Brainerd and Rochester Represent Minnesota at the NJCAA Championship
The Minnesota State High State Tournament is finished, but that was not the only great volleyball in our state this month. The best junior college players from all around country proved their talent by qualifying for the national championship…
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Continue ReadingThe Minnesota State High State Tournament is finished, but that was not the only great volleyball in our state this month. The best junior college players from all around country proved their talent by qualifying for the national championship tournament held in Rochester, Minnesota. Teams from Texas, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey competed all weekend. Minnesota was represented by Rochester Community & Technical College and Brainerd.
As part of the tournament committee, I believe it important to bring awareness to the incredible level of play and the young athletes participating in the NJCAA. The competition has grown and the tournament hosts the best 12 teams.
Here are 5 of the best Minnesota Athletes from the weekend:
The Rochester Yellow Jackets are ranked number 2 in the tournament. They have an impressive record of 30-2. Not only did they host, but they finished third in the tournament last year. They made a good run at the tournament and ended with a 4th place finish.
Brekkin McCready 5’8 soph. Setter from St Charles. Her accomplishments have included: MCAC Southern All-Division, MCAC All-State, All Region XIII, and National Tournament All-Tournament team. She averages 12.5 assist/set.
Carrie Rutledge 5’8” soph. OH from Hayfield. Carrie returns to the tournament after an noteworthy performance last year, making the All-Tournament team. She demanded attention with her inspiring play and uplifting attitude. The speed of her arm-swing is unmatched by others in the division. She was most effective when runing plays out of the middle.
Haley Dessner 6’1′ soph. MH Plainview Elgin Millville. A big part of RCTC’s success this season was due partly to newcomer Dessner. Her size helped the Yellow jackets at the net and on defense. Likewise, having another power hitter has helped to balance out the offense.
The Central Lakes College out of Brainerd also has a talented line up of Minnesota athletes. They entered with a 19-13 record. They were one of the most skilled teams with talent in their starting line up and reserves.
Sydney Berg 5’11” soph. MH Little Falls. She was the primary hitter for the team with nearly 400 kills for the season. She is very efficient and resourceful when it comes to getting kills.
Hailey Tihlarik 5’1” soph. DS Onamia. They relied heavily on the solid passing of their libero-Tihlarik. She reads the hitters well and helps cover the whole back court. Her experience at the tournament the year before helped guide her team.
Maggi Fellerman 6′ soph. MH Aitkin. The other biggest weapon was Fellerman. Her speed and versatility in the front row hitting and blocking were essential part of the Raider’s game.
The championship match was between Owens and Columbus State. Both teams from community colleges in Ohio. Owens won in three quick sets. There are now the back to back nationals champions.