Sports

Warhawks Win in Epic Fashion on Homecoming

By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
UW-Whitewater

Box Score

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team registered another instant classic win at Perkins Stadium Saturday, defeating UW-River Falls 30-27 on a field goal with no time remaining. The Warhawks picked up the win in front of a stellar crowd in excess of 13,000 at The Perk during the university’s annual Homecoming celebration.

Saturday’s game was a battle of two halves, the first dominated by UWW, the second by UWRF. Still, the Warhawks found a way at the end to come out on top in epic fashion – a 49-yard field goal that hit the crossbar and bounced through the uprights with no time remaining.

The Warhawks were firing on all cylinders from the get-go. UWW’s defense forced a three-and-out on the opening drive and the offense put up points in their first opportunity of the game. The seven-play, 38-yard drive was capped by an Evan Lewandowski (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Lake Zurich)–Sam DeLany (Delafield, Wis./Kettle Moraine) connection from four-yards out. Jeffery Isotalo-McGuire (Phoenix, Ariz./Pinnacle) added the extra point for the early 7-0 lead.

The defense handed the ball right back to the Warhawk offense as Thomas Wojnowski (Oak Creek, Wis./Oak Creek) picked off the Falcon quarterback on the first play of the next drive. Returning it down to the UWRF 23, Wojnowski gave the offense great field position that turned into a 38-yard field goal for Isotalo-McGuire and a 10-0 lead.

Two possessions later, just over a minute into the second quarter, Preston Strasburg (Fort Atkinson, Wis./Fort Atkinson) punched it in from the one-yard line. The point after made it 17-0 UWW.

UW-River Falls responded putting together an 11-play, 89-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass to get on the board. A bad snap on the extra point had the Warhawks barreling down on the holder and forcing an incomplete pass to keep it 17-6.

UW-Whitewater’s next drive stalled ending in a punt, but the defense continued to impress. Kyle Gallagher (Niles, Ill./Notre Dame College Prep) got to UWRF quarterback Kaleb Blaha for a sack and loss of 11-yards to force third down. Later in the drive, on fourth down, Shane McGrail (Plainfield, Ill./North) sacked Blaha for a loss of 17 to bring the Warhawk offense back out at the Falcon 36.

Six plays later, Isotalo-McGuire added three more, splitting the uprights from 30-yards out for a 20-6 lead with just over two minutes to go.

The defense gave the offense one more opportunity in the first half, forcing a punt with a minute to go. Tamir Thomas (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) opened the drive with a 24-yard scamper up the middle to midfield. Lewandowski followed with a pair of completions to Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) and Tommy Coates (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle Institute) to get the offense down to the Falcon 17. On the next play, Lewandowski handed to Thomas who went up the middle for 17-yards and the touchdown. Isotalo-McGuire stayed perfect on the day making it 27-6.

UWRF completed a pass with 29 seconds to go before Reed Farrington (Edgerton, Wis./Edgerton) and Justin Allen (Huntley, Ill./Huntley) teamed up for another Warhawk sack to send UWW into the intermission with all of the momentum.

The third quarter was all UW-River Falls. Scoring on their first drive the Falcons added more points following a Warhawk turnover to pull to within seven, 27-20, with 15 minutes left to play.

Late in the fourth, with UWRF driving, Gallagher exploded off the corner and sacked Blaha once again forcing a 4th-and-13 from the UWW 31. The Warhawks nearly got to Blaha on the next play, but he was able to find a receiver just past the first down marker out of the scramble. UWRF scored a touchdown on the next play and knotted the game at 27-27 with the extra point.

The teams traded punts with UWW regaining possession at their own 43 with about 30 seconds to go. On 3rd and 10, Strasburg went up the middle for a first down to the River Falls 44 with head coach Kevin Bullis signaling for the timeout with 11 seconds to go. Lewandowski hit DeLany to get UWW into field goal range. The Warhawks called timeout with five seconds left. As the field goal crew set up, the Falcons called timeout to try and ice Isotalo-McGuire.

After the brief break, the field goal unit set, a good hold followed a good snap and Isotalo-McGuire put his full boot into the 49-yarder. The kick was dead center, coming down on the top of the crossbar and bouncing through for the field goal with no time remaining.

With wins Saturday, UW-Whitewater and UW-La Crosse are now tied for the top spot in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. UW-Platteville fell to UW-Stout taking them out of a tie for the top spot with two weeks of regular season play remaining.

