Pine River-Backus defeats Upsala to reach section final
Autumn Burns led the Tigers with 32 digs as the team secured a spot in the championship match against Browerville.
By Jonathan Ramirez ·
Pine River-Backus advanced to the Section 5-1A Final following a 3-1 victory over the Upsala Cardinals on Monday, Nov. 2.
The Tigers dropped the first set 11-25 but recovered to take the next two sets 25-20 and 24-26. The decisive fourth set went to PRB, 25-19. Autumn Burns recorded 32 digs for the match, the highest defensive count for either team. Ella Brewer contributed 13 kills and 26 digs. Ava Burns provided 25 set assists alongside 18 digs and four kills. Leah Eveland added 19 set assists, 24 digs, nine kills, and three ace serves.
Maren Lindquist tallied 15 digs and 13 kills. Lily Barchus recorded seven digs and three kills. Margaret Crimmins finished with six kills. The team improved its season record to 18-9. PRB defeated the No. 1-seeded Minnewaska Lakers earlier in the season, though the Lakers defeated the No. 4-seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots 3-1 in a separate Section 6-2A semifinal match that same night.
Kendall Nelson recorded 17 kills and 15 digs for Pequot Lakes in the loss. Mia Trumpold added 12 kills and 12 digs. Chelby Wothe registered 20 digs. Brooklin Hansen notched 45 set assists and 12 digs. Kate Arellano finished with 26 digs.
Pine River-Backus faces Browerville at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Crosby-Ironton High School.
