May-Port-C-G volleyball's smothering offense prepares for first state tournament in 21 years
Nov. 14—GRAND FORKS — Rylee Satrom's visits to the Fargodome have always been as a fan of North Dakota State.
For the first time, on Thursday, she'll enter the Fargodome as a player.
Satrom and her No. 2-seeded Mayville-Portland-Clifford-Galesburg team will play Trenton in the quarterfinals of the Class B volleyball state tournament Thursday at 1 p.m. It's the Patriots' first state appearance in 21 years.
That realization didn't hit coach Stacy Hanson until hours after the region championship game. The Patriots' bus driver, who had on a May-Port-C-G hat, stopped Hanson as she was exiting the bus.
"He goes, 'I got this the last time we went to a state tournament, in 2002,'" Hanson said. "I said, 'Looks like you need a new hat.'"
Patriots players weren't born the last time May-Port-C-G played for a state title. But, if there was ever a time for the Patriots to win, it would be now, as the community is still grieving the loss of Katie Richards, a former UND women's basketball player.
"It's overwhelming. It's exhilarating," Hanson said. "It's been a tough time in the community, so it's been a pick-me-up. It's been so positive."
This Patriots team has the experience and grit to win. They dropped the last two region championships to Thompson and lost in the semifinals three years ago.
They came in with the goal of making it to state and have the poise to continue a playoff run.
"In the region championship game, they came out and played the best match of their season, and most consistent, so I was just really proud of them," Hanson said. "They've been working toward this."
The Patriots' efficiency and pace of play has been a strength this season. They don't waste time early in sets; they "start strong and finish strong," Satrom said.
Of the Patriots' 32 wins this season, 27 have been sweeps.
"We have such a fast offense," Satrom said. "It's key to our game."
There's another key to this Patriots' team: They're playing on a different level than previous seasons. The competitiveness reached a new peak this year.
"If they get down in a set, they know they're not done," Hanson said. "They don't quit. They are so good at working together, building each other up and being good teammates and being positive that I think that helps to give them that momentum and helps to carry them."
May-Port-C-G carried the No. 1 ranking in Region 2 for much of the season, so they're aware of the pressure that comes with a high ranking.
"You just know you can't lose," Satrom said. "If you do, it almost feels like you let someone down."
The Patriots have the second seed entering the state tournament. May-Port-C-G's mindset, though, is seedings help decide opponents. Every team playing at state is a good team.
"Anybody can beat anybody," Hanson said. "Anybody can win a first match, second match, state title if they put three good matches together.
"It's an honor that they seeded us there. The girls have been playing well, but you have to keep playing well if you want to keep advancing and hopefully finish at the top of the state."
