The Luxemburg-Casco Spartans are headed back to the WIAA State Volleyball Tournament after sweeping Xavier in the Division 2 Sectional Final Saturday (25-14, 25-21, 29-27).

 

The Spartans wasted no time setting the tone, dominating the opening set 25-14 behind efficient offense and strong defense. Xavier pushed back in the second, but L-C maintained control to take it 25-21. The third set turned into a thrilling battle, with both teams trading points late before the Spartans closed out the sweep 29-27 to clinch their return to state.

 

Alayna Deprez fueled the Spartans’ offense with 29 assists and 12 digs, while Aubrey Frey recorded 17 kills and 10 digs. Claire Schleis added 14 kills, and Rylan Kaminski anchored the back row with 16 digs.

 

Head coach Jeff Frey said his team was locked in heading into the sectional final, but a stout Hawks team challenged them despite the sweep. " I loved the resiliency we showed in set 2, down 15-8 and come back and get that set," Frey said. "Then to stay in the fight in set 3 down 22-18 and grind, and find a way.  Says a lot about our young ladies on this team, I could not be more proud of them."

 

With the win, Luxemburg-Casco advances to the WIAA State Tournament next week at the Resch Center in Green Bay, continuing their tradition as one of the state’s premier volleyball programs.

 

Picture by Ron LeCloux