Jimmies sweep away Mines

Meetings between the Jimmies and Hardrockers in recent years have usually taken awhile.

No matter if it was in Jamestown or Rapid City, the match usually went four of five sets.

That was not the case Thursday at the Hansen Center, not even close, in fact.

The 22-6 Jimmies were in command from start to finish, allowing South Dakota Mines to hit 20 just once.

“We don’t have many home matches so we don’t want to waste them,” said Kaitlyn Rogalla, one of the top JC attackers. “We want to be focused and ready to play anywhere, but everybody wants to do well at home.”

The Jimmies have just six home matches this season. A win tonight over Dakota State would make it a perfect 6-for-6.

Coach Jon Hegerle thought the match started a little sloppily, but a win is a win.

“It was kind of an ugly match, especially early,” he said. “We did play better late, but we had a few too any unforced errors that we need to clean up.”

The Jimmies were sporting their pink uniforms as part of Dig Pink Night, with proceeds benefitting Jamestown College admissions counselor Judy Hager in her fight against cancer.

“Judy is such an asset to this college and the community anything we can do to help a great person like her is terrific,” Hegerle said.

The Jimmies have dropped just one set at home in five matches. They were in no danger Thursday.

Sarah Becker had a team-high 10 blocks. Katie Zent piled up seven blocks and seven kills and defensive specialist Katie Lee had another strong match with 22 digs.

“None of those things matter,” the Moorhead native said. “This team is more like a family than a team. We just love to see each other do well.”

Contributing to the Jimmies deep and balanced attack is improved passing of late. Kaia Buck (14) and Kelsey Deragisch (11) combined for 25 assists.

Four of them went to Rogalla and her unique approach to the ball, which includes jumping off one leg.

“It’s always worked pretty well for me,” the smiling Rogalla said. “I played a lot of basketball growing up. It’s like a little one-handed layup.”

Jamestown College 3, South Dakota Mines 0

S.D. Mines 18 20 15

Jamestown College 25 25 25

Jamestown College statistics

Kelsey Deragisch: 2 kills, 11 assists, 2 aces.

Alaina Brown: 3 kills, 2 aces, 4 digs.

Kaitlyn Rogalla: 4 kills, 2 blocks.

Janna Johnson: 4 kills, 1 assist, 2 digs, 2 blocks.

Katie Zent: 7 kills, 2 aces, 4 digs, 7 blocks.

Emilee Schutta: 2 aces, 1 dig.

Katie Lee: 1 ace, 22 digs.

Beth Segerholm: 9 digs.

Kaia Buck: 2 kills, 14 assists, 1 ace.

Alex Hanson: 2 kills, 2 blocks.

Amanda Kramer: 1 dig.

Sarah Becker: 10 kills, 4 blocks.

Kaitlyn Bollingberg: 1 kill, 2 blocks 2.

Records: Jamestown College 22-6; South Dakota Mines 9-17.

Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by e-mail at daves@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, jimmies, volleyball