The Minnesota West volleyball team, the Lady Jays, have soared to new heights this season, and now, they’re ready to take their momentum to the national stage. With an impressive 32-4 record, the team clinched its first-ever Region 13C championship, earning a coveted spot in the NJCAA Division III Volleyball Championship. This national tournament represents the culmination of a dream season, with the Lady Jays eager to bring home their first national title. The tournament, which kicks off Thursday at 11 a.m., will see the Lady Jays facing off against 15th-seeded Bunker Hill Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For Minnesota West, it’s a chance to make history.
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A Historic Season: The Path to Nationals
For the Lady Jays, this is no ordinary season. After years of growth and improvement, the team’s hard work culminated in a Region 13C title, something the program had never achieved before. The win over St. Cloud Technical CC secured their spot in the national tournament, marking a milestone in the program’s history. The excitement around this achievement is palpable, as Coach Brittney McNab and her team have set their sights firmly on the national championship.
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“It’s been such an exciting journey,” said McNab. “The team has worked so hard to get here, and now it’s time to push even further. We’ve built something special, and we’re ready to compete at the highest level.”
The Lady Jays are not only thrilled to be at nationals, but they are also determined to finish what they started. The team’s two standout sophomores, Ella Hesse and Lexi Schreurs, are leading the charge. Both players had been to the national championship in previous seasons but fell just short. They knew exactly what they needed to do this year to break through and bring the team to the national tournament. With that goal in mind, they worked tirelessly throughout the offseason to ensure their success.
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A Dynamic Duo: Ella Hesse and Lexi Schreurs Lead the Charge
Hesse and Schreurs have been pivotal in the Lady Jays’ success this season. As the only two returners from the previous year, they carry the experience of falling short in the region championship game to Century College, and that experience fueled their determination. They knew they could take their team further, and they’ve done just that.
“Last year, we came so close, and we knew we had unfinished business,” said Schreurs. “This season has meant everything to us. We wanted to prove that we belong on this stage, and now we’re here, ready to show everyone what we’re made of.”
Hesse, a powerful outside hitter, has been a force on the court, ranking eighth in the nation in kills with 339 and 16th in kills per set (3.32). She’s also been stellar in the back row, ranking in the top 25 in digs with 384. Her all-around performance has been a major factor in the Lady Jays’ success this season. Schreurs, the team’s setter, has been equally impressive. With 953 assists, she ranks third in the nation in that category. Schreurs became the first Lady Jay to surpass 2,000 career assists during the team’s Region 13 title-clinching win, and she was named the tournament MVP for her efforts.
Tournament Preview: Facing Bunker Hill Community College
The Lady Jays will open their national tournament play on Thursday at 11 a.m. against Bunker Hill Community College, a team that has had an impressive season with a 19-3 record. Bunker Hill, hailing from Boston, clinched the Region 21 title and comes into the tournament with momentum after notable victories over Northern Essex Community College and Holyoke Community College.
“We’ve been watching film on them, and we know they’re a solid team,” Hesse explained. “We’re ready to bring our A-game, and we’re not taking anyone lightly. We’ve prepared all season for this moment, and we’re ready for the challenge.”
The Bulldogs, led by Jessica Patrone with 200 kills, will be a tough opponent, but the Lady Jays’ versatility, highlighted by strong attackers and solid back-row defense, gives them confidence going into the match. McNab and her team have been preparing with a laser focus on strategy, watching film and analyzing Bunker Hill’s play to identify any potential weaknesses.
A Strong Lineup: Depth and Versatility
While Hesse and Schreurs are the clear leaders on the court, the Lady Jays’ success this season has been due to a complete team effort. Freshman Sadie Krahling has been a standout, ranking second on the team in kills with 298 and fourth in digs with 284. Her dynamic play on both sides of the ball has been a major asset for Minnesota West. Krahling, along with Hesse and Schreurs, was named to the Minnesota College Athletic Conference South All-Division First Team. Additionally, libero Kadyn Paulson and middle hitter Ally Nelson earned second-team honors.
The Lady Jays’ front row has been a force to be reckoned with, featuring Hesse, Nelson, Kylee Larsen, and Claire Bohlen. Larsen, in particular, has been a key contributor, with 172 kills and a team-leading 84 blocks. Nelson has 200 kills and 61 blocks, while Bohlen adds 151 kills and 34 blocks to the mix. Together, these players create a formidable front row that can dominate both offensively and defensively.
Building Momentum: A 14-Match Win Streak
As the Lady Jays head into the national tournament, they are in peak form, riding a 14-match win streak. Over the past month, they have not lost a single match, with 12 of those 14 wins coming in sweeps. Their dominant play has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament, and they are eager to carry that momentum into their opening match.
“We’re feeling great right now,” said Schreurs. “The team is playing at such a high level, and we know we’re capable of achieving something special. We just have to keep our heads focused and stick to our game plan.”
The Road to the Championship
Should the Lady Jays defeat Bunker Hill, they will face the winner of the match between 10th-seeded Dallas North Lake and 7th-seeded Fulton-Montgomery. Minnesota West has already proven they can handle teams from various regions, having swept Dallas North Lake earlier in the season. The Jays are ready for whatever challenges come their way and are determined to bring home the national title.
“We’ve put in the work, and we know we have what it takes,” Hesse said confidently. “Now it’s about staying focused and trusting in each other. This is our time.”
With a blend of experienced leadership, strong offensive and defensive players, and a relentless drive to succeed, the Minnesota West Lady Jays are poised to make a serious run at the NJCAA Division III Volleyball Championship. For McNab and her players, this is more than just a tournament; it’s the chance to make history and cap off a season that has already been a dream come true. As they head into the national tournament, the Lady Jays know one thing for certain—they are ready for the challenge.
