(Maryyellen Allred photo) The Niagara Lady Badgers volleyball team poses after clinching the Marinette-Oconto Conference championship on Thursday night at Lena High School. From left, sitting are assistant coach Christie Borchardt and head coach Carol St. Arnauld; middle, Mallory Sanicki, Beau Anderson, Keira Maki, Bailey Pearson (holding the trophy), Morgan Borchardt, Isabel Jacobs Erin Lukowicz and Avia Champeau; back, Stephanie Maes, Lillian Loukus, Abigail Richtig, Abigail Wells, Emma Brasure and Emma Broullire.

LENA, Wis. — In their regular season and conference finale, Niagara’s volleyball team swept a triangular from host Lena, 3-0 (25-11, 25-17, 25-12) and Gillett 3-0 (25-10, 25-10, 25-11) Thursday night at Lena High School.

In the process, the Lady Badgers clinched the 2021 Marinette-Oconto Conference championship.

“My team came into tonight’s matches on a mission. Though we lost our first two conference matches, we haven’t loss a conference match since late August, and wanted to continue that trend to the end,” said Niagara head coach Carol St. Arnauld.

“Our goal was to solely win the conference championship and the girls did that. I can’t begin to explain what a special group this team is. Their support for one another and willingness to improve upon their play is outstanding.”

Niagara, a No. 3 seed in the upcoming WIAA Division 4 Regional, will host No. 14 seed Phelps out of the Northern Lakes Conference, at 7 p.m. Tuesday with the winner advancing to face the winner of Tuesday’s Elcho at Florence match at 7 p.m. Thursday.

“This team has some great talent but they have an even larger heart,” St. Arnauld said. “What was really special about tonight is that every girl on our bench was able to not only get game time, but each had a great play. This team represents what every coach wants — they give 110%, never give up and support each other on a continuous basis. I have really enjoyed coaching this group and am looking forward to what this group can accomplish in the post season,” St. Arnauld said.

Niagara Stats

Isabel Jacobs: 1 assist, 1 dig

Erin Lukowicz 6 aces, 7 kills, 1 assist, 4 digs

Lily Loukus: 5 kills, 5 assists, 4 digs

Steph Maes: 2 kills, 1 dig

Morgan Borchardt: 7 aces, 10 kills, 1 block, 36 assists, 18 digs

Aggi Richtig: 1 kill, 1 dig

Abigail Wells: 5 aces, 5 assists, 5 digs

Bailey Pearson: 5 aces, 17 kills, 4 blicks, 1 assist, 3 digs

Beau Anderson: 3 kills, 1 assist, 1 dig

Mallory Sanicki 13 kills, 2 assists

Emma Brasure: 3 aces, 5 kills, 1 assist, 7 digs