On Thursday, Sept. 4, for the third time in four matches at the start of the 2025 volleyball season, the Alexandria Cardinals played a five-set match against a Central Lakes Conference opponent.

But unlike the two previous matches against Sartell and Detroit Lakes, the Cardinals did not come out on top against Rocori, according to Head Coach Mary Byrne.

She said a sluggist start by the Cards, combined with all-around good play by Rocori, allowed the Spartans to claim the first two sets – 25-15 in set one and 25-18 in set two.

In sets three and four, however, the Alex girls improved in all aspects of the game, winning both sets – 25-12 in set three and 25-15 in set four. This led to a winner-take-all fifth match, said Byrne.

Neither team was able to get separation right away, she said,

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