Freshmen win Central Lakes tournament championship

The Brainerd freshmen team captured the Central Lakes Conference tournament title Saturday.

Brainerd went 4-0 in pool play, beating Little Falls, Rocori, St. Cloud Apollo, and Sauk Rapids, which earned the Warriors the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.

In the semifinals Brainerd beat Sauk Rapids 19-25, 27-25, 18-16.

The Warriors beat Rocori 25-17, 25-20 in the finals.

"This is such a sweet victory for these girls," Warriors varsity head coach Jared Diem said. "Last year these players went to a tournament in Pequot Lakes and got beaten badly. Now they are the best team in our 10-team conference.

"This goes to show what sacrifice and playing for the team does. They all played (Junior Olympics) this past winter and spring along with their other school sports. That takes a lot of perseverance and dedication.

"These ninth-graders cheer constantly for each other whether on the bench or on the court. They also have parents who are just great fans and supporters of Warrior athletics. I would like to congratulate coach Janelle Larson and coach Shelley Kennedy for a fantastic season. Great things are coming for Warrior Volleyball!"