FLORENCE, Wis. — In just their first dual match of the volleyball season, the Florence LadyCats showed they might be a force to be reckoned with in 2024 with their 25-18, 25-13, 14-25, 25-19 victory over Crandon Thursday evening at Florence High School.

Coach Teresa Chrisman’s new squad is just that — new. Senior standout hitter Kamdan Johnson anchored the starting lineup, but the LadyCats started two freshmen in middle hitter Miley VanDenHeuvel and setter/outside hitter Kelsi Chrisman, sophomore Naomi Milan, two juniors in setter/outside hitter Sami Demuri and middle hitter Ashlyn VanDenHeuvel and senior transfer Audrey Franz.

The lineup is loaded with talent at every spot on the court.

Plus, Johnson and Franz, formerly of Forest Park, bring years of experience to a group that looks like a serious contender this season.

“I’m happy with the win,” Coach Chrisman said of the opening-night victory.

“I wanted us to come out and show some domination. This team has a lot of potential, the girls get along and they just try their best, so it’s going to be really fun to watch this team throughout the season.”

Florence started with a solid first set, sparked by two early aces from Demuri and four kills by Johnson.

The LadyCats controlled the second set and recorded decisive victory keyed by Johnson’s four kills, Demuri’s two aces and back-to-back kills by the VanDenHeuvel sisters.

Up two sets and cruising, the LadyCats’ play fell off in the third set and Crandon seized its opportunity. Florence dropped into a 12-5 hole early on as Cardinal senior middle Lauren Littleton stepped forward with three kills.

A block from Johnson was sandwiched by two aces from Demuri to lift the LadyCats back to within 13-11 but that was as close as Florence came the rest of the set.

“I think it’s maturity to a degree,” Chrisman said when asked about the third-set drop-off. “They don’t quite understand that you have to come in focused and you have to stay laser focused. You can have fun, but you can’t get too relaxed.”

The teams battled to a 14-all stalemate in the fourth set before the LadyCats pulled away. As she has so many times in her career, Johnson took over with her attacking play. The lanky, athletic hitter simply jumped over the Crandon block much of the night.

“Kamdan is the leader, Kamdan is the focal point,” Chrisman said. “And when we can get our passing and setting to her, she’s an absolute beast.”

Johnson’s smash with her team leading 18-16 in the fourth set keyed the endgame for the LadyCats. Demuri followed shortly after with a block before Ashlyn and Miley VanDenHeuvel stepped up with kills.

A Crandon error ended the match as the LadyCats’ got their season off to a fast start.

“I think we did well with keeping our energy up,” said Demuri, who finished off a terrific all-around performance with 22 assists, 7 digs, 6 aces and 4 kills. “We didn’t get down on ourselves. We picked ourselves right back up (after the third set) and at the end we pushed through.”

While nearly all the Florence roster is homegrown, one player is not. Franz, a defensive specialist/libero who can also play outside hitter, brings ample experience from her three years at Forest Park. During her stay there, Franz was a key member of Lady Trojan teams which advanced to the MHSAA Division 4 state semifinals the past two seasons.

“She brings a ton of experience and she’s becoming a leader,” Chrisman said. “I mean, everybody kind of knew her, but it’s hard to come into a program as a senior. And she’s done nothing but add to this program, so I’m really happy to have her.”

Despite the season being brand new, the LadyCats have already shown they have the right mix of talent, experience, depth and versatility to make a run this season.

“Honestly, I really think we have a recipe for something great,” Chrisman said. “I really think we could do something really special this year. And the fact that our biggest rival, Laona-Wabeno, is Division 4 and we’re Division 5 this year, we hope that opens the door for us.”

Florence individual stats

Johnson – 10 kills, 5 aces, 2 solo blocks, 1 assisted block, 1 dig

Demuri – 22 assists, 7 digs, 6 aces, 4 kills, 1 assisted block

Chrisman – 7 digs, 2 assists, 2 aces

A. VanDenHeuvel – 10 kills, 3 digs, 1 solo block, 1 assisted block, 1 assist

M. VanDenHeuvel – 3 kills, 1 solo block, 1 assisted block, 1 assist

Franz – 6 digs, 5 kills, 1 assist, 1 ace

Millan – 6 digs, 5 assists