The Manitowoc Lutheran girls’ volleyball team has had quite a run in these last three years.
Three Big East Conference and regional titles to go along with two sectional and back-to-back state titles (2024-2025).
Two more victories and they head back to the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon for a crack at a third straight state title, but first things first, as the Lancers host the Lady Flying Dutch of Oostburg in an all-Big East WIAA Division Three sectional semifinal tonight at Lancer Circle.
Manitowoc Lutheran (29-11) defeated University School of Milwaukee last Saturday night while Oostburg (24-6) took care of Howards Grove in three sets to advance to tonight’s showdown.
Lancers Head Coach Lacey Behnke tells SeehaferNews.com she’s looking forward to tonight’s match
“It’s always exciting to play another Big East team because you know going in it’s going to be a good match,” she explained. “They have some size on that team too.”
Six-foot sophomore Liarra DeTroye, six-one junior Kinsley Ketterhagen and 5-11 senior Taylor Brasse provide a formidable challenge with their size and athleticism.
Juniors Soraya Benton and Kwinn McGranahan are major contributors, with Benton leading Oostburg in kills (215), assists (55), and aces per set (0.7) and McGranahan leading the Flying Dutch in receptions (347) and digs per set (1.9).
They also have several underclassmen that have contributed mightily to Oostburg’s success this season.
Manitowoc Lutheran may not have the gaudy win totals of previous years, but what they do possess is plenty of tournament experience and toughness, bolstered by laying a tough non-conference schedule to prepare them for postseason play.
Senior and Big East Player of the Year, Ava Stuebs, leads the Lancers in kills (347) and kills per set (3.6).
Senior Morgan Jost has a staggering team-leading 463 digs. She also leads the Lancers in digs per set (4.5) and service aces (80).
Senior Brooke Duveneck is the team leader in blocks (64) and hitting percentage (.258), while junior Sallieann Burrows leads the Lancers in assists (480) and receptions (530).
All four players were selected to the All-Big East first team.
They have also received significant contributions from junior Maddie Keil and sophomore Brinley Vogt.
If there’s a concern, the Lancers have at times started slow. In fact, they trailed in the first two sets (1-4 and 0-5) against University School last weekend.
We asked Coach Behnke if it’s a concern.
“It’s not what teams do to us. It’s what we do to ourselves,” she noted. “It’s not really anything too concerning. It’s just more of keeping that focus a little bit earlier.”
Behnke adds that they can ill afford to fall behind to a very talented Oostburg team with a trip to the sectional final on the line.
“We don’t underestimate anybody,” she said bluntly. “We just gotta control the chaos on our side and do our job. If that lets us come out with a win, that was the plan.”
Tonight’s match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.
