As a seventh-grader, Michaela Bruns cheered her older sister, Moriah, and the Elk River softball team to the 2009 Class 3A tournament championship.

This season, the pair have designs on heading back to Caswell Park in North Mankato as teammates. And while there is a long way to go — the Elks’ 2009 title run seemingly came out of nowhere — this season has started well. Elk River defeated Northwest Suburban Conference rival Osseo for the first time since 2007.

Moriah pitched her team to a victory Michaela sealed with an unassisted double play to end the game. Michaela, a third basemen, snared a line drive near the base then tagged out the Osseo runner who couldn’t get back in time.

Michaela, one of two freshmen in the starting lineup, plays with a maturity beyond her years.

“She’s a real knowledgeable, quiet leader,” Elks coach Stacey Sheetz said. “She contributes to our team in a lot of ways. She was in the outfield for us last year but she also can play third base or catcher.”

Bruns spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about the Osseo game and learning things about softball from her older sister.

Q What sort of a boost was it to beat Osseo right away this season?
A We went into the game saying, 'We need to beat these guys and get it off our shoulders.’ We’re always looking to beat teams and gain confidence. I think we’ll be pumped to play them the next time.

Q What did you talk about after the game?
A We were just excited and happy to beat them.

Q Moriah is going to play college softball at Minnesota State Moorhead. What sort of impact has she had on you?
A She’s made a huge impact with softball. She and I are pretty close and she’s taught me a lot about how to be mature and what to do. She’s taught me to stay positive and how to tell people what to do — to have an upbeat attitude toward others. And I try to be someone who helps out.

Q Coach Sheetz said Moriah is kind of the Elks’ pitcher by default this year.
A We’re not sure what position she’ll play in college, but it probably won’t be pitcher.

Q Is this her first pitching experience?
A No. She’s been pitching for a while, but [being the ace] is kind of new. But she likes it.

Q Speaking of being versatile, you played outfield last season and now you’re at third base. Are you playing third base to fill a need or is that your natural position?
A It’s a natural position. I’ve been playing there for about three years. It’s a challenge. You have to be thinking before every play.

Q Talk about your play to end the Osseo game and how you were able to turn that double play.
A I caught a line drive and the runner was leading off so I was able to tag her out. It happened pretty fast. I guess it was just instinct.

Q How did you celebrate?
A I kind of jumped in the air about six times and then ran to my teammates.