Brainerd volleyball advances after 25-23 fourth-set finish
Five players posted eight or more kills as the Warriors defeated Bemidji 3-1 on Monday.
By Samir Doyle ·
The Brainerd Warriors advanced in the Section 8-4A playoffs following a 3-1 victory over the Bemidji Lumberjacks on Monday, October 26.
Five different players recorded eight or more kills during the match. Paige Skoglund and Keeley Gondringer led the team with 11 kills each. Ruthie Owen finished with 10 kills. Gabby Bernander and Bella Goggleye each contributed eight kills.
Coach Tana Johnson stated that the team executed a pin-to-pin attack strategy. This approach involves the setter positioning the ball near the net antennas for outside hitters. Skoglund noted that the team changed hitters frequently based on the coach's instructions. Johnson described Skoglund as using all her tools effectively during the game.
Bella Goggleye served for the first six points of the match. The Warriors built a 16-16 tie in the first set before taking a 6-0 lead. Brainerd won the first set 25-19. The second set was closer. Bemidji tied the game at 11-11 after trailing 10-5. The Lumberjacks won that set 25-21 to force a deciding third set. Goggleye recorded 24 assists and 13 digs. Sophia White had a team-high 27 digs.
Brainerd led 10-4 early in the third set. Bemidji tied the score at 20-20 before taking a 22-21 lead. The Warriors called a timeout. Johnson said the team needed to want the victory more. Brainerd scored the final four points. Goggleye hit the final kill to win the set. Owen and Skoglund each recorded eight digs. Gondringer added six blocks.
The fourth set ended with a final score of 25-23. Bemidji led 7-0 early in the set. Brainerd tied the game at 9-9. The Warriors led 15-12 to force a timeout for Bemidji. Preslee Glynn served for match point as Brainerd led 24-17. Bemidji scored six consecutive points to make the score 24-23. A one-minute rally ended when Bemidji hit the ball out of bounds.
Skoglund described the end of the fourth set as stressful and nerve-wracking. The Warriors will face the No. 1-seeded Alexandria Cardinals in the quarterfinals on Thursday, October 29. Alexandria defeated Brainerd 3-0 on Tuesday, October 13. Johnson said the team will focus on improving blocking skills. Skoglund said the team needs to practice faster drills to match Alexandria's speed.
Goggleye missed part of the regular season due to an injury. Johnson noted that Goggleye can hit on the right side due to her height. The coach described Goggleye as an asset to the team's all-around play.
