Sartell shuts out Brainerd

Despite playing without middle hitter Allison Mueller, who was ill, the Brainerd Warriors rallied twice in the first two games, but couldn't quite pull it off, losing to the Sartell Sabres 3-0 in Central Lakes Conference volleyball Thursday night.

"I really want to acknowledge our captain, MiKinzie Hradsky, for stepping into Allison's position," said Warriors coach Jared Diem. "She showed how valuable and versatile she is to the team."

The Warriors narrowly lost the first two games, 26-24 and 25-11, before Sartell took command in the third, 25-14.

Brainerd was led by Hallsey Olson with 20 digs and Alanna Hansen with 18 set assists while Sydnie Mauch added 8.5 blocks and seven kills. Hradsky finished with 4.5 blocks, three kills and two digs.

"We came back twice from deep deficits in the first two games," Diem said. "Now we need to work on not getting into those holes. We need to get more confidence in our hitting, eliminate mistakes and pass the ball better off the service game.

"We're 2-5 going into our first tournament (at Hill City) this weekend. It's going to be a great time to work out those things and come together as a team."

Sartell 26 25 25

Brainerd 24 21 14

Brainerd statistics

Hallsey Olson 20 digs, 1 ace serve

Carlie Sweet 1.5 blocks, 4 kills, 6 digs, 1 ace serve, 1 set assist

Alanna Hansen 5 blocks, 2 kills, 7 digs, 1 ace serve, 18 set assists

Trisha Kramer 1 block, 2 kills, 5 digs

Sydnie Mauch 8.5 blocks, 7 kills, 2 digs,

Alice Widmark 2 blocks, 5 kills, 12 digs, 4 ace serves

MiKinzie Hradsky 4.5 blocks, 3 kills, 2 digs,

Tess Rahto 2.5 blocks, 1 kill, 2 digs, 2 set assists

Conference: Brd 1-4. Overall: Brd 2-5. Next: Brainerd at Hill City Tournament 9 a.m. Saturday.