MSU-Northern Skylights volleyball has won five of its first six games to start the 2024 season. The most recent triumphs came in Great Falls at the University of Providence tournament. New Media Broadcasters caught up with Skylights coach Jerry Wagner and he first broke down a retrospective in the latest win for his team over Ottawa University-Arizona.
“Look, they’re all great competitions for us,” Wagner said. “We know Ottawa. We’ve shared a couple of matches in the past that have been just as competitive as this one.”
“This one was unbelievable. A couple of (26-24) games,” Wagner continued. “We’re just finding a way to be real steady (and) real consistent and keep it at a high level in matches like that.”
“I was happy with it because it was on a neutral court against Ottawa,” Wagner said.
The momentum didn’t stop there, as the Skylights beat the Evergreen State College hours later on Saturday. Wagner put a bow on that matchup as well.
“I can remember being in the same spot at (Evergreen State was) a few years ago,” Wagner said. “They gained a lot of confidence in that match and we gained a lot of respect and admiration for how hard it is that you have to play, regardless of who the opponent is.”
The Skylights will look to keep the winning streak alive when they travel down to Arizona for the Ottawa University-Arizona (OUAZ) Tournament, which will span two days. Wagner is excited for what his team faces, which includes a rematch with the hosts as well as two matches sandwiched in between.
“They all have got our complete and utmost attention,” Wagner said. “The very first opponent ended up winning their conference last year, Benedictine Mesa, and went to the national tournament.”
“Then, we’re playing the home team, Ottawa,” Wagner continued. “Arizona Christian (next) last year got us at this same tournament, so we want to take our strongest efforts consistently. I keep going back to that.”
“Each one of these opportunities are highly meaningful,” Wagner said.
For the full list of dates and opponents for Skylights volleyball this week, find the sports rundown on our website HiLineToday.com in the “Scoreboard!” tab.