UW-W Athletics Reveals 2022 Hall of Fame Class

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the UW-Whitewater Athletics Department.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics’ 57th Hall of Fame Class will be inducted Saturday.
 
Former student-athletes Justin Beaver ’08, Megan Kielar Carstens ’06, Gary Garcia ’08, Aaron Henderson ’05, Lisa McManus Kemps ’03, Ryan Kleppe ’08, Carlene Polk ’08 and Lisa Irons Prien ’04 will be inducted. Former head men’s and women’s soccer coach Greg Henschel will be inducted under the category of staff/coach, and longtime Warhawk supporter Tom Harty will be posthumously inducted for his distinguished service to the institution.
 
All 10 individuals will be recognized for their contributions to Warhawk Athletics as part of the UW-Whitewater football team’s game against UW-River Falls on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m. Inductees will be part of the Homecoming Parade, which begins at 10 a.m., and be honored at halftime of the football game and at the annual Hall of Fame banquet, which begins following the contest at 4:30 p.m. at the University Center’s Hamilton Room. 

For more information on each inductee: https://uwwsports.com/news/2022/6/16/general-uw-whitewater-athletics-reveals-2022-hall-of-fame-class.aspx 

JV Swimmers Wrap Up Season at Conference Meet

The JV Whippet Swimmers competed at JV Conference in Elkhorn on Tuesday, October 25. The Whippets showed up to compete as many of our swimmers took home some new hardware including the following: 

🏆In the 200 Freestyle Relay – Georgia Esch, Atreya Wilson, Lucy Davis, and Michelle Abarca placed 8th overall. 

🏆In the 100 Breaststroke, Atreya Wilson placed 5th overall with a best time of 2:55.01. 

🏆In the 400 Freestyle, Lucy Davis with a 7th place finish! 

🏆In the 400 Freestyle Relay – Lucy Davis, Georgia Esch, Michelle Abarca, and Atreya Wilson placed 7th overall. 

We also had some impressive swims and best times including the following:

✔In the 50 Freestyle – Michelle Abarca 36.29, Angela Hudec 42.35, and Sanibel Fox-Simes 52.69.

✔In the 100 Freestyle – Michelle Abarca 1:25.12, Lucy Troxel 1:28.87, and Sanibel Fox-Simes 1:57.81.

✔In the 100 Backstroke – Georgia Esch 1:40.86 and Angela Hudec 1:44.36.

✔In the 100 Breaststroke – Atreya Wilson 1:40.06 and Lucy Troxel 1:48.88. 

We are so proud of our JV Whippet Swimmers! What an awesome way to end the season; we are so excited to see what is in store for these swimmers next season!

Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

UW-W’s Courtney Day Named Judy Kruckman Women’s Tennis Scholar-Athlete

Courtney Day (from WIAC website)

Editor’s note: The following announcement was published on the WIAC website.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Courtney Day has been selected the recipient of the 2022 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Judy Kruckman Women’s Tennis Scholar-Athlete Award.
 
A senior from Oshkosh, Wis. (North), Day boasts a 4.00 grade point average and is majoring in integrated science and business with a minor in information technology. She is a three-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete, receiving the honor in 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22, as well as a three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. Day has been named to UW-Whitewater’s Dean’s List numerous semesters and received academic scholarships.
 
Day won the No. 3 doubles title at the WIAC championship this year to help the Warhawks to the team crown for the 16th straight season. She was also the No. 3 doubles champion in 2019. At the 2021 WIAC championship, she finished as the runner-up at No. 5 singles and took third at No. 2 doubles. During the 2020-21 academic year, Day was selected to the All-WIAC first team at No. 3 doubles. She owns a career doubles record of 57-24.

Please click here for the complete article.

UW-W Captures Women’s WIAC Tennis Title

Editor’s note: The following information was posed on the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) website.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater captured its 16th straight title at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Women’s Tennis Championship (presented by Culver’s) at Nielsen Tennis Stadium on Oct. 23.

The first-place finish is the 23rd in program history for the Warhawks, who won the crown with 21 points. UW-Eau Claire placed second with 18 points, UW-Stevens Point third with 14, UW-La Crosse fourth with 13, UW-Oshkosh fifth with nine, UW-Stout sixth with five and UW-River Falls seventh with four.

