Top-seeded Detroit Lakes Cruises Past St. Cloud Apollo; Jones Sets School Assist Record

Laker Volleyball coach Lynnsey Machakaire coaches her team between sets in the 2022 quarterfinals againt St. Cloud Apollo (Photo: Charlie Newland)

The Laker volleyball team cruised to victory in the first round of the playoffs on Thursday night, beating St. Cloud Apollo in straight sets 25-12, 25-11, and 25-14. The Lakers showed why they earned the number one seed in the Section 8AAA tournament with a superior skill that went unmatched by the eighth-seeded Eagles.

Strong swings from the outside hitters Grace Gunderson and Jalynn Gunderson helped the Laker offense, and good net defense by Helena Daggett, Rylee Johson, and Sadie Stroeing kept the Eagle offense in check. The Lakers were also able to guard that backline en route to their 19th win of the season, with Maddy Bellanger, Kiah Gloege, and Olivia Clark-Burnete keeping every shot in front of them.

As they have all season, Detroit Lakes had great passing from their setter position. Ava Jones continued her strong play from that position and has now accumulated 1,364 assists throughout her career and set a new school record.

The Lakers will look to continue their historic season on Tuesday night in the section semifinals when they host the number four-seeded Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm. The Storm beat the fived-seeded St. Cloud Tech Tigers in straight sets on Thursday. With the win, the Lakers now have an overall record of 19-4.

Other Section 8AAA Volleyball Scores:

Alexandria over Little Falls 3-0

Rocori over Becker 3-0

Sauk Rapids-Rice over St. Cloud Tech 3-0