BREAKING: The Ada-Borup-West Cougars delivered a commanding performance in the Minnesota Section 8A semifinals, sweeping Red Lake Falls with set scores of 25-17, 25-10, 25-12. The match took place at Lysaker Gymnasium on July 15, 2025, and was highlighted by the explosive play of Malayna Syverson, who recorded 22 kills in a stunning display of skill.
Syverson, a 6-foot-4 middle blocker committed to North Dakota State, set the tone early by scoring 10 kills in the opening set, helping the Cougars establish a strong momentum against their opponents. With this victory, Ada-Borup-West improved their record to 22-8, showcasing resilience after a challenging regular season.
The Cougars will now face East Grand Forks Sacred Heart in the section championship on Friday at 7 p.m. in Crookston. This matchup carries significant weight, as Ada-Borup-West is the only team to have defeated Sacred Heart this season. Syverson shared her thoughts post-match, emphasizing teamwork and preparation:
“We just have to put a lot of effort in. We’ll lock in and practice and get to the game.”
Red Lake Falls, who had previously knocked off the defending section champion Kittson County Central in the quarterfinals, concludes their season at 24-7. Despite the loss, they put up a strong fight, with the opening set seeing nine ties before Syverson’s performance helped the Cougars pull away.
“I think right away we came out with some nerves,” Syverson noted, reflecting on the match. “If you’re not nervous, something’s wrong. We pulled it together and built some momentum.”
Alongside Syverson, teammate Morgan Engel, also committed to NDSU, contributed significantly with 14 kills, further solidifying the Cougars’ dominance throughout the match. The second set began with a quick 4-0 lead for Ada-Borup-West, and they never looked back, maintaining control throughout the game.
As excitement builds for the upcoming championship, fans and players alike are eager to see if Ada-Borup-West can continue their winning streak against Sacred Heart. The stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling showdown in Minnesota high school volleyball.