This year’s team title was determined by using a combination of the regular-season dual-meet standings and the WIAC championship results. The finish in the regular-season standings accounted for one-third of the criteria, while the conference championship accounted for the remaining two-thirds.

At the two-day league championship, UW-Whitewater compiled 62 points (14 overall championship points), while UW-Eau Claire was second with 50 points (12), UW-Stevens Point third with 42 (10), UW-La Crosse fourth with 41 (8), UW-Oshkosh fifth with 23 (6), UW-Stout sixth with 19 (4) and UW-River Falls seventh with 15 (2).

Point distribution following the dual-meet rotation consisted of: UW-Whitewater (6-0) (7 points); UW-Eau Claire (5-1) (6 points); UW-La Crosse (4-2) (5 points); UW-Stevens Point (3-3) (4 points); UW-Oshkosh (2-4) (3 points); UW-River Falls (1-5) (2 points); and UW-Stout (0-6) (1 point).

UW-Whitewater, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stevens Point and UW-La Crosse advance to the team tournament that will determine the conference’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division III Championship. UW-Whitewater will host the four-team event on April 29, 2023.

UW-Whitewater secured five singles crowns and three doubles titles at the championship. Autumn Bruno was victorious at No. 1 singles with a 6-1, 1-0 (retire) win over UW-Eau Claire’s Clare Palen, while Gianna Nikoleit claimed No. 2 singles with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over UW-Eau Claire’s Samantha Fuchs.

At No. 3 singles, Cassie Lee emerged with a 6-1, 6-1 triumph over UW-La Crosse’s Katie Kearney. Kellie Ha won No. 5 singles with a 7-5, 6-3 decision over UW-La Crosse’s Kate Townsend and Bethany Marshall secured No. 6 singles with a 6-2, 7-5 win over UW-La Crosse’s Emma Heinert.

UW-Eau Claire’s Anna Lee claimed the No. 4 singles title with a 6-1, 2-6, 10-8 victory over UW-Whitewater’s Kasey Schlicht.

In doubles competition, the Warhawks’ Autumn Bruno and Cassie Lee emerged with an 8-7 (7-4) triumph over UW-Eau Claire’s Clare Palen and Samantha Fuchs. Bruno won No. 1 doubles for the second straight year.

At No. 2 doubles, UW-Whitewater’s Kasey Schlicht and Kellie Ha posted an 8-2 win over UW-Eau Claire’s Morgan Nelson and Anna Lee. The No. 3 doubles title was claimed by UW-Whitewater’s Gianna Nikoleit and Courtney Day after an 8-4 victory over UW-Eau Claire’s Morgan Dekan and Sydney Presler. Day was the No. 3 doubles champion in 2019.

UW-Whitewater’s Courtney Day received the Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete Award.

An All-Sportsmanship Team was chosen for individuals that displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season. It included one member from each school. Named to the squad were: UW-Eau Claire’s Anna Lee; UW-La Crosse’s Emma Heinert; UW-Oshkosh’s Alysa Pattee; UW-River Falls’ Karyn Duddeck; UW-Stevens Point’s Jenna Koepp; UW-Stout’s Ellie Becker; and UW-Whitewater’s Kasey Schlicht.

Whippets Battled, Lost in 4 to #1 Edgewood in Regional Final

The Whippets battled throughout the regional final WIAA volleyball match on Saturday, October 22, that what would be their last of the season, losing to #1 seeded Edgewood in 4 sets 15-25, 15-25, 25-22, 21-25.

“Seeing this season come to an end is so bittersweet. We had such a great ride, and this team is something absolutely special; we are so sad to see it end. I think I can speak for every person who was part of this team when I say, this season is one we will all cherish. We won together, we lost together, we battled together, but most of all we supported each other, and we played some great volleyball!

This was the absolute best team I have ever coached. And, in reality, it had nothing to do with our wins, and we had some great ones, rather it had everything to do with the culture we created. We loved coming together on the floor in practice or game, and we made it our mission to make each other better. And, we did just that. We are all better because of the time we shared being part of this team. I have said many times before, I have never coached a more selfless team. These seniors led the way, and our younger players saw firsthand what it means to be part of something so special, what it means to be in a Whippet uniform.

