Riverland can clinch state berth

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 15, 2002

Riverland's volleyball season has come down to one game.

The Lady Blue Devils are within one win of the Minnesota Community College Conference State Tournament with just one match to play. Riverland hosts Minnesota West Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. with fourth place in the Southern Division on the line.

The top four teams from each division advance to the state tournament Oct. 25-26 at the National Volleyball Center in Rochester, and Riverland (12-12, 3-6) is hopeful for a seventh consecutive trip despite Monday night's 3-0 loss at Ridgewater (18-12, 7-2).

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The Warriors, who currently stand second in the Southern Division, ended Riverland's brief three-match win streak with a sweep Monday in Willmar.

The Warriors posted the victory by scores of 30-23, 30-18, 30-26.

"It's tough to get a win against Ridgewater on the road," said Riverland coach Helen Jahr. "They're a tough team and we haven't beaten them yet this season, so traveling to Ridgewater and playing after a four-hour drive is a disadvantage to begin with.

"We're looking forward to our Minnesota West game, hoping to win that and make it to the state tournament."

The Devils are 3-0 against Minnesota West (4-18, 2-8) this season.

Aubree Page (fr., Albert Lea) led Riverland with 15 digs, nine kills and three blocks in Monday's loss. Page is ranked in the top 10 in the Southern Division in attacking efficiency, kills and blocks.

Steph Vollbrecht added 14 digs and Becky Herrmann chipped in five kills.

Ellie Ramseth was 10-for-10 serving with two aces, and she also led with 13 assists. Ramseth is second in the division in assists per game.

Marisa Kelsey and Heather Anderson each chipped in with two blocks, while Herrmann was 19-19 serving with three aces.