Fighting Saints Push Minneota in Opening Set Before 2-0 Loss

KERKHOVEN, Minn. - The KMS junior varsity Fighting Saints challenged Minneota deep into the opening set before falling 2-0 in Thursday’s conference match. Minneota earned the victory with set wins of 28-26 and 25-16 at KMS.

Strong serving and blocking helped the Fighting Saints stay even with Minneota throughout a tightly contested first set. KMS used pressure from the service line to make it difficult for Minneota to settle into its offense, while the Saints’ work at the net helped slow attacks and extend rallies.

Neither side could secure the two-point margin needed to finish the opening set when the teams reached the usual 25-point threshold. KMS continued to battle as the score moved beyond that mark, but Minneota captured the final separation for a 28-26 win. The two-point result gave the Saints a clear look at how their serving and blocking could keep them competitive against a conference opponent.

Minneota created more room in the second set and closed the match with a 25-16 victory. KMS continued working to disrupt the visitors with serves and front-row defense, but the Saints could not produce the extended scoring stretch needed to force a third set. Despite the loss, the opening set showed the team’s ability to compete through long rallies and remain composed in a set that required extra points.

The Fighting Saints will return to the court on the road against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa at 7 p.m. CDT Monday, Sept. 28. KMS will look to carry forward the serving pressure and blocking presence that helped push Minneota to the limit in Thursday’s opening set.