Wisconsin High School Sports | Wisconsin Sports Network | WisSports.net

The Howards Grove Tigers are your 2016 Division 3 state champions after defeating Lourdes Academy Saturday afternoon 3-0 (26-24, 25-13, 25-21).  This is Howards Grove’s first state volleyball title since they last won it in 1976.
 
Howards Grove had some nervous jitters early on and allowed Lourdes Academy to jump out to a 4-0 lead in the 1st set. Throughout the majority of the 1st set it felt like Lourdes Academy had the momentum. Howards Grove couldn’t get out of their own way committing serving errors, hitting errors, and below average passing and setting as well. Towards the end of the 1st set though, Howards Grove was able to string together three 3-0 runs to take a critical 1st set. In the 2nd set Howards Grove was firing on all cylinders. The 11-3 lead turned into a 17-6 lead, which ultimately was won 25-13 on a kill by Addisyn Gerber. Aggressive serving by Howards Grove led to 10 serving errors, but also 10 aces by the Tigers. Howards Grove’s seniors paved the way; Olivia Stauss (11 kills, 13 digs, 5 aces), Samantha Yancy (22 kills, 10 digs), Taylor Bubolz (8 kills, 35 assists, 3 aces), and Brittany Schaller (16 digs) all played major roles in the state title win. Lourdes Academy finished with solid performances from Hollie Bartlett (22 assists, 10 digs), Rachel Aasby (14 kills, 8 digs), and Raechel Russo (9 kills, 14 digs).
 
Lourdes Academy head coach, Trudi Woods, commented “We came out strong (in the 1st set), we had them on their heels. I knew they were going to be tough and I think they got in our heads a little bit and we shut down. We weren’t going to give up throughout the match; this season has been one of growth from the beginning to the end. Howards Grove is a very good team, we played our best, but I wouldn’t want to do this with any other group of girls, they are awesome. This has been a great season, win or lose this match, we are so proud as a coaching staff with what they accomplished this season”

Senior Kelsey Schwochert added, “We lost a lot of seniors (from last season), and our underclassmen stepped up. I am happy with how far we’ve come; I love that shiny silver ball.” Howards Grove head coach, Brett Damrow said, “12 years ago we started, we had a dream and vision, and I owe it all to these athletes, the parents, and the community; the tears show how much we wanted it. The athletes truly trusted their training and relied on it this afternoon. I couldn’t be more proud of these athletes and the entire program.”