Weekend Wrap-Up: Tournament Champions from Labor Day Weekend
Teams from across the state competed this past weekend in tournaments big and small. A holiday weekend did not stop Wisconsin volleyball athletes from coming out in force to play high-level volleyball.
Wisconsin Lutheran – Grayslake Central (IL) Ram Slam
Wisconsin Lutheran traveled to Illinois on Saturday to compete in the Grayslake Central Ram Slam. Class of 2023 libero Kati Goba Kati Goba DS/L Wisconsin Lutheran | 2023 State WI was a key player for this team. She was consistent on serve receive and had some incredible digs throughout the tournament. Senior six rotation outside Kayla Wigley Kayla Wigley 5'10" | OH Wisconsin Lutheran | 2022 State WI brought her experience and maturity to the court, finding great shots, powering through balls, blocking aggressively, and being a key defender on the team. Class of 2023 setter Hannah Trotter Hannah Trotter 5'10" | S Wisconsin Lutheran | 2023 State WI had a huge impact across the board. She had huge energy on the court and ran a very smooth offense.
Howards Grove – Mukwonago Invite
Howards Grove has been dominating the volleyball world the past few years and is continuing to do so this season. They won the Mukwonago Invite, a very competitive tournament where they beat Mukwonago, Oconomowoc (twice), Shoreland Lutheran, and West DePere. This is an incredibly defensively strong team with Saige Damrow Saige Damrow 5'8" | DS/L Howards Grove | 2023 State #17 Nation WI (Committed to Wisconsin) and Karissa Kaminski Karissa Kaminski 5'9" | DS/L Howards Grove | 2022 State #166 Nation WI (Committed to Dayton). They also have two incredibly talented setters, senior Emma Baierl Emma Baierl 5'8" | S Howards Grove | 2022 State WI (Committed to Truman) and sophomore Kamryn Kaminski Kamryn Kaminski 5'7" | S Howards Grove | 2024 State WI . This team can beat even the top-ranked Division 1 team and will be looking to earn another state championship this year.
Lake Country Lutheran – New Berlin West Tournament
LCL worked their way through a number of teams this weekend, not dropping a single set. They beat St. Thomas More, Appleton East, Franklin, Edgerton, and Racine Case. Lake Country Lutheran has several impactful pin hitters including Hannah Kuhlman and Ellie Schumacher Ellie Schumacher 5'9" | OH Lake Country Lutheran | 2024 State WI . Both have good power, smart shots, and are impressive in defense and on serve receive as well. Setter Rachel Rossing Rachel Rossing 5'9" | S Lake Country Lutheran | 2023 State WI runs an incredibly efficient offense and is very hard to read. Libero Adriana Studer Adriana Studer DS/L Lake Country Lutheran | 2022 State #187 Nation WI (Committed to Villanova) is an energizer on the court and the key to this team’s defense and serve receive success.
Brookfield Central – Tom Larson Invite at Notre Dame Academy
Brookfield Central had a huge weekend at the Tom Larson Invite beating Notre Dame Academy, Sun Prairie, Greendale, Xavier, and Luxemburg-Casco. It is no surprise that Mckenna Wucherer Mckenna Wucherer 6'1" | OH Brookfield Central | 2022 State #1 Nation WI (committed to Minnesota) was dominant in all six rotations. Pin hitter Emily Lavin was a breakout star this weekend, earning 10 kills against Luxemburg-Casco and consistently contributing kills in every match. Junior Riley Angst Riley Angst 5'9" | DS/L Brookfield Central | 2023 State WI was a rock in the back row, making great plays on defense and serve receive.
Port Washington – Milwaukee Lutheran Invitational
Port Washington was in top form at the Milwaukee Lutheran tournament. They beat South Milwaukee twice throughout the day, were very consistent in all matches, and made few errors. Outside hitter Jennacy Wille had over 20 kills throughout the day as well as a handful of aces and digs. Libero Amira Szczepanski was tough on defense and serve receive and brought a lot of energy to the court. Setter Sydney Hoeft had a great day racking up a number of aces and a lot of assists over five matches.
Muskego – Nicolet Invitational
Even though no stats have been uploaded for Muskego, they have a lot of talent. Brooke Porter Brooke Porter OH Muskego | 2022 State WI is a go-to hitter and incredibly talented six rotation outside hitter. She takes a lot of balls on offense and defense. Angelica Refinski Angelica Refinski OH State WI is a solid defender who brings a lot of energy to every point and makes some great ups on defense and serve receive. Middle hitter Ella Krotchovil puts up a competitive block and is consistent on offense.