Sanford Fargo 15’s Earn National Bid at NCR Qualifier

<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/image_b1c269.png" alt="" class="wp-image-943383" style="width:242px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   The NCR Qualifier is never handed to anyone. It's earned through long rallies, disciplined execution, and the ability to stay connected when pressure builds. This past weekend, [program_tooltip program_id='937382' first='Sanford' last='Fargo'] 15's proved exactly why they belong on the national stage, earning a National Bid in the Freedom Division after a fourth-place finish.   What made this group special wasn't just the result — it was how they got there.   From the first whistle, [program_tooltip program_id='937382' first='Sanford' last='Fargo'] played with structure. Their serve receive posture was disciplined, their defensive base consistent, and their offensive tempo intentional. They didn't rely on one player or one rotation. They relied on balance. They relied on chemistry. And when moments tightened, they leaned into each other.   At the center of that system was setter [player_tooltip player_id='745951' first='Lucy' last='Rydell']. Rydell ran the offense with poise beyond her years. She delivered consistent location, squared off imperfect first contact, and kept the tempo flowing pin-to-pin. Rydell did an excellent job establishing her middles early, forcing opposing blockers to commit before stretching the floor. When rallies extended, she remained calm, resetting spacing and trusting her hitters rather than forcing plays. That composure set the tone.   In the middle, [player_tooltip player_id='882490' first='Ellery' last='Ames'] and [player_tooltip player_id='783337' first='April' last='Flack'] anchored the net. Ames brought strong lateral movement and block timing, closing seams instead of drifting and pressing over the tape with disciplined hands. Offensively, she stayed available in transition and finished quick tempo sets with authority. Flack matched that intensity with physical presence, attacking the seam and maintaining balance through contact. Both middles forced defenses to respect the center of the court, creating space for the pins to operate.   One of the most versatile players on the floor was [player_tooltip player_id='743602' first='Brooklyn' last='Gjevre']. Gjevre's strength was evident at the net — whether closing blocks or attacking from multiple positions. She adjusted seamlessly, contributing both as an attacker and as a defensive presence. Her ability to read the game and make smart adjustments mid-rally stood out. Gjevre didn't just execute; she elevated the energy when needed.   On the pins, [program_tooltip program_id='937382' first='Sanford' last='Fargo'] showed depth and discipline. [player_tooltip player_id='754196' first='Maya' last='Klabo'] attacked with range and confidence, maintaining strong approach mechanics and finishing through the block when sealed. She stayed aggressive without losing control, attacking deep corners and challenging high hands. [player_tooltip player_id='882487' first='Harper' last='Larson'] provided balance on the opposite side, transitioning quickly off defense and delivering controlled swings in high-pressure moments. Both pin hitters handled serve receive responsibilities without sacrificing offensive production, giving the team six-rotation stability.   In the back row, ball control anchored everything. [player_tooltip player_id='745242' first='Liv' last='Mattern'] was steady at libero, managing serve receive with strong platform angles and consistent footwork. She tracked hitter shoulders well, digging sharp cross-court swings and keeping rallies alive. Her communication in seam responsibility was constant, and her defensive reads allowed the offense to stay in rhythm. Alongside her, [player_tooltip player_id='769897' first='Sawyer' last='Kosidowski'] provided defensive reliability. Kosidowski stayed low, balanced, and disciplined in coverage, absorbing pace and delivering playable digs that fueled transition opportunities.   What made this team even more impressive was the unity on display — especially from the bench. [player_tooltip player_id='882486' first='Julia' last='Hulstein'] and [player_tooltip player_id='755656' first='Raegan' last='Killoran'], both sidelined, were unwavering in their support. Their presence was loud and engaged. They communicated coverage, celebrated every point, and reinforced energy during momentum swings. That kind of bench engagement matters in a qualifier environment. It reflects culture.   And culture is what separates good teams from special ones.   [program_tooltip program_id='937382' first='Sanford' last='Fargo'] 15's didn't unravel when matches tightened. They didn't rush when opponents made runs. They responded with structure. They trusted their serve receive patterns. They closed blocks with discipline. They transitioned aggressively. They communicated.   Team chemistry was visible in every huddle. After tough rallies, players regrouped quickly. There was no finger-pointing, no hesitation. Just clarity and belief. That trust showed up late in sets when rotations mattered most.   The fourth-place finish and Freedom Division National Bid are tangible rewards. But what truly stood out was the foundation beneath the result. This team plays connected volleyball. They understand spacing. They understand tempo. They understand that first contact dictates everything.   At just the 15's level, the ceiling is high. Their mechanics are strong. Their communication is consistent. Their chemistry is real.   The NCR Qualifier tested depth, resilience, and execution. [program_tooltip program_id='937382' first='Sanford' last='Fargo'] 15's answered.   Nationals await — and if this weekend was any indication, they're not just going to participate.   They're going to compete.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   <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