BREAKING: In a thrilling performance, Ada-Borup-West swept Red Lake Falls with a decisive score of 25-17, 25-10, 25-12 in the Minnesota Section 8A semifinals on July 15, 2025, at Lysaker Gymnasium in Crookston. Star player Malayna Syverson showcased her skills, racking up an impressive 22 kills, 10 of which came in the opening set.
This victory propels the Cougars to the section championship, where they will face East Grand Forks Sacred Heart on Friday at 7 p.m. in Crookston. Notably, Ada-Borup-West is the only team to hand Sacred Heart a loss this season, igniting anticipation for a highly competitive rematch.
During the match, Syverson, a 6-foot-4 middle blocker committed to North Dakota State, expressed confidence in her team’s evolution since their last encounter with Sacred Heart. “We just have to put a lot of effort in,” she stated in a post-match interview. “We’ve built as a team and so have they. We’ll lock in and practice and get to the game.”
Ada-Borup-West, now boasting a record of 22-8, managed to overcome an early challenge in the first set, where nine ties occurred before Syverson’s dominance helped the team surge ahead. “I think right away we came out with some nerves,” Syverson noted. “If you’re not nervous, something’s wrong. We pulled it together and built some momentum.”
In support of Syverson, teammate Morgan Engel, also committed to NDSU, added 14 kills, solidifying the Cougars’ offensive strength. The Cougars jumped to an early 4-0 lead in the second set and maintained control throughout the match, leaving Red Lake Falls, who concluded their season with a 24-7 record, scrambling for answers.
The upcoming championship match promises to be an electrifying showdown as both teams aim for a spot in the next stage of playoffs. Fans and players alike are eager to witness if Ada-Borup-West can replicate their earlier success against Sacred Heart.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Cougars prepare for this crucial clash!
