Volleyball: Warriors outlast Bemidji for section win

By Brainerd Dispatch

September 08, 2014 at 9:42 PM

Heather Fletcher smacked 14 kills and the Brainerd Warriors outlasted the Bemidji Lumberjacks for a hard-fought 3-2 win between Section 8-3A schools Monday night at the Brainerd High School gym.

Kirsten Johnshoy served up four aces and added 20 digs and a set assist in what was the Warriors' first win over Bemidji in the seven years Jared Diem has been Brainerd's head coach.

"Kirsten Johnshoy and Heather Fletcher had a heck of a game," Diem said. "They played up at crucial points and they helped us come back when we were down, when we needed a big play to get our energy back.

"This was a personal victory for me. I've never beaten Bemidji since I've been coaching in seven years and the girls were working hard to win for coach, which is humbling."

Tedi Ramberg tallied 13 kills for the Warriors, Katy Johnson served up three aces and recorded eight kills, and McKenzie Peterson added six kills and 10 digs.

Pete Peterson, late father of the Warriors' McKenzie Peterson, was on the Warriors' minds Monday.

"This game was kind of played in memory of Pete Peterson, McKenzie Peterson's dad, who passed away this summer," Diem said. "He was a loud voice for us in the stands and I can definitely tell his spirit was with us tonight."

Diem went on to say that "I'm proud of my girls for sticking it out five games. With five games it's all about guts, heart, and desire and we had the heart, guts and desire to win. It's a great win going against Willmar tomorrow."

Bemidji 17 26 23 25 14

Brainerd 25 24 25 18 16

Brainerd statistics

Chelsie Gould 1 kill

Hannah Chisholm 1 ace serve, 3 digs

Heather Fletcher 15 kills

Jenna Degen 2 kills, 16 digs, 1 block, 38 set

Katy Johnson 8 kills, 3 ace serves, 14 digs, 1 block, 2 set assists

Kirsten Johnshoy 4 ace serves, 20 digs, 1 set assist

Madison Stall 24 digs

McKenzie Peterson 6 kills, 10 digs, 1 set assists

Nicole Borg 4 kills, 2 digs, 1 set assist