Battle of the Dakotas! Who is bringing the popcorn!

When I tell you I'm beyond excited for the Northern Lights Qualifier this weekend, I mean it. The sheer amount of talent gathering in one place is unbelievable. This event isn't just another tournament—it's a showcase of elite-level volleyball, where some of the most skilled athletes in the country go head-to-head.   While this is technically a qualifier, the 17's and 18's divisions won't be fighting for bids—but that doesn't make the competition any less intense. In fact, it heightens it. These teams aren't just here to compete; they're here to prove a point, to establish dominance, and to prepare for the biggest stages ahead.   And let's talk about one of the most exciting aspects of this weekend—the border battles. There's nothing quite like watching North Dakota vs. South Dakota on the court. These two states have powerhouse programs that continue to produce high-level athletes year after year. When these teams collide, you can expect nothing short of a gritty, high-energy, all-out fight. Every set, every rally, every play matters.   College coaches, recruiters, and volleyball fans—if you're looking for players who can handle the pressure and thrive in high-stakes moments, this is the place to be. From dominant blockers and strategic setters to fearless attackers and lockdown defenders, this weekend will be full of performances that demand attention.   Sanford-Fargo 18 Vs. Kairos 18 Alpha Court 42 at 8:00PM   Let's break it down!   Sanford Fargo-18's   [player_tooltip player_id='748619' first='Nicci' last='Zeis'] [player_tooltip player_id='725010' first='Marley' last='Budeau'] Logan Fredrickson-Committed to Northern State University [player_tooltip player_id='722410' first='Cora' last='Metcalf']-Committed to University of Nebraska Omaha [player_tooltip player_id='725052' first='Addi' last='Kill'] [player_tooltip player_id='748623' first='Abby' last='Baukol'] [player_tooltip player_id='748624' first='Olivia' last='Schock'] [player_tooltip player_id='747687' first='Talyn' last='Hoffert'] [player_tooltip player_id='724817' first='Ella' last='Stimpson'] [player_tooltip player_id='748618' first='Kia' last='Ray']   Kairos 18 Alpha   [player_tooltip player_id='724879' first='Emory' last='Brosnahan']-Committed to St. Thomas Karalynn Leach-Committed to Augustana (SD) [player_tooltip player_id='724882' first='Cate' last='Legel']-Committed University of South Dakota [player_tooltip player_id='724884' first='Keira' last='McManus']-Committed to St. Benedicts [player_tooltip player_id='724880' first='Maggie' last='Meister']-Committed to South Dakota State University [player_tooltip player_id='720541' first='Sophia' last='Randall']-Committed to Illinois [player_tooltip player_id='253955' first='Zoie' last='Roghair']-Committed to Bellevue [player_tooltip player_id='724881' first='Kaelyn' last='Snoozy']-Committed to Concordia St. Paul   Sanford 18's is bringing the firepower this game. This squad isn't just talented—they're dominant, packed with players who rank among the best in the region. They're strong, explosive, and incredibly versatile, making them one of the most dangerous teams on the court.   Leading the charge is Cora, a blocking machine who shuts down hitters with ease. Trying to get a ball past her? Nearly impossible. Then there's Logan, a powerhouse middle who is a nightmare for opposing offenses, closing blocks and taking over at the net.   With a roster stacked with high-impact, uncommitted players, college scouts will be lined up at this court—and for good reason.   Kairo's Alpha 18's isn't just loaded—it's a powerhouse of next-level athletes. This team is stacked with high-caliber, committed players who bring intensity, skill, and dominance to the court.   Sophia is the general, running the court with precision and control, setting up plays and leading with confidence. Maggie runs the show in the back, keeping the defense locked in and making sure nothing hits the floor. And when it comes to firepower, Cate and Emory bring the heat as dominant hitters, making this squad an unstoppable force.   Every position is filled with athletes ready to compete at the highest level, making them one of the most formidable squads out there. Expect them to set the tone, control the game, and make a statement every time they step on the court.   Who do I think will win? No clue, but I will be there and I am so excited to watch both of these programs in action!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">PrepDigDakotas</a> for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.   After following our page, take the next step and subscribe to PrepDig! 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When I tell you I'm beyond excited for the Northern Lights Qualifier this weekend, I mean it. The sheer amount of talent gathering in one place is unbelievable. This event isn't just another tournament—it's a showcase of elite-level volleyball, where some of the most skilled athletes in the country go head-to-head.