Spartans Go Unbeaten In Section Tournament To Reach State Tournament

ST. CLOUD — Back in April, the ROCORI Spartans began the journey of attempting to return to the state tournament, something they have done 10 times while finishing as the last team standing as state champions twice.

Fast forward to June, ROCORI is one step closer to doing just that.

The Spartans took on the Willmar Cardinals on June 4 in the Section 8-3A Championship, needing just one win to reach the Class 3A State Tournament. After falling to Willmar twice in the regular season, ROCORI got its revenge in St. Cloud, grabbing a 4-1 win to finish the section tournament undefeated to advance to state.

Max Fredin broke the game open early for the Spartans, bringing home three runs and finishing with one hit at the plate. Blake Kelly finished 2-for-3, while Caleb Maddox, Cal Heying and Zander Folkerts each tallied one hit.

Fredin also led the way on the mound, earning a complete-game win while giving up just five hits, no earned runs, two walks and striking out one.

With the win, ROCORI advances to play in the Class 3A State Tournament starting Thursday in Chaska. The Spartans' opponent is yet to be determined, with seeding being announced June 6.