Blazers nip LadyCats in sectional final
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Florence’s WIAA Division 5 volleyball playoff run came to an end Saturday at the hands of a senior-laden Green Bay NEW Lutheran squad.
Seeking a return trip to the state tournament, the LadyCats fell 3-1 in the sectional final Saturday at Wabeno. Florence won the opening set 25-14, but then lost 16-25, 23-25, 24-26.
“Of course we are disappointed but the girls really played well and left it all out there,” said Florence coach Teresa Chrisman. “That’s all we could ask for. I’m proud of this team and our program in general that our mentality isn’t just let’s win conference or regionals -- it’s state or bust.”
The LadyCats finished 36-9 overall.
“Green Bay NEW Lutheran was a very heavy senior team and it showed,” Chrisman said. Florence will return most of its squad, losing just two seniors.
Miley VanDenHeuvel, a junior, was a key to keeping the LadyCats in contention for another appearance at the Resch Center in Green Bay.
“I ask her to go pin-to-pin with blocking, attack and then she leads our team in digs in the back row,” Chrisman said. “She really played her heart out.”
VanDenHeuvel totaled 13 kills, 23 digs, two blocks and two assists.
Florence’s opening win came on the strength of a 12-point serving stretch by junior Kelsi Chrisman. She had a stellar night with 17 kills, 10 assists, 12 digs, four aces and a block.
“Credit to her athleticism and just never say die attitude,” coach Chrisman said. “She hits, she sets and plays incredible defense.”
The Blazers battled back and reeled off three straight wins led by all-state setter Olivia Kirchner.
“The third and fourth sets were absolute battles,” Chrisman said. “Credit to NEW, they put on a blocking show (while) we were covering well and keeping the ball in play … on the other end we struggled with our blocking at times.”
One of Florence’s departing seniors is Naomi Millan, a four-year starter who racked up four kills, 11 digs and a block. “A calming voice when we needed her most,” Chrisman said.
The other senior, Quinn Cassidy, was a vocal leader and very smart contributor, Chrisman said. “She was a fantastic utility player that stepped in and did what was needed of her whenever she was asked,” she said. “A true reflection of her character.”
Florence’s Emily Wolske had two kills, seven digs and a block. Taylor Pauley contributed three aces and eight digs, while Julia Murrow added a kill, eight digs and 22 assists
Addison Franz and Leah Baker had two digs each for the LadyCats.
“We missed a few more serves then we normally do, but credit to Naomi Millan, Emily Wolske and Taylor Pauley for really improving in serve receive,” coach Chrisman said.