Strong Start Cannot Carry Royals to Victory

Heading into this season Head Coach Brigitte Greywater and the Royals Volleyball team were looking to take their game to the next level this season. For the first set on Wednesday night in their openging game versus Northland, it looked like they were ready to do just that.

Playing at home in front of a big crowd, the Royals jumped out to an early lead on Northland 5-0. Northland tried to battle back but every time they closed the gap, 12-8, 18-7, LRSC would answer and keep them at bay. The Royals would take the first set 25-18.

In the second set, LRSC continued to put the pressure on Northand jumping out to a 13-8 lead right away. The Pioneers would make a furious comeback and tie it up at 20-20. Coming out of the time out the Royals were unable to stop the run and Northland would take the second set 25-23. The match was tied up at 1-1.

Lake Region State did not get the start out of the break they wanted. Northland sprinted out to a 13-4 lead. The Royals would try to regroup and make a run, however, the damage was done. The comeback was a little to late for the home team. They would fall 25-18 in the third set, trailing 2-1.

The fourth set was a nail biter at the beginning. Both teams back and forth refusing to give an inch. With the score tied at 11-11, Northland would make a 10-4 run forcing a Royals timeout. That run proved to be the difference and LRSC could not overcome it. The final in set four 25-15. Northland would win 3-1 and take the match. 

The Royals volleyball was right on the cusp on victory all night, they just could not snatch it away from Northland. Head Coach Brigitte Greywater said, "Before the season I told our girls we wanted to break the ceiling and rise to a new level. I thought tonight we had our chance to do just that. All night we had our opportunities, we just did not take advantage of them when we needed too." She continued, "I think we have everything we need on this team to be successful, now we just have to go out there every night expecting to win."

Standouts for the Royals included returning All-Conference player Elizabeth Lucy, along with sophomore newcomers Annie Jorgenson and Maara Nelson. The Royals will look to bounce back this weekend in Bismarck. On Friday, they will play Mayville State JV and Miles Community College. Saturday, they will take on Jamestown JV and Bismarck State. Check for updates on Twitter @LRSCRoyals, Facebook LRSC Athletics, Instagram lrscroyals and right here on lrscroyals.com.

Go Royals!