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Otters win Blocktoberfest
Published 8:10am Monday, October 1, 2012The Fergus Falls Otter volleyball team celebrated a home tournament victory Saturday evening as they swept through the competition for first place at the Otter Blocktoberfest Invite.
The Otters opened against Breckenridge and two took sets from the Cowgirls (25-11, 25-6). That victory was followed by three more over Pequot Lakes (25-11, 25-15), East Grand Forks (25-16, 25-17) and Staples-Motley (25-16, 25-7) in pool play.
This setup a showdown against Section rival Detroit Lakes in the championship. Fergus was able to pick up their fifth straight victory and claim the tournament title with a two set victory (25-18, 25-20).
“This match was really important as it gave us an opportunity to improve our seed in the section,” Otter coach Renee Erickson said. “I am really proud of energy and attitude the girls were able to bring after a long week. I give them a lot of credit for their hustle and focus.”
Brianna Rasmusson had a great tournament going 52 of 57 from the service line with 16 aces, recording 17 kills, 33 digs and 57 set assists. Laura Gaustad led the attack for the Otters with 27 kills, while Morgan Hensch chipped in 26 of her own in the tournament victory.
The Pelican Rapids Vikings also took part in the tournament finishing in fourth place.
The Vikings dropped their opening match to Detroit Lakes (25-22, 25-18), but were able to rally back with wins against Crookston (25-21, 25-18), Park Rapids (25-15, 25-23) and Fosston (25-15, 25-22).
This setup a third place matchup with Pequot Lakes.
After playing a close first set, the Pelican Rapids girls succumbed to the Patriots (25-21,, 25-12).
“Given the extremely long day and week we had I was so proud of the girls efforts today,” Vikings coach Heidi Isaman said.
The Otters will get back to their regular season schedule Tuesday as they host the Sartell-St. Stephen Sabres Tuesday at 7 p.m., while the Vikings will host Barnesville Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Tournament results: 1. Fergus Falls
2. Detroit Lakes; 3. Peqout Lakes
4. Pelican Rapids; 5. Fosston; 6. East Grand Forks; 7. Breckenridge; 8. Park Rapids; 9. Crookston; 10. Staples-Mötley
