The 2024 Niagara varsity volleyball team poses with its regional trophy after beating Three Lakes on Saturday. (Sean Chase/Daily News photo)

NIAGARA, Wis. — As the pressure rises with Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 5 playoffs underway, it seems the Niagara varsity volleyball team is built for these types of moments.

On Saturday, the Lady Badgers once again answered the call and easily dispatched Three Lakes, 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-16).

“Three Lakes is a very solid volleyball program and we play well against good teams,” Niagara head coach Maryellen Allred said. “It was just nice and I’m happy for the girls, that they were able to play consistently at a high level. Because it’s something we’ve struggled with throughout this season.”

With the win, Niagara secured a regional volleyball title for the first time since 2014.

“To me, it means that these girls put in the work, knowing that was the goal this year,” coach Allred said. “Especially because we knew, the way that regional got shifted around in the WIAA going from four divisions to five, that it was feasible this year.

“And all of these girls put in the work, all summer long, all season long,” coach Allred said.

Although Three Lakes kept things close in the first two sets, the Lady Badgers’ block shut the Bluejays down, tallying eight blocks as a squad.

With a boatload of experience behind them this season, coach Allred’s pregame message to the girls was simple. … Be confident.

“We talked about how we have been given so many opportunities to know that we can persevere over tough things,” coach Allred said. “We can go five sets, if we have to. We know we can play at a high level. We went to some tournaments this year, where we were playing Division 1 schools and playing competitively. I said, “Be that team, tonight. Be that confident team. Don’t be cocky but play confident.”

Niagara did just that as they rolled in the third set and picked up the 3-0 victory.

Raegan Frappier led the way for Niagara with 21 assists. She also tallied 12 digs, four kills and three aces.

Niagara also received contributions from Elesia Sweig (1 ace, 13 assists, 3 digs), Rachael Walker (1 ace, 8 kills, 2 blocks, 6 digs), Peyton Allred (1 ace, 3 kills, 1 block, 15 digs), Grace Payette (10 digs), Bristol Sanicki (4 kills, 2 blocks), Addison Wheeler (3 digs), Mallory Sanicki (1 ace, 16 kills, 2 blocks, 6 digs) and Alivia Kleikamp (1 kill, 1 block, 1 dig).

Now, the Lady Badgers turn their attention to WIAA Division 5 sectional rounds. First up on the schedule is a trip to Florence, Wis. to face the LadyCats on Thursday.

“I just want to see this consistency carry over,” coach Allred said. “And to not let the big picture of, ‘Oh my gosh, this is a sectional,’ get to them. Because I think if we stay level headed like we did tonight we can do great things.”

LADYCATS 3, EAGLES 0

FLORENCE, Wis. — The Florence varsity volleyball team has been on a mission all season and on Friday it kept that momentum going as the LadyCats swept Suring 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-20) at Florence High School in the WIAA Division 5 regional final.

“The girls came out hungry and I thought they put on a dominating performance from start to finish,” Florence head coach Teresa Chrisman said. “From passing to setting to hitting, every girl contributed and played together and with a ton of energy.

“We really had the energy and kept it. So proud of these girls, every one of them is so important to this team.”

Senior Kamdan Johnson dominated at the net with 16 kills and three blocks.

She also tallied an assist, two aces and seven digs.

The LadyCats also received contributions from Kelsi Chrisman (1 kill, 14 assists, 9 digs, 1 block), Sammie DeMuri (6 kills, 9 assists, 6 digs, 1 block), Ashlyn VanDenHeuvel (3 kills, 1 block), Miley VanDenHeuvel (2 kills, 2 assists, 1 dig, 1 block), Audrey Franz (2 assists, 2 aces, 12 digs) and Naomi Millan (2 kills, 2 aces, 6 digs).

Now, Florence turns its attention to WIAA Division 5 sectional rounds. First up on the schedule is Niagara on Thursday at Florence High School.

“(It) says a lot about our community’s volleyball programs when we have two regional champions in our area,” coach Chrisman said. “Florence and Niagara have a long history of volleyball battles and we look forward to hosting them on Thursday. It should be a crazy, fun Halloween in Florence.”