Luxemburg-Casco completed a reverse sweep to take down Oconto Falls and advance in the WIAA volleyball tournament after a five-set thriller on Thursday night.

 

The Panthers came out strong, jumping to an early 9-14 lead in the first set and maintaining control from there, extending the advantage to 17-23 before closing it out 25-18. The second set followed a similar pattern as Oconto Falls grabbed an early 8-2 lead and held off the Spartans to win 25-21, taking a 2-0 match lead.

 

With their backs against the wall, Luxemburg-Casco flipped the momentum. The Spartans struck first in set three, their first time scoring the opening point all night, and built their biggest lead at 22-15. Oconto Falls rallied late, but LC held on to win 25-21 and keep their season alive.

 

After a slow start in the fourth set, the Spartans clawed back, taking their first lead at 14-13. Tied 18-18 late, Luxemburg-Casco found their rhythm, closing the set 25-20 to force a decisive fifth.

 

In the final set, LC jumped ahead 4-1 before Oconto Falls tied things up 4-4. The Spartans then took control, building a 10-7 lead and never looking back, finishing the comeback with a 15-8 win to take the match 3-2.

 

Leading the way for the Spartans were Alayna Deprez (45 assists, 10 digs), Aubrey Frey (35 kills, 15 digs, 2 aces), Claire Schleis (12 kills, 3 blocks), and Rylan Kaminski (21 dig).

 

Head coach Jeff Frey credited Coach Rochelle and the Panthers as they forced him to make several key adjustments after put in 0-2 hole heading into the third set. 

 

"They kept the faith when everything was going against us," Frey said. "I could not be more proud of the fight, and grit our girls showed tonight, it was a complete team victory."

 

Luxemburg-Casco advances to face Fox Valley Lutheran in the sectional semifinal on Wednesday, October 30 at 7 p.m. at Fox Valley Lutheran.