by Jackson Odden/Sports Reporter/@jacksonodden

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The St. Cloud Tech Tigers volleyball team ended its regular season with a three-set loss to the Willmar Cardinals on Tuesday.

The Cardinals came into the game looking to secure the Central Lakes Conference championship, whereas the Tigers hoped to finish their regular season with a victory in front of their home crowd on senior night.

Willmar took the opening set 25-21 in what would be the closest set of the night. The Tigers managed to keep the score competitive thanks to a star studded performance from junior Lainey Sheetz, but the Cardinals came away with the victory take an early 1-0 lead.

The second set saw Willmar extend its advantage, defeating Tech 25-18. The Cardinals continued their strong performance in the third set, winning 25-19. Freshman libero Jordan Blahosky turned in a strong performance to complete the three-set sweep.

Senior setter Ellery DeBoer helped lead the Cardinals, finishing with twenty-three assists, eight kills, seven digs and two and blocks.

With the victory, Willmar secured its first Central Lakes Conference championship since 2022 and its 13th school history.

The loss drops St. Cloud Tech to 13-10 on the season, while Willmar improves to 21-7. The Tigers will now turn their attention to postseason as they will look to bounce back.