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Neenah took down Sun Prairie 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-21) in a highly competitive match. Both teams were hitting on all cylinders offensively in the 1st set, Sun Prairie with a .306 hitting percentage and Neenah with .441. The 2nd set proved tough for Sun Prairie who had 9 hitting errors and a.098 hitting percentage. Sun Prairie would pull it to 22-22 though after previously trailing 19-15. Sun Prairie was led by Claire Chausee (14 kills, 9 digs, 4 blocks), Kielyn Kapugi (10 kills, 12 digs), and Elizabeth Maastricht (18 digs). Sun Prairie head coach, TJ Rantala was very positive in the press conference, she said, “I couldn’t be more proud of them. The growth from August to November has been great. We achieved exactly what we wanted to do. (The state tournament) is just added fun.” She went on to say how her teams’ goal this season has been to get teams out of system, and Sun Prairie was just not able to get Neenah out of system tonight. Neenah’s top hitters Addie Barnes (10 kills, 7 digs, 4 blocks), and Hope Werch (12 kills, 7 digs, 3 blocks) both brought their “A-Game” Friday night. Neenah head coach, Bruce Moriarty, thought his team showed a lot of mental toughness being able to close out the 2nd and 3rd set when it got close. Moriarty said, “Our four goals are to play with confidence, without hesitation, have fun, and be aggressive.” Neenah will have to bring all of those four goals again Saturday at 4:30pm as they take on Burlington in the Division 1 state championship game.

Burlington will be in search of their 3rd state title tomorrow after they defeated Menomonee Falls 3-1 (26-24, 16-25, 25-19, 25-19) on Friday night. Menomonee falls struggled throughout the match to receive Burlington’s serves; the Demons finished with 15 aces. Menomonee Falls top hitters brought it, Ashley Guenveur (12 kills, .393 pct.), Rachel Murphy (10 kills, .529 pct.), Sarah Navin (5 kills, .417 pct.), and Ebun Olapo (6 kills, .353 pct.) only combined for 2 hitting errors. Menomonee Falls coach, J.C. Bruns said, “Hats off to Burlignton, they were ready to go; you don’t always play your best, but these girls gave their best effort tonight.” Falls senior, Ebun Olapo showed such composure in the press conference and said, “This team plays with heart and compassion, and we love each other. This team isn’t done yet, this is just a stepping stone for this team.” Burlington’s Abby Koenen (21 kills), and Alyssa Turzenski (10 kills, 6 aces, 15 digs) followed up again with impressive games. Burlington head coach, Teri Leach, talked about how getting that 1st set was huge, “It could have gone either way. (The 1st set) set the tone for the match, and our girls just stepped up and made plays when it mattered most.” Burlington will take on Neenah Saturday at 4:30 pm in the Division 1 state championship game.