Both Manitowoc Lutheran and Barron know what it’s like to be crowned a state girls volleyball champion. The Lancers won the Division Four title last year, while the Bears won the Division Three crown.
This year, they meet in a State Division Three semifinal at 8 a.m. Friday morning at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon.
Senior Makiah Krause tells seehafernews.com that it’s a feeling like no other.
“State is such an amazing feeling, and the support we have is incredible. It’s great to see both volleyball and football succeed the way they are, and I’m so excited to get out there and play.”
Speaking of “fan support”, senior Abby Behnke says “Lancer Nation” sticks with them through thick and thin.
“It’s been amazing, even when we are struggling in a set, they always have a word of encouragement to help pull us through. It really makes your day.”
In the Division Three sectional final at Chilton last Saturday night. “Lancer Nation’ could be heard “full throat” above the many in attendance, helping the girls overcome three match points to outlast Big East conference foe St. Mary Catholic 18 to 16 in the fifth set to advance to state. Senior Marissa Melhorn says results like this don’t come by accident.
“The teamwork and chemistry we have together is second to none. We have all been instilled with this perseverance and grit that we will never give up and always be there for one another.”
Barron returns to the state with a very potent offense led by junior outside hitter Alex Halverson’s 485 kills.
At the same time, senior middle blocker Isabell Donica has put nearly 37 percent of her swings in the field of play. Lancers Head Coach Lacey Behnke says they are up for the challenge.
“We think it’s going to be a great match. I feel we are both going to push one another, and I truly believe that this is going to be a fantastic Division Three volleyball game.”
Barron is good, no doubt, but Lancer senior Lily Melhorn says they just need to play “The Lancer Way.”
“We still need to play our game. We can only change so much to adjust to our opponent, and it’s most important to play our style, and that will get the job done.”
(Coach) Behnke adds that regardless of the result, she couldn’t be prouder of these kids.
“I’m a little sad because I know it’s coming to an end. I really want to see their dreams come true—winning another gold ball. Regardless, if they can look back and say that I gave it my all, that’s a win in our book.”
Coverage begins at 7:45 a.m. on 980 WCUB and cubradio.com.