Seniors Caroline Skindingsrude, CC Alexander, Cali Kopecky, Jenna Pope, Cristal Verduzco, Caleigh Yang, and Kindyl Kilar led this team by the example they set every day. Whether they were on the court or cheering from the sidelines, they cared about each other and played this game for each other. We definitely found success, with a record of 23-9, but saying good-bye to this team is incredibly hard. They all hold a special place in my heart, and we will all forever cherish the memories made this season!

The match found the Whippets struggling in sets one and two. However, they never quit. The Whippets rallied and took set three. This carried over to set four, and we were exchanging point for point. Ultimately, the Crusaders rallied to win the fourth. Even with the loss, I could not be more proud of this team, these athletes, and this program.

It is always hard to say goodbye to our seniors. However, what we know for certain is that each of these student athletes have bright futures. Special thanks to all our fans and families, and to Mr. Crandall, our Athletic Director, for his support this season.

Statistical leaders included Calli Grosinske with 28 assists, Cali Kopecky with 3 aces, Caleigh Yang with 20 digs, Aidyn Amundson and Kindyl Kilar with a block a piece, and Kilar with a double double with 17 kills and 18 digs. Leaders for Edgewood included Gillian Koning with 15 kills, Ella Weber with 18 assists, Jocelyn Romadka with 2 aces, Weber with 13 digs, and Addie Schmotzer with 5 blocks.

Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org

Jack and Nate are Going to State

The Whippet CC teams competed in their WIAA Sectional hosted by Racine St. Catherine’s at the UW-Parkside National CC course on Saturday, October 22. The weather was quite warm, but the racing was even better as this meet displays the best of the best as a trip to state is on the line as the top two teams and the top five individuals not on those qualifying teams earn a trip to State in one week.

The girls ran first and had a strong pack throughout their race. Mady Hefty led the team for the final time this season as she came home in 24th with a time of 23:16. Not far behind were three more Whippets. Athena Soto placed 26th, Nola Coburn 27th, and Jackie Franco 29th. Their times were 23:16, 23:28, and 23:40 respectively. Senior Caelyn Caputo gave it her all to finish 40th with a time of 24:22. Packed up in the 6th and 7th runner spots were Lauren Buehler finishing 51st and Emma Weigel in 53rd with times of 25:05 and 25:10. The girls finished in fifth place overall to cap off a great season. This girls’ program battled all season long and has done a terrific job representing not only themselves but the Whippet name, on a high level. The team officially says goodbye to the outstanding leadership from seniors Elisa Albertini, Caelyn Caputo, Evie Troxel, and Emma Weigel. 

The Whippet boys toed the line next and were led by Nate Holden and Jack Hefty running side by side for the first time in program history (see the attached picture which was just over 1.5 miles into the race). They tag-teamed a runner from Clinton and put him away in the back woods loop as they spurred on. Nate emerged ahead of Jack in the final mile but Nate’s work was not done. He had secured himself a spot at state in his current position but he kept pressing and catching a few more runners and claimed 4th overall and was the first runner not on one of the qualifying teams. It was a huge race for him! Nate completed the race in 17:27. Jack came home in 7th overall, and the 4th individual qualifier to match his state qualifying position from last season. Jack finished in 18:00. Senior CJ Tomomitsu rebounded nicely after last week’s illness to finish his career off well by placing 29th in 19:36. Miles Nickelsburg placed 26th in 20:02. Sophomores Onyx Thompson and Andrew O’Toole packed together throughout to claim 66th and 67th with times of 21:44 and 21:45. Fellow Sophomore Xavier Zei placed 76th with a time of 22:13. This group placed fifth overall, one point away from fourth. They, too, had a really strong season and many reasons to keep their chin up and be proud of the accomplishments they achieved together. We officially say goodbye to the seniors as their race has come to an end. A special think you to Keith Cameron, Ben McCulloch, and CJ Tomomitsu for their leadership and guidance over the last four years!

Girls’ Results

Boys’ Results

Next up will be the WIAA State Cross Country meet for Nate Holden and Jack Hefty. The boys’ division 2 race is slated to begin at 2:35 at the Ridge Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, October 29th. All state meet information can be found at this link. You can also email Coach Carstens at ccarstens@wwusd.org, should you have any questions.

Nate Holden and Jack Hefty
Nate Holden and Jack Hefty

Go, Whippets!

Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
Photos Courtesy of Erica Holden and Jeff Hefty

Swimmers Medal in 12 Events at Platteville Invite

The Whippets had a sensational day in the pool on Saturday, October 22, in Platteville against 6 other teams! Taking a 4th place finish as a team, the Whippets brought home 18 medals and many best times! 

Top 8 (medal winners):

🥇 200 Medley Relay (1st – 2:03.42): Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley

🏅 200 Freestyle (4th – 2:16.63): Brooke Bazeley 

🏅 100 IM (8th – 1:11.84): Emerson Dunham

🥈 200 IM (2nd – 2:20.91): Makayla Bazeley

🥈 50 Freestyle (2nd – 26.59): Grace Foucault 

🥈 100 Butterfly (2nd – 1:02.32): Makayla Bazeley 

🏅 500 Freestyle (4th – 6:00.45): Brooke Bazeley 

🏅 500 Freestyle (8th – 6:49.39): Charlotte Hajewski 

🥇 100 Backstroke (1st – 1:02.02): Grace Foucault 

🏅 100 Breaststroke (5th – 1:24.26): Emerson Dunham

🏅 100 Breaststroke (7th – 1:25.37): Josie Treder

🏅 400 Freestyle Relay (4th – 4:02.98): Makayla Bazeley, Brooke Bazeley, Emerson Dunham, Grace Foucault

Other top 16 finishes included:

  • Charlotte Hajewski (100 IM – 14th)
  • Josie Treder (50 Freestyle – 15th)
  • Karime Velazquez (100 Butterfly – 12th)
  • Ashly Xochipa (100 Freestyle – 12th, 100 Backstroke – 12th)
  • Atreya Wilson (100 Breaststroke – 15th) 

Up next the Whippets head to the Conference Championship Meets. Tuesday, October 25 is JV Conference at Elkhorn, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, October 29th is Varsity Conference at Jefferson, starting at 11a.m. Hope to see you there! 

Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

No. 3 Warhawk Football Falls to UW-Platteville on the Road

By Angela Kelm, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information, UW-Whitewater

The No. 3 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team fell to UW-Platteville 17-13 on the road Saturday afternoon. The Warhawks are one of three Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference teams holding a 3-1 league mark, including UW-La Crosse and UWP.  

The Pioneers have won two consecutive games against top-25 teams and take the Miner’s Axe for just the third time in 27 renditions of the George Chryst Memorial Bowl.  

Statistically, UW-Whitewater outplayed the Pioneers offensively with a 14-9 advantage in first downs, a 123-58 sway in rushing yards and nearly 140 more yards of total offense. The Pioneer defense made the difference forcing four turnovers. 

The defenses made an impact from the get-go. The Warhawks registered the first takeaway of the game in Platteville’s first possession. On third and five from the UWP 37, Egon Hein forced a fumble after a completed pass that was scooped up by Kyle Koelblinger who took it 27 yards to the Pioneers’ 17. UW-Whitewater turned the takeaway into points, getting it done on the ground, with Evan Lewandowski running it off the left side of the line and into the endzone for the first score of the game. Jeffery Isotalo-McGuire’s extra point made it 7-0 UWW.  

The defense forced a three-and-out in UWP’s next possession, but an interception on the ensuing drive led to points for Platteville and a tie game, 7-7. 

On Whitewater’s next offensive series, the Pioneer defense halted the drive at their own one-yard line with another pick. The teams traded punts throughout the quarter. The Warhawks took over after a short punt went out of bounds at the UWW 48. UW-Whitewater was moving the ball until a penalty and batted down pass made it third and long from the UWP 29. The Pioneers got to Lewandowski on the next play, but the wiley quarterback was able to get rid of the ball in time to avoid a big loss. Isotalo-McGuire put the 46-yard field goal through the uprights for a 10-7 Warhawk lead with 2:34 left before the break.  

UW-Platteville reclaimed the lead with a 46-yard pick-six with a minute to go in the half. The kick made it 14-10 UWP.  

UWW punted on their final possession of the half and Platteville took a knee to head into the locker rooms with a 14-10 advantage. 

On the other side of the break, the teams punted on three consecutive possessions. The second of those punts was a 55-yard boot from Nate Custer that pinned UWP at their own 10. The Warhawk defense forced a three-and-out on the ensuing drive to bring the UWW offense back onto the field starting from their own 44.  

UW-Whitewater opened the drive with a 21-yard completion to Steven Hein but that’s where the drive stalled. Isotalo-McGuire nailed a 36-yard field goal to pull UWW to within one, 14-13, the only score of the third quarter.  

