LadyCats advance to VB sectionals
Florence's Kelsi Chrisman (4) gets big air as she dumps the ball in against Niagara's Bristol Sanicki (10) and Lexi Johnston (21) on Saturday at the Florence gym. (Terry Raiche photos)
Niagara's Peyton Neuens-Allred (12) soars above the net with a big hit in the first set against Florence on Saturday.
Florence's Kelsi Chrisman (4) gets big air as she dumps the ball in against Niagara's Bristol Sanicki (10) and Lexi Johnston (21) on Saturday at the Florence gym. (Terry Raiche photos)
Niagara's Peyton Neuens-Allred (12) soars above the net with a big hit in the first set against Florence on Saturday.
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Florence wore Niagara down with its offense to notch a 3-1 win and capture a third straight WIAA Division 5 regional volleyball championship Saturday.
“Florence and Niagara have a long history and rivalry meeting in regionals or sectionals,” said Florence coach Teresa Chrisman. “Always sure to be a good match.”
After winning the first set 25-23, the visiting Badgers lost some momentum, said Niagara coach Maryellen Allred. “We stopped using our offense the way we needed to. When playing a top tier team like Florence, you can’t play mediocre,” she said.
The LadyCats went on to post 25-19, 25-15, 25-7 victories.
Chrisman credited her team for focusing on being aggressive after dropping the opening set. “Niagara came out strong and with very scrappy and efficient play,” she said. “I am proud that we fought back and settled in. Postseason is a whole new animal, it’s win or go home and you need to play at a steady, high level every point.”
Florence’s Kelsi Chrisman led with a 25-kill performance, her most kills in one match this year. In a balanced attack, Miley VanDenHeuvel added 15 kills and Naomi Millan contributed 13.
“Naomi Millan really played a complete game, and was the senior leader we needed,” coach Chrisman said.
Julia Murrow contributed 33 assists and two aces for Florence, while Emily Wolske collected 12 digs. VanDenHeuvel led with 21 digs and Chrisman and Millan each added 11.
“A real team win,” Chrisman said. “Great fan sections on both sides. Congratulations to Niagara on a great season and it's been fun to watch their seniors over the years.”
Allred credited Niagara’s seniors for putting up a fight against the top-seeded LadyCats. “They never gave up despite being down by a lot,” she said. “Our night was overtaken by a lot of faults such as doubles and net contact, which is not very typical of us.”
Chrisman said the LadyCats will focus on better blocking and serve receive as they prepare to host Suring in a sectional semifinal at 7 p.m. Thursday.
In the other sectional bracket, Green Bay NEW Lutheran will host Rib Lake on Thursday. The sectional final is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Wabeno-Laona.
The state tournament is Nov. 5-7 at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wis.
Niagara stats:
Grace Payette, 1 ace, 2 assists, 11 digs
Lily Steinbrecher, 1 kill, 3 blocks, 25 assists, 6 digs
Jaelyn Kleikamp, 4 kills, 2 blocks, 1 assist, 12 digs
Bristol Sanicki, 10 kills, 3 blocks, 2 digs
Peyton Allred, 1 ace, 14 kills, 15 digs
Lexi Johnston, 2 blocks, 1 assist, 1 dig
Sydney Swanson, 1 ace, 3 kills, 8 digs