VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Oakes volleyball team is off to a white-hot start this season and have found themselves ranked #9 in Class B. After six games, they boast a 5-1 record after defeating Sargent County Tuesday night.
Head coach Katelyn Hagen has been a huge reason for the team’s success, but she gives a ton of credit to her team. “To find out we are looked at across the state as one of the top teams is humbling,” Hagen said.
Hagen isn’t too worried about the rankings, however, and just wants her team to take it one day at a time. “We tell the girls to keep their focus on today, the next team we’re competing against is our focus,” Hagen said. “There are a lot of talented teams across the state and we happen to be in one of the toughest regions.”
There aren’t any ranked teams besides Oakes in their district, but Region 3 has multiple ranked teams including Linton/HMB who is ranked #1 in the state.
“We have a new combination of girls this year, but we have talented and experienced leaders who are working to get this team to meet its full potential,” Hagen said. “An early season rank is humbling to the girls as they focus on getting better with each opportunity to play and compete.”
Oakes has a difficult schedule moving forward with a slew of ranked opponents on the docket left.
“We’re excited for a more normal season with some early tournaments and those extra opportunities to play teams outside of our regular schedule.”
The Tornadoes have just four home games left with a pair of midseason tournaments. Coach Hagen has the schedule stacked in order to prepare her squad for a successful postseason.
Below are the rankings in Class B according to the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association:
1. Linton-HMB (Oakes vs. Linton-HMB – Oct. 14th)
2. Langdon-Edmore-Munich (Oakes at Langdon Area – Oct. 9th)
3. Thompson
4. Northern Cass
5. Kenmare
6. Dickinson Trinity
7. Central Cass (Tournament at Central Cass – Sept. 11)
8. Grafton
9. Oakes
10. Our Redeemers
Oakes plays next on the road at LaMoure on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. and can be heard on 1220 AM 95.9 FM The Tornado.