2025 Division B, District 3 Volleyball Championship

<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/image_e42f4e.png" alt="This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image_e42f4e.png" style="width:110px;height:auto" /></figure>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The 2025 Prep Dig Exposure Tour is officially LIVE!</a>   We're hitting 20+ cities across the country this winter to give athletes a platform to compete, get seen, level up and get on coaches radar.   I'll personally be at Bloomington on Dec. 14 for all interested 2026-2029 prospects following the 2025 fall season. <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2026/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-minnesota-session-1">Click here to register for 2028-2029</a> or <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2026/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-minnesota-session-1">click here to register for 2026-2027</a> and use promo code “HICKMANPD25” to get $10 off your registration.   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   The stage is set: the District 3 Class B volleyball championship match will pit two high-octane squads against one another after dramatic semifinal showdowns. Last night, the Aggies edged Cavalier Tornadoes 25-20, 10-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12, while the Titans edged past Griggs‑Midkota Cougars 25-20, 26-25, 25-16. With the top four teams in each district advancing to regionals, and from there a berth into state, every set, every rally, every swing matters.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Park River/Fordville-Lankin Aggies — poised for a run</h3>   Park River enters the final riding momentum. Their semifinal against Cavalier was a roller-coaster: after taking the opener they dropped a second-set bagel, recovered through the third, then battled past 25-27 in the fourth and gutted out a 15-12 fifth. That resilience speaks volumes about the squad's mental toughness and preparedness.   At the heart of the Aggies' offense is junior · [player_tooltip player_id='809736' first='Lauren' last='Bell'], who has caught the attention of college coaches. Whether deploying as an outside or sliding into the middle, Bell boasts explosive arm swing, high-contact point-of-attack hits, and the savvy to exploit seams in the block-defense. Her ability to close at the net and run slide combinations gives the offense multiple looks and keeps opponents guessing.   In the back row, the Ags are anchored by junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='800485' first='Lily' last='Skibicki']. She brings consistent serve-receive platform, quick reads on second-ball transitions, and elite digging range. Her body language sets the tone for the defense, and her ability to generate a platform on tough serves allows the setter quicker options to run the offense.   Opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='725027' first='Bailee' last='Seim'] offers another dimension in attack: from the right side when in 5-1 rotations she delivers firm cross-court swings and buries shots off the block when the middle draws help. Whether dumping the setter or punching the slide, she's a reliable outlet.   Versatility lives further with senior [player_tooltip player_id='839912' first='Molly' last='Moen'] who toggles between middle and outside. That flexibility allows the Aggies to adapt depending on rotation and opponent. When she's at the middle, she provides quick-set first-tempo attacks and slides; as an outside, she clears and runs “one-away” high balls to keep defenses honest.   Running the show is senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='724911' first='McKenna' last='Cole']. She orchestrates with a calm demeanor, precise placement (both inside and outside sets), strategic use of back-row attacks, and steady decision-making under pressure. With a strong serve, solid defensive posture, and ability to extend rallies with scrappy saves, Cole is the glue in transition and attack phases.   Despite this solid starting five and depth behind them, the Aggies will have their work cut out for them. District finals are nothing to underestimate in Class B — the path to regionals is steep, and attention to detail (serve-receive, side-out efficiency, block coverage) will determine who advances.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Drayton/Valley-Edinburg Titans — riding a wave of confidence</h3>   The Titans punched their ticket by knocking off the 2-seeded Griggs-Midkota Cougars in three straight: 25-20, 26-25, 25-16. That kind of performance sends a clear message: this team is hitting its stride at just the right time.   Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='725023' first='Brooke' last='Gullickson'] (5'4”) may not dominate in height, but she wins in tempo, decision-making, and rhythm. Her ability to mix quicks and high outside sets, to push the middle early, then flip to the pin, places defenses under constant duress. She reads blockers, disguises her targets, and transitions swiftly between attack-first and defense-first mindsets.   Outside hitter Peyton Larson (5'8”, 10th grade) brings a strong all-around game: she swings from the six-rotation, passes reliably, covers long lines, and is equally comfortable on jump‐float serve as she is attacking off a high-outside set. Her ball-hawking in bullpen and court sense give her extra value.   In the middle, senior [player_tooltip player_id='829370' first='Alyssa' last='Hoyles'] (5'7”) has had a standout season. Her lateral quickness on block, ability to read setter launch points, and consistent conversion of slide sets make her a true two-way presence: a reliable blocker and a payload-effective attacker.   Defensively, junior [player_tooltip player_id='813963' first='Ingrid' last='Myrdal'] (5'10”) is a Quiet Executor — she reads opposing hitters, takes smart angles, serves as a second setter on transition, and offers elite rally coverage. Her presence allows the Titans to free up attack patterns knowing the back row is sorted.   But keep an eye on the wildcard — senior middle/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='725018' first='Elizabeth' last='Fedje'] (6'0”). Not only is she a thunderbolt swing in high-level form, but her blocking touch-timing is near perfect. She's crossed the 1,000-kill mark this season. Beyond that, she's among the top in her track & field events, adding athleticism and explosiveness that translate on the hardwood. Her dual-sport dominance positions her as a pre-eminent postseason candidate.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why the No. 1 seed matters</h3>   In District tournaments, securing the top seed isn't just about bragging rights — it determines the bracket path, arguably easier early rounds, potentially fewer sets played, fresher legs going into regionals. With the top four advancing, position points count. A No. 1 seed often sets the tone, gives psychological advantage, and offers favorable side of bracket (fewer rematches, better rest). That matters when every set, every serve, every dig— every point—counts toward the bigger goal of making state.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final set-up & what to watch</h3>   On Monday, Nov. 3, in the gym at Hatton Gymnasium, the Aggies and Titans will meet with everything on the line: district title, regional berth, and a chance at state. Key duel: Bell vs. Fedje. Will Bell's all-court versatility trump Fedje's thunder-bolt swing and elite block timing? Mid-court battle: Hoyles' blocker-attacker profile vs. Moen's slide/face-set versatility. Who controls the middle will control the tempo. Setter duel: Cole vs. Gullickson. Clean passing, side-out conversion, and a high serve-receive percentage (keep an eye on errors here) will separate the teams. Back row & defense: Skibicki's initiative + serve-receive vs. Myrdal's court coverage + libero support behind the Titans. Transition game: Expect both teams to push tempo, run out of system shots, and go for slides and quicks when possible. Side-out efficiency will be crucial.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final thought</h3>   This is more than just a district final—it's a gateway into regionals and beyond. Each squad brings elite talent, tactical versatility, and depth. The winner leaves with momentum; the runner-up still advances but will carry a battle-scarred ledger. Coaches, recruits and fans: get ready. This one's going to be electric.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas