SPORTS

Newman Catholic cruises to sectional title

Morgan Rode
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

STEVENS POINT - Newman Catholic continued its postseason dominance with  a sweep over Bowler in a WIAA Division 4 volleyball sectional final at Stevens Point Area Senior High on Saturday.

The Cardinals, who have not lost a set in the postseason, made quick work of the Panthers.

With the 25-12, 25-9, 25-13 win, Newman Catholic makes its sixth consecutive appearance at the WIAA State Tournament. The Cardinals are vying for their fourth straight state title and face Seneca at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Resch Center.

Volleyball

Seneca defeated Bangor 25-27, 25-22, 25-20, 25-17 in the sectional final.

Mariah Whalen led Newman Catholic with 18 kills and 11 aces. The senior looks forward to having another chance at a state title.

"It's an awesome opportunity," Whalen said. "I'm definitely blessed to be going back down to state again. It is something we worked really hard for and hopefully it will show down at the Resch Center."

Bowler and Newman Catholic traded runs in the first set, with neither team gaining a big advantage. The Cardinals finally seized the momentum and took a commanding 15-8 lead that forced a Bowler timeout.

Newman Catholic never let go of the momentum, outscoring Bowler 60-26 the rest of the way.

Complimenting Whalen's attack was junior Rylie Vaughn, who recorded 13 kills, 25 assists and four aces. For Vaughn, the trip to state offers her an opportunity to create more memories with friends.

"I'd say getting to state again is probably one of the highlights of my high school experience, being able to be on the court with some of my best friends," Vaughn said. "Especially seeing some of the younger girls who are super excited to be on the team and on the court. That makes it all worth it."

Sophomore Kenzie  Krach chipped in 14 assists and seven digs. Junior Julianne Barkholz added a team-high 13 digs and tied Vaughn with a team-high of two blocks to round out a balanced team attack.

"The team has the right mindset every year at this time," Newman Catholic coach Betty Lange said. "They all know what's at stake and they know the goals they have set and want to accomplish."

As the Cardinals look to continue its streak of consecutive sets won, its most important goal remains to win the Division 4 state title.

"Going for that fourth state championship is obviously the goal, but also trying to mix the ball around and get everyone involved is a goal of ours too," Vaughn said.

Morgan Rode can be reached at 715-345-2258, or by email at mrode@gannett.com. Find him on Twitter as @mrodeSPJ