rockford-Sheyenne in the third-place match, setting up a crucial state qualifier for them.
The All-Region 2B team was also announced, showcasing talent from various teams, with Ava Peterson of New Rockford-Sheyenne named the Region 2 Senior of the Year, and Nicole Wollangk earning Coach of the Year honors.
Stay tuned for more updates as the state tournament approaches, with Langdon Area/Munich aiming to defend their title and Park River/Fordville-Lankin seeking redemption.
