GREEN BAY (NBC 26) – No. 1 Manitowoc Lutheran defeated No. 4 Wabeno/Laona (25-13, 25-17, 25-18) in the WIAA Girls Volleyball Division 4 state semifinals.
The Lancers were led by sophomore outside hitter Ava Stuebs, who finished with 24 kills.
“Ava is our spark plug,” said Manitowoc Lutheran head coach Lacey Behnke. “We’re riding Ava’s wave. She has always been our leader. He loves the challenge of having a team on his back.”
Stuebs said it was her self-confidence that allowed her to be so dominant.
“I really tried to stay confident because once I’m in good shape, I don’t know, I just can’t find the net anymore,” Stuebs said.
Stuebs knows the job isn’t done yet and he’s ready to compete for a state title on Saturday.
“I believe we can win,” Stuebs said. If we play from the heart, like in every match, we will definitely not give a damn.
After the game, Wabeno/Laona head coach Michelle Boor expressed her appreciation for the Lancers.
“Hats off to Manitowoc Lutheran,” Boor said. “They are unbelievable. We didn’t have an answer to question number four. [Ava Stuebs] We gave it our all, and everything we tried to put down, they picked it up.
Manitowoc Lutheran will face Regis on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the Resch Center for the state championship.