Punts in three consecutive possessions for a second succession in the half, had the Warhawks once again starting from their own 44. The Pioneer defense came up with another big play, intercepting a Lewandowski pass on the first play. An additional penalty on the play had UWP starting at the Warhawk 23. UW-Platteville turned the takeaway into points with a field goal to extend their lead to 17-13 with 12:19 left in the game. 

The Warhawks’ next drive stalled at the Plattevile 39. UWW went for it on third and eight but Lewandowski was sacked giving the Pioneers the ball back at their own 46. Once again UWW’s defense registered a clutch series forcing a three-and-out punt.  

Pinned deep in their own zone and despite a pair of big pass plays, the Warhawks were unable to extend the drive and were forced to punt giving the Pioneers the ball back with less than five minutes remaining.  

Another three-and-out gave the Warhawk offense another shot. UWW had two-and-a-half minutes to go 84 yards.  On third and nine, Lewandowski looked for Tyler Holte near the sticks – Holte thought he had hauled in the low pass but the referees signaled incomplete. Lewandowski was sacked on fourth down for the turnover on downs. Platteville ran out the clock, taking a knee the rest of the way for the 17-13 win.  

Lewandowski was 16-34 for 181 yards with four interceptions. Jaylon Edmonson tallied 16 carries for 68 yards while Tamir Thomas went for 59 yards on seven attempts on the ground. Sam DeLany was the top target with 64 yards on four receptions. 

Defensively, Ryan Liszka was credited with 11 tackles including six solo adding 1.5 sacks in the contest. Kyle Gallagher also registered a sack for a loss of eight yards.   

Whippets Defeat Mount Horeb in a 5 Set Thriller, To Continue Tournament Run at Edgewood Saturday

The Whippet Volleyball Team gets to compete another day with the win against visiting Mount Horeb on Thursday, October 20! The Whippets came out firing and battled Mount Horeb down to the wire in a 5-set match within an electric home gym 25-23, 14-25, 25-23, 24-26, 15-6!

“This team came to play tonight. I have to give it to Mount Horeb; they played so tough and never gave up. This was an exciting match to be part of! However, I could see it in our eyes, that we were not going to allow us to come away with anything but a win. I know I have said this so many times before, but this team is unbelievably selfless. I have never coached a team like this before. There has not been one minute that they ever thought about anything but their team. And, they played like it!”

The Whippets saw outstanding performances at the net again from our middles. Aidyn Amundson is playing with confidence and she gave us exactly what we needed at the net! Jenna Pope was battling, and her block dominated in the 5th set with 4 blocks.

Zoe Kohl was asked to step in, and she produced! She passed outstanding and gave us the spark we needed from the bench!

“I always remind them volleyball is about putting streaks together, and minimizing errors. We did just that. If we had a few errors, they picked each other up. They are truly selfless and about the team. Caleigh Yang, Ella Spear, Cali Grosinske, Cali Kopecky, and Kindyl Kilar were outstanding on defense. There was never a ball that dropped without an all-out effort to keep it in play. CC Alexander played tough at the net, and Marina Linos was ready, and I felt played her best swinging match this season. Ella Spear is playing so consistently. She is reading hitters and digging to keep us in system”

Kilar continued, “I felt Calli Grosinske had an outstanding setting night, and finished with 40 assists. What was most impressive was her leadership. She never got down after a mistake, and that presence is exactly what we need from our setter. I was so proud of her tonight. Kindyl Kilar was our rock. She stayed level headed and led with her play both on offense and defense. She finished with another double double and had 33 kills, 24 digs, 4 aces, and 4 blocks. To add a little icing on the cake, her first swing sent her over the top into first place as all-time career kill leader as a Whippet.”

Statistical leaders on the night included Grosinske with 40 assists, Jenna Pope and Kindyl Kilar with 33 kills, 4 blocks, and 4 aces, and Kilar with 24 digs. Mount Horeb’s leaders included Ruby Dohlk with 17 kills, Sami Norton with 48 assists, Norton, Kennedy Meyers, and Jayna Schultz with 2 aces, Myers with 28 digs, and Andie Moore with 3 blocks.

Now, we set our sights on Edgewood. The Whippets will head to Edgewood on Saturday, October 22, for the Regional Final at 7:00 p.m. Thank you to all the fans who supported us; the gym definitely had a home court advantage thanks to all of you! Hope to see you on Saturday!

Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org