Top-seeded St. Croix Falls proved too much for fourth-seeded Northwestern in the Wisconsin Division 2 Sectional 1 semifinals, with the Saints improving to 11-0 with a 25-13, 25-12, 25-19 victory Thursday, Oct. 29, in St. Croix Falls.
Brynn Erickson had nine kills and 10 digs to lead Northwestern, which finished the season 5-7. Kayla Paulsen added six kills and 10 digs and Brinley Tonn paced the offense with 19 set assists. The Tigers hadn’t advanced through regional play since 2006.
“St Croix Falls showed everyone why they are the No. 1 seed tonight,” Northwestern coach Charlie Hessel said. “They were unstoppable at the net offensively and defensively. We certainly did not play our best match, but they would have been tough to beat tonight even if we had.
“It was a fun season and I am proud of what the girls accomplished. We will really miss our seniors. Allison (Luoma), Marie (Livingston) and Claire (Brinker) are awesome people; they were great leaders and role models. At the same time, I am excited for what the future holds.”
Second-seeded McDonell Central swept third-seeded Northwood 25-17, 25-18, 25-13 in a Wisconsin Division 4 sectional semifinal Thursday, Oct. 29, in Chippewa Falls.
Emily Berg and Emme Golembiewski tied with five kills apiece for the Evergreens, while Annika Patrick had 17 digs and Kayla Schultz had 13 set assists. Berg, Patrick, Kailee Corlett and Becky Liautaud all went 100% from the service line.
Schultz, Liautaud, Kailee Corlett and Abby Michie were the team’s four seniors.
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“We had a great run in postseason play,” Evergreens coach Cory Coons said. “We haven’t seen a regional championship for 10 years, and that is one thing these girls can take with them. They will be missed, but wishing them the best in the next phase of their senior year.”
