Let’s go back to nearly one year ago. The date was November 8th, 2025, as Manitowoc Lutheran and Watertown Luther Prep met for the WIAA Division Three girls’ volleyball championship at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon.
The Lancers defeated the top-seeded Phoenix in four sets to capture their second straight state championship. Many thought the Phoenix would be back with a lot of talent returning from their state runner-up team. Manitowoc Lutheran, on the other hand, graduated several talented players, leading pundits and many others to think they certainly couldn’t do it again.
Fast forward to October 31st, 2026. Not quite Deja vu all over again, but it might as well have been, as these two teams met in front of a capacity crowd in Chilton for a Division Three sectional title and a return trip to state, and what a match it was.
The Lancers took set one 25-17 and led 22-19 in set two before the Phoenix rallied to take the set 25-23. Watertown Luther Prep won a back-and-forth third set 28-26 and appeared to be on their way to a four-set victory.
Down 16-11, Manitowoc Lutheran rallied to win 26-24 to set up a winner-take-all fifth set. Again, The Phoenix jumped out to a huge lead (11-4), but the Lancers dug deep to tie it at 14.
However, The Phoenix would end the dream of a Lancer three-peat, winning the final two points and the set 16-14 to make the trip back to the state tournament.
Manitowoc Lutheran Head Coach Lacey Behnke tells seehafernews.com it was a phenomenal match between two quality high school girls volleyball programs.
” We knew it was going to be a fun match, with each set being competitive,” says the Lancers ‘ head coach. (Lacey)Behnke adds, “Despite getting down in some sets, these kids never gave up and just don’t know the meaning of the word quit. They left everything out on the floor, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
(Lacey) Behnke says losing is disappointing; however, in reflection, she says the kids play the game the right way.
” They play the game hard and with an abundance of grace. They don’t get boastful or play the blame game,” she tells Seehafer News.com. “They win, lose, and work hard as a team to grow together as a team and not as individuals. This is their legacy that they’ll leave behind, which will have a major impact on generations of players to come.”
She concluded by saying it was a true blessing to coach this team and represent Manitowoc Lutheran High School.
” I just want to say thank you to everyone who threw their unwavering support behind us, not only this season but always. During the ups and downs that a season can bring, their loyalty truly got us through those tough times to persevere and succeed.”
Manitowoc Lutheran finishes a spectacular season with a record of 30 and 12, while Watertown Luther Prep wins their seventeenth consecutive match and improves to 33 and 2. They’ll play in a WIAA Division Three State Semifinal on Friday morning at 8 a.m.
