The Manitowoc Lutheran Lancers are heading to the WIAA State Girls Volleyball Tournament for the first time since 2009 after defeating the Patriots of Heritage Christian of New Berlin in what many are calling a five-set, Division Four Sectional Final “epic classic” played Saturday afternoon in Kohler.
The Lancers prevailed by the scores of 26-28, 25-20, 25-23, 21-25, and 16 to 14.
Senior Bella Flores tells Seehafer Sports what went through her mind when junior Morgan Jost served the decisive “state clinching” point.
“I just forgot everything and started screaming. I went to the floor and was head to heels, full of joy. It was just a crazy moment, and I’m so glad to have been a part of it.”
The Lancers were in position to possibly win the match in four sets, leading two sets to one and up 11 to 5 in the fourth set.
But the Patriots stormed back to take the fourth set and were up 12-9 and 14-13 in the fifth. That’s when the Lancers found another gear, winning the following three points and the match. Head Coach Lacey Behnke had nothing but praise for her team after the match.
“They dig deep, and they never think that it’s over. Even when it didn’t look good, and things weren’t going our way, they were determined, and a few of the players just took the team on their backs, lifting everyone, and they carried it to the finish line.” Behnke adds—
“The thought of losing never crosses their mind, and that’s just a small part of what makes this team so special.”
The Lancers improved to 36 and 7 and will find out Sunday where they are seeded and who they will play in the state semifinals Thursday at The Resch Center in Ashwaubenon.
We’ll have more with The Lancers in the coming days as they prepare for their trip to state.
