JJ’s Match of the Week: Chargers Unite
The Battle of the Chargers (Sussex Hamilton and Kettle Moraine Lutheran) is further proof that volleyball is more than just a game, it brings a community together. Coaches Traci Buhr and Stephanie Prochnow came together to to unite their own Chargers to raise funds for an amazing cause. This goes to show how great the volleyball community is and yes we are competitive, but this game is bigger than you, me, and any win. Below you will see Jane and and her family they were looking to help with their 50/50 raffle, miracle minute, and t-shirt sales.
W7 Productions
I was also given an opportunity to broadcast this match with Gary Wipperman of W7 Productions. W7 aims to bring more awareness to girls athletics and give local programs a rich game day experience. The use of social media and live-streaming gives the girls that feeling of big media coverage that college and professional athletes get. Check out W7 at their website and social media accounts and support the girls. There will be over 150 live broadcasts during the 2019 – 2020 school year. Volleyball, basketball, softball, lacrosse athletes will all get their moment in the spotlight this year.
W7productions.com – https://www.youtube.com/w7productions – Facebook – Instagram
Who are the Chargers?
Kettle Moraine Lutheran came into this match with a 6-6 record and an 0-1. Elle Truckenbrod (Prep Dig #20) was able to get back on the court after missing some time to an injury. Faith Zuleger has stepped in to lead KML’s offense with a team high 83 kills. Fellow senior leader Gianna Feld (Marian University) is leading the team in digs with 218. Coach Prochnow has a very young roster that is getting better every time I see them out on the court.
Sussex Hamilton has strolled into this match with an 15-8 overall record and 1-1 in conference play. Injuries have been the story of their season but still have seen tons of success. Megan Hawthorne (Prep Dig #90) has split time at libero and outside. She is also leading the team in aces and digs with 41 and 81 respectively. These Chargers are led by middle blockers Lakyn Graves (Prep Dig #32) and Ava Rebarchik (Kentucky Wesleyan).
Which Charger Prevailed?
Sussex Hamilton was able to take a three sets to none victory over Kettle Moraine Lutheran. As the match progressed each final score got closer ultimately with set three being the closest at 27-25. Sussex will go into a stretch of 8 days where they wont have a match. It will be a much needed break before they host their tournament in two weekends. KML will have conference matches at Waupun and Kewaskum within the next week before they also take part in the Mizuno Charger Rally hosted at the Milwaukee Sting Center.
KML welcomed Elle back into the mix from her injury, but it was the youth that really stepped up. Lefty opposite Alyssa Gaeth led the team in kills with 8. She also tied freshman middle Emily Honzelka Emily Honzelka 6'3" | MB Kettle Moraine Lutheran | 2023 State WI and senior Faith Zuleger in blocks with 3 a piece. Sophomore Maddie Fischer led the way with 2 aces and 20 assists off of Gianna Feld’s 25 Digs.
Sussex Hamilton was a balanced team in this match. Katelyn Lefler (Illinois State) had a team high 8 kills with both middles following close behind. Janelle Stuempfig (Prep Dig #41) took the majority of the setting responsibilities and led the team with 14 assists and 5 aces. This was another match for Coach Buhr that gave opportunities for their typical non-starters to get extra playing time. They have had to adapt to injuries since day 1 and this experience will prove pivotal as the season progresses.
This match was bigger than the final result. Two sets of Chargers came together to battle it out for a great cause. Let this is a moment for all of us to remember this game is bigger than you and I. We have an amazing opportunity to play, coach, watch this great sport while there are so many more not able to. I know Jane will go on to inspire these two programs the rest of their seasons and I hope, with the help of the volleyball community, enough money was raised to get this little girl her new wheelchair.