Century defends West Region Tournament title

BISMARCK – Bismarck Century volleyball thrives in the big moments. The Pats have the hardware to prove that. No. 2 Century defeated top seed Jamestown in the West Region Tournament championship on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Bismarck High's Karlgaard Gymnasium. It marked the 10th-straight season the Patriots have won the tournament title. With the victory Century heads into this week's Class A tournament as the top seed from the West. The Blue Jays, which won both regular season meetings against Century en route to the the WDA regular season title, will be the West's No. 2 seed. in the title match, Century was sharp en route to a somewhat surprising three-set victory. Jamestown held a seven-point advantage in set two, but the Patriots wrestled away the lead for the win. Set three was back and forth, and again, Jamestown held a lead only to see Century comeback. Century defeated (7) Williston in the quarterfinals and (3) Bismarck Legacy in the semifinals to reach the championship. Jamestown topped (8) St. Mary's in the opening round and (4) Bismarck High in the semifinals.

Legacy and Bismarck High also in the field

Bismarck Legacy has reached the state tournament for a fourth-consecutive season. The Sabers will be a No. 3 seed. Legacy won a pair of games at the West Region Tournament, defeating (6) Minot High in the opening round before losing in the semifinals to Century. It rebounded with a sweep over (5) Dickinson in a state-qualifying match. Bismarck High, meanwhile, earned its first trip to the state tournament in two seasons. The Demons opened with a victory over (5) Dickinson before losing in four sets to Jamestown in the semifinals. BHS topped Minot High in a state-qualifying match. BHS will be a No. 4 seed this week.

The favorites this week

Century and Jamestown will be among the favorites to capture the Class A title this week in Fargo. The Patriots have won nine championships, the last coming in 2021. Jamestown won a title in 2013. Legacy has wins over Century and Jamestown and are also a team to watch. EDC contenders include Fargo North, the EDC regular season champion. The Spartans needed to rally from an 0-2 deficit in  are a No. 3 seed. Fargo Davies was second in the EDC standings and also suffered a loss early in the tournament and are a No 4 seed. West Fargo Sheyenne, which entered the tournament as the No. 5 seed, won the title. Fargo Shanley was runner-up at the region tournament.

Photo: Century Eden Fridley sends the ball over the net vs. Jamestown in the region title match. Photo courtesy of Loralyn Joyce.