GREEN BAY — Green Bay N.E.W. Lutheran put together a memorable season, earning a trip to the WIAA Division 5 state tournament and battling until the final points of Thursday's semifinal against Central Wisconsin Christian.
The third-seeded Blazers finished their season with a 33-12 record after falling to second-seeded Central Wisconsin Christian, 22-25, 25-21, 22-25, 20-25, at the Resch Center. Despite the loss, NEW Lutheran showed the determination that carried it to the state semifinals, fighting back from deficits and keeping the match competitive throughout the afternoon.
The Blazers opened the match with a strong effort, staying close throughout the first set. After trailing 17-12, NEW Lutheran began working its way back into the contest. The Blazers eventually pulled within two points at 21-19. They continued to battle late, getting within 24-22 before Central Wisconsin Christian closed out the set.
NEW Lutheran responded with its best offensive performance of the afternoon in the second set. The teams traded points early, but the Blazers began to find their rhythm as the set progressed. After trailing 15-14, NEW Lutheran put together a strong stretch to take control. The Blazers moved ahead 18-17 and extended their advantage to 20-17. They maintained that cushion and closed out the set, 25-21, to even the match at one set apiece.
Kiley Dhein led the offensive push in the second set, recording seven kills on 11 attempts. NEW Lutheran finished the set with 14 kills as a team.
The third set presented another challenge for the Blazers. After falling behind 13-6, NEW Lutheran continued to chip away at the deficit. The Blazers stayed within reach and eventually put together another late push.
Trailing 19-12, NEW Lutheran fought its way back into the set, cutting the deficit to 19-15 before continuing to close the gap. The Blazers eventually tied the score at 22, putting themselves in position to take the lead. However, Central Wisconsin Christian scored the final three points to take the set, 25-22.
NEW Lutheran carried that fight into the fourth set. After falling behind 6-1, the Blazers responded with five consecutive points to tie the score at 6. They remained competitive through the middle of the set, trailing just 19-16 before Central Wisconsin Christian created some separation late.
The Blazers continued to battle, cutting the deficit to 22-18, but Central Wisconsin Christian finished the set 25-20 to secure the match.
Dhein led NEW Lutheran with 13 kills and 13 digs, finishing with a .235 hitting percentage. Loock added 11 kills and 15 digs, while Monfre contributed as well 10 kills. Czaja finished with five kills, and Hazel Isley added two kills and three block assists.
Kirchner helped direct the offense with 32 assists while also recording 15 digs. Lemke-Scott led the defensive effort with 19 digs, helping NEW Lutheran finish with 80 digs as a team.
The Blazers totaled 42 kills, 38 assists and six total team blocks. Their strongest offensive set came in the second, when they recorded 14 kills.
Although Thursday's semifinal marked the end of the season, it capped a successful year for a NEW Lutheran team that finished with 33 wins and earned a place among the final four teams in Division 5. The Blazers' road to the Resch Center gave the program an opportunity to compete on the state's biggest stage and provided a memorable finish to a season filled with success.
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