For a third straight year, Manitowoc Lutheran and St. Mary Catholic battled to see who would be crowned Big East Red Division champions in girls’ volleyball.
The Zephyrs won in 2023, the Lancers were victorious in 2024 and in 2025, Manitowoc Lutheran not only repeats, but they also do it in straight sets.
The Lancers defeated St. Mary Catholic 27-25, 25-16 and 25-21 Tuesday night at the Ralph McClone gymnasium in Fox Crossing.
They finish 6-0 in Divisional play without losing a single set.
Lancers Head Coach Lacey Behnke tells SeehaferNews.com that the match was much tougher than the final score indicated.
“We knew it was going to be a great match,” she admitted. “SMC has a phenomenal program and a great culture. We were really excited to come here in a loud environment with a lot of energy and get pushed and see what we could do. It wasn’t a clean match but they were resilient, picked themselves up by the bootstraps and got the win.”
The Zephyrs were one point away from capturing the first set, but the Lancers’ 6 -1 run gave them a two-point victory.
Runs of 8-0 and 5-0 helped Manitowoc Lutheran pull away to win set 2, and they completed the sweep with a four-point victory in the third and final set.
Senior outside hitter Marissa Melhorn says she couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this team.
“We’ve been working hard in practice with our top goal being not to lose a set in conference,” she explained. “Achieving that goal is a huge boost for us. This is especially satisfying, knowing that I’ve never beaten them (the Zephyrs) in their home building. It feels great.”
In fact, all the seniors on this team, whether it be volleyball or basketball, hadn’t won at McClone, until Tuesday night.
Postseason play is less than two weeks away, and Behnke feels her team is just starting to hit its stride.
“The thing I like about this team is that once we reach a goal, it’s time to go and check another box,” the Coach explained. “I’d say we’re never going to peak as this group has a great work ethic and has the drive to scratch and claw for everything they want to attain. The sky is the limit.”
The Lancers play in the Big East tournament on Saturday in Appleton, then wrap up the regular season at home on October 16th against Valders.
