Brainerd beats Bemidji to set Section 8-4A quarterfinal date

Brainerd defeated Bemidji 3-1 in the Section 8-4A play-in round on Monday, Oct. 26. The No. 8-seeded Warriors advanced to the quarterfinals after overcoming a one-set deficit against the No. 9-seeded Lumberjacks. Five different players recorded eight kills or more for Brainerd in the match played in Brainerd.

Paige Skoglund and Keeley Gondringer led the offense with 11 kills each. Ruthie Owen contributed 10 kills, while Gabby Bernander and Bella Goggleye added eight kills apiece. Head coach Tana Johnson noted that the team executed a pin-to-pin attack strategy, which involves setting the outside hitters near the net antennas. Johnson said the squad produced from every position.

"We love to see that," Johnson said. "Tonight, we were able to go to what we like to say pin-to-pin. Everyone produced tonight and we love that." Skoglund agreed that the plan worked, stating the team changed up hitters frequently based on the coach's instructions.

Bemidji challenged Brainerd in the opening two sets. The Lumberjacks tied the first set 16-16 before Brainerd closed it out 25-19. In the second set, Bemidji overcame a 10-5 deficit to win 25-21, forcing a decisive third set. Skoglund acknowledged the second set went poorly but noted the team gained confidence as the match progressed.

Brainerd took control in the third set, leading 10-4 early. Bemidji tied the score 20-20 and briefly took a 22-21 lead, prompting a timeout. The Warriors scored the final four points, with Goggleye hitting the set-winning kill. Goggleye also recorded 24 assists and 13 digs. Johnson said the team had to rely on mental toughness during the timeout to overcome errors.

The fourth set featured a late rally that decided the match. Brainerd led 24-17, but Bemidji scored six consecutive points to reach 24-23. A final rally lasted approximately one minute before Bemidji hit out of bounds, securing the 25-23 set win for Brainerd. Skoglund described the final moments as stressful and nerve-wracking.

Other statistical leaders for Brainerd included Sophia White, who recorded a team-high 27 digs. Gondringer tallied six blocks, while Owen and Skoglund each added eight digs. Goggleye returned to the lineup after missing part of the regular season with an injury. Johnson said the player's height allows her to hit effectively on the right side, adding versatility to the rotation.

The Warriors now prepare for the Section 8-4A Quarterfinals on Thursday, Oct. 29. They will face the No. 1-seeded Alexandria Cardinals. Alexandria defeated Brainerd 3-0 during the regular season on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Johnson said the team will focus on blocking practice because Alexandria features tall hitters. Skoglund said the squad will run faster drills to match the speed of the Cardinals.

The match concluded with Brainerd holding the lead at the final point. The result ends the Brainerd regular season campaign with a playoff win and sets the stage for the next round of competition in the section.