It was the end of the line for MSU-Northern Skylights volleyball over the weekend. The team bowed out to Providence in the semifinals of the Frontier Conference Tournament on their home floor, but did provide excitement earlier in the day with an opening round win against Carroll. New Media Broadcasters asked head coach Jerry Wagner what his thoughts were on the team’s final performances of the 2024 season.
“To get a win in the conference tournament and to match up with Providence, (turning) out to be the number one team this season and in the (tournament) championship,” Wagner said. “Despite the outcome, the team was very courageous and put themselves in position a couple of times.”
“I’m very happy with the performance not only this (past) weekend, but the effort throughout the season,” Wagner continued.
Wagner and the Skylights had another up-and-down campaign, but did find successes in making matches competitive and even pulling out some upsets along the way against Montana Tech, Carroll, and Rocky Mountain. Wagner reflected on how he will best remember his 2024 Skylights.
“I’m just taking back nothing but fond memories,” Wagner said. “We stepped through every single phase there was to become the team that we were.”
“Again, our heads are held high because these guys have meant a lot,” Wagner continued. “We’ve been through a lot (behind) the scenes and so forth, bringing everybody along and keeping everybody on the path.”
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Wagner said. “I miss them a lot, but they’re going to be remembered.”
Northern finished (13-16) overall for the 2024 volleyball season and will lose six seniors to graduation. Wagner said he is already getting a hold of many recruits and will be retooling as the winter and early spring come along.
