The Manitowoc Lutheran Lancers need one more victory to claim their first WIAA State Girls Volleyball Championship, following their dominating three-set sweep of Wabeno/ Laona in a Division Four Semifinal Thursday at The Resch Center in Ashwaubenon.
The top-seeded Lancers defeated the Runnin’ Rebels 25- 13, 25- 17, and 25-18 to advance to the title match on Saturday.
Lancers Head Coach Lacey Behnke tells Seehafer Sports that her team arguably played their best match of the year.
“This environment is electric. It makes everyone come alive, and I think the girls did a great job covering for one another. They did a great job communicating and talking to each other.”
“They did a fantastic job adjusting, and everyone was fully invested in helping us win this match.”
The numbers bear that out, as sophomore Ava Stuebs led the Lancers with 24 of their 46 kills and an attack (or hitting) percentage of just over 44 percent.
Maya Keil led Lutheran with 20 assists, Makiah Krause chipped 16 more, and four players had eight digs apiece.
Meanwhile, Wabeno/Laona had 21 kills and a hitting percentage of just under 12 percent.
The Lancers improve to 37 and 7 and will play Regis of Eau Claire for the Division Four State title.
The Ramblers came from two sets down to defeat Mineral Point. Behnke says it’ll be difficult, but they’ll be ready to play.
” You’re at the point of the season where there’s not much you need to change. It’s mainly concentrating mentally on the task at hand, and we will enjoy our last practice of the season together (on Friday).”
The Lancers are looking for their first state championship since winning a WISAA title in 1988. Match time is 11:30 a.m.
