JAMESTOWN, ND. (NewsDakota.com) – Coming up one match short of the state tournament last season has certainly put a sour taste in the mouths of Jamestown heading into the 2022 high school season.

The Blue Jay volleyball team took third place in the West during the regular season in 2021, finishing with a 14-6 conference record and a 24-13 overall record. A 3-0 sweep by St. Mary’s in a state qualifier match abruptly brought the Jays season took a close, and senior Bernadette Newman talked about winning the mental game against the Saints and other teams this year.

Winning the mental game and building confidence was a consistent theme amongst seniors Haylie Hakanson, Aspyn Peterson, and Newman when speaking about the upcoming year. Confidence, along with knowing Jamestown has the ability to play with any team is something Hakanson spoke on.

Finding a way to beat Century is ultimately what the entire state of North Dakota is up against again this year. The Patriots have won six of the last seven state titles and back-to-back championships. Getting ready for teams like Century, or anyone else starts at practice and with good competition from younger players, something that Peterson says she enjoys.

As far as expectations for the 2022 season go, the three seniors kept it pretty simple.

Jamestown opens up its season with the Bismarck Public Schools Crossover on Friday, August 26th, and Saturday, August 27th. The Blue Jays then host Minot on Tuesday, August 30th at Jerry Meyer Arena to begin the WDA season.

FULL INTERVIEW:

Our Jamestown 107.1 Fall Sports Preview continues Tuesday with head coach Sara Hegerle. Later this week, Blue Jay football seniors and head coach Bill Nelson get us ready for 2022.