Tonight’s Biggest Matches – September 28th, 2021
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Tonight will be a game-changer in many conferences. Teams with winning records will face off against each other and I anticipate a number of five-set thrillers tonight. In rival conference matchups, there is no telling who could win. Here is…
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Continue ReadingTonight will be a game-changer in many conferences. Teams with winning records will face off against each other and I anticipate a number of five-set thrillers tonight. In rival conference matchups, there is no telling who could win. Here is a breakdown of the biggest matches tonight.
Franklin vs Oak Creek
Franklin and Oak Creek are both 4-0 in conference play and have great season records as well. Both will be boasting some huge talent as they work to remain undefeated in the Southeast Conference.
On Franklin’s side, Jaclyn Dutkiewicz Jaclyn Dutkiewicz MB Franklin | 2022 State WI is an athlete to watch. She leads this team incredibly well as a setter in the back row and a hitter in the front. She contributes in all areas of the game and will be a key player tonight. The Luoma sisters, Ella Luoma Ella Luoma 5'6" | DS/L Franklin | 2022 State WI (2022) and Claire Luoma Claire Luoma 5'8" | DS/L Franklin | 2024 State #85 Nation WI (2024) are defensive dynamos. They are both gritty and smart in the back row. Between the two of them, not much will fall. Middle blocker Kaitlin Lauer Kaitlin Lauer 5'10" | MB Franklin | 2022 State WI is smart and explosive. She is effective as a blocker and hitter and is one of the go-to hitters on this team.
For Oak Creek, watch out for outside hitters Natalie Erdmann (2022) and Kaitlyn Dohs Kaitlyn Dohs 5'8" | OH Oak Creek | 2024 State WI (2024). Kaitlyn has a lethal line shot and is smart when using high hands of the opposing block. Natalie is incredibly smart with her shots and can execute in both the front and back row. Junior setter Avery Brieske knows her hitters incredibly well and will use her experience on the court to try and out-pace the Franklin defense.
New Berlin Eisenhower vs Pius XI Catholic
New Berlin Eisenhower (2-2) and Pius (3-2) are in a tight battle in the Woodland West Conference standings. They have a one-match difference in conference play and are nearly identical in their season records. Both have young rosters touting several impactful 2024s and 2025s.
Lexi Bugasjki (2023) is the athlete to watch on the Eisenhower roster. She has been a major player on this varsity roster since her freshman year and has only continued to improve. Lexi brings power and finesse to the game and can mix up between a smart shot and a lethal hit quickly and efficiently. Freshman pin hitter Maddie Kowske is following closely in Lexi’s footsteps. She already has nearly 100 kills this season and will likely hit that milestone tonight. Natalie Holzhauer Natalie Holzhauer 5'6" | S New Berlin Eisenhower | 2022 State WI will run the offense for the Lions and will be tough to read and gritty on the court.
The Pius Popes will look to pin hitter Grace Martens for leadership on the pin. She leads the team in kills and is essential on defense and in serve receive as well. Her sister Hope Martens (2025) will set along with Maeve Edmunds (2024). Both are impactful athletes on the court despite their young age. Middle hitter Reenie Ganzer (2023) puts up a tough block and can be hard to get past. She will be a barrier for the Lions to push past if they want to earn points.
Edgewood vs. Sauk Prairie
Edgewood and Sauk Prairie are both undefeated in the Badger-West conference. This match will be major for both teams.
Edgewood is lead by seniors Natalie Ring Natalie Ring 6'1" | OH Edgewood | 2022 State #177 Nation WI (committed to Marquette) and Ally Barth Ally Barth 6'0" | MB Edgewood | 2022 State WI (committed to North Dakota State University); though 2023 athlete Addison Schmotzer Addison Schmotzer 6'2" | MB Edgewood | 2023 State WI and 2024 athlete Gillian Koning are key players on offense as well. Setters Ella Weber Ella Weber 5'5" | S Appleton North | 2023 State WI (2024) and Kayla Buelling will be key to the efficient running of this offense.
Sauk Prairie also has some incredibly impactful hitters including Aida Shadewald Aida Shadewald 5'11" | OH Sauk Prairie | 2022 State #184 Nation WI (committed to Wright State), Annika Braund Annika Braund OH Sauk Prairie | 2023 State WI (2023), and Maggie Hartwig Maggie Hartwig 6'1" | MB Sauk Prairie | 2023 WI (2023). Libero and captain Alia Schlimgen Alia Schlimgen 5'5" | DS/L Sauk Prairie | 2022 State WI (Committed to South Dakota State) will be busy tonight on defense and serve receive. She is incredibly gritty on the court and is likely to frustrate the Edgewood offense.
Other Major Matches:
Lake Country Lutheran vs Heritage Christian
Green Bay Southwest vs Manitowoc Lincoln
DSHA vs. Wauwatosa East
Kettle Moraine vs Catholic Memorial
Slinger vs Hartford