Defending Class B Volleyball Champs, Northern Cass Jaguars, Kick Off Season with Home Invitational
The Northern Cass Jaguars, the defending North Dakota Class B volleyball state champions, began their season with a home invitational on their home court. Coach Angie Johnson expressed her desire for a strong start, especially with four returning players who were on the floor during last year’s state championship. These returners will serve as valuable leaders for the team.
Seniors Josie Jensen and Ellie Lucas are among the key returners for Northern Cass and have stepped into leadership roles. Lucas is excited to make the most of her last year and create lasting memories with her teammates. Reflecting on last year’s title win, Lucas acknowledged the significance of the achievement and looks forward to seeing what the team can accomplish this year.
Jensen has embraced her new role as a vocal leader and finds it enjoyable and fulfilling. The Jaguars also have returning players such as Addy Rust, Haidyn Crockett, Abby Weible, Ari Anderson, and Tess Jalbert.
Despite the changes to the roster, Coach Johnson maintains a consistent approach for the 2023 season. The team focuses on taking each day, play, and point at a time. With the loss of vocal leaders, the Jaguars are working to fill those roles, with Josie Jensen emerging as a main vocal leader. Other players are stepping up as well.
The Jaguars opened their season by hosting the Northern Cass Invitational, with the first few matches scheduled to be played on their home court against May-Port CG and Fargo Oak Grove. The players are eager to showcase their hard work during these home games.
Playing at home gives the Jaguars a sense of comfort and familiarity. They believe they are more relaxed and perform better in front of their supportive fans. Lucas particularly enjoys starting the season at home, as last year they began with away games.
In preparation for the season, Jensen and Lucas have taken the younger members of the team under their wings, helping them settle into their roles. They offer encouragement and emphasize the importance of patience and learning from experience.
The team proudly displays the banner from last year’s state title win on the gym wall, serving as a reminder of their achievement and motivation to reach similar heights this year. Coach Johnson reminds the team that, while it’s gratifying to see the banner, they must remember that they are a new team in a new year, and their focus should be on taking care of business together as a group.
With a strong support system, experienced leaders, and a determined mindset, the Northern Cass Jaguars are poised to defend their Class B volleyball title.
