BREAKING: Ada-Borup-West has officially advanced to the Section 8A championship after a dominating performance against Red Lake Falls, winning in straight sets with scores of 25-17, 25-10, 25-12. The match took place on July 15, 2025, at Lysaker Gymnasium, Minnesota-Crookston, showcasing the Cougars’ relentless power.
Leading the charge was Malayna Syverson, a formidable 6-foot-4 middle blocker who delivered an astounding 22 kills, including 10 kills in the critical opening set. Syverson, who is committed to North Dakota State University (NDSU), displayed her skill and determination throughout the match, helping her team improve to a record of 22-8 this season.
The Cougars are now set to face East Grand Forks Sacred Heart in the section championship on Friday at 7 p.m.. This upcoming match is particularly significant as Ada-Borup-West handed Sacred Heart its only loss earlier this season.
In a post-match interview on Your Live Event, Syverson emphasized the team’s preparation, stating, “We just have to put a lot of effort in. We’ve built as a team since the Sacred Heart matchup, and so have they. We’ll lock in and practice and get to the game.”
The Cougars had a strong start, quickly establishing momentum against Red Lake Falls, who concluded their season with a record of 24-7. The match was competitive early on, with nine ties in the first set before Ada-Borup-West seized control.
Other standout performances included Morgan Engel, also committed to NDSU, who contributed 14 kills. The team’s confidence grew as they led the second set 4-0 and maintained their advantage throughout the match.
Syverson reflected on the initial nerves, stating, “I think right away we came out with some nerves. If you’re not nervous, something’s wrong. We pulled it together and built some momentum.”
As the Cougars prepare for the championship showdown, all eyes will be on them as they aim for victory against a familiar opponent. Fans are eagerly anticipating this rematch, and the excitement is palpable as the team gears up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
