The Luxemburg-Casco Spartans volleyball were able to use big runs in each of their three sets to sweep Valders in the WIAA Sectional Semifinal Thursday night.

 

Up 3-2 early in the first set, the Spartans gave themselves some cushion with a 7-0 run that had the Vikings playing catch-up the rest of the evening. Getting three service aces along the way, the Spartans ended the set on a 5-0 run to take the 1-0 lead. 

 

The second set went back and forth early on, but the Spartans took control up 6-5 with an 11-2 run to allow them to cruise to a 25-11 victory in the second set.

 

 

The Vikings battled back hard in the third set, burying the Spartans with 11-4 lead. The Spartans used two service aces and some drop shots against an aggressive Vikings defense to score 9 of the next 10 points to take the lead. The two teams traded blows until the Spartans scored 10 of the last 13 points to capture the final set 25-18.

 

 

Setter Emma Johnson was able to collect 38 assists and six kills while outside hitters Grace Holschuh (15 kills) Kenzie Hanson (10 kills, three aces) each reached double figures. The Spartans will stay at home Halloween night to play Oconto, who upset Freedom Thursday on the road, 22-25, 25-19, 25-9, 19-25, 16-14. Tyler Thrune and Paul Schmitt will have the call on 96.7 WBDK beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the pregame show followed by the first serve at 7 p.m. The Spartans are trying to make their third state tournament since 2017.