Waupaca volleyball team takes three of four from Freedom

By Greg Seubert

Katarina Otter-Giese tips the ball over the net for Waupaca during the Comets’ North Eastern Conference win over Freedom. Greg Seubert Photo

The wins haven’t exactly been adding up for the Waupaca volleyball team, especially in North Eastern Conference play.

Seven teams swept the Comets in conference play before Waupaca picked up its first win Oct. 8 over Freedom on Parents’ Night.

Waupaca also fell to Little Chute Oct. 6.

Waupaca 3, Freedom 1
WAUPACA – The Comets squeaked out a 26-24 win in the first game, Freedom won the second 25-19 and Waupaca came back with 25-21 and 25-20 wins.

“I was very proud of the girls for getting our first conference win,” coach Chelsea Benitz said. “We have had numerous lineup changes due to injuries and other events, but they are starting to play as a team.”

Team leaders included Avrey Simonson (13 kills, 22 digs); Abigail Wolfgram (16 digs, seven kills); Brenna Oleson (14 digs, three aces); Katarina Otter-Giese (26 assists); and Alison Schwaegler (10 kills, four blocks).

“We were scrappy on defense and made fewer errors on offense, which is always our goal,” Benitz said. “We are trying to be more aggressive and not panic if we get down a few points, which they did a much better job of during this game.”
Little Chute 3, Waupaca 0
LITTLE CHUTE – The Mustangs swept Waupaca 25-7, 25-13, 25-13.

Otter-Giese led the Comets with 13 assists and nine digs, while Wolfgram finished with seven digs and three kills.

Waupaca will open WIAA state tournament play at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, with a Division 2 regional quarterfinal match. The Comets will wrap up the regular season at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Marinette.

“The girls are excited for the opportunity to get another win before playoffs when we travel to Marinette,” Benitz said.