The Rugby Panthers beat out the Stanley Blue Jays 3-2 on Monday, Nov. 10, in their quarterfinals match of the 2025 NDHSAA Region 3A Volleyball Tournament,, but were swept by the first-seeded South Prairie-Max Royals in their semifinals match 3-0 on Tuesday, Nov. 11, taking them out of Region 3A title contention.

The Royals had a solid lead over the Panthers through the first set of the match, and took the first set with a final score of 25-18. Rugby showed resolve through the second set of the match, taking the lead 4-0 before the Royals were able to score a point. South Prairie-Max was able to score the next point, and caught up to the Panthers until the teams were tied 7-7. From there, the set was neck and neck until the Royals led 17-16 where they took the definitive lead, ending the set with their second win 25-18.

The Royals’ momentum carried them through the third set, giving them an early 5-1 lead. The Panthers were able to make their way to tie the game at 12-12, and took the lead at 12-13. The Royals were able to quickly regain control of the set, leading again at 14-13, where they kept their lead through the end of the set, winning them the third and final set of the match and punching their ticket to the region finals.

Senior Alli Blessum and junior Samantha Blessum had the two highest number of kills for the Rugby Panthers, earning 13 and ten kills respectively.