Lady Falcons set to contend for title

Westosha Central coach Charlie Berg reports the enthusiasm is still present with the Lady Falcons' squad. The team returns multiple leaders, including Sarah Blair, Devin Gillespie and Laura Shoopman (File Photo).
Westosha Central coach Charlie Berg reports the enthusiasm is still present within the Lady Falcons’ squad. The team returns multiple leaders, including Sarah Blair, Devin Gillespie and Laura Shoopman (File Photo).

Westosha Central girls volleyball returns several leaders

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

One game away from the WIAA Division 1 State Tournament.

That is where the Lady Falcons volleyball squad left off last year, but Westosha Central High School returns an experienced core of five senior letter-winners from a team that finished 6-1 in the Southern Lakes Conference, one game behind Burlington.

Through 50 overall contests, the Lady Falcons compiled a 30-20 record, and produced a set record of 77-50.

Lady Falcons coach Charlie Berg believes the squad can challenge Burlington for the conference title, noting the Demons are still the team to beat, despite losing Quinn Spieker and Ali Reuter to graduation.

While the Lady Falcons lost senior Rachel Barthel, last year’s team leader in kills with 290, and setter Tanika Johnson, the team touts a team of enthusiastic returners.

“We feel we have the returning talent to challenge for a conference championship,” said Berg, who enters his 40th season as coach. “Right now Burlington is still the team to beat, and until that happens, all the rest of us will be vying for that top spot.”

Returning talent includes first-team all-SLC selection Kaeley Mueller, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter, 5-foot-10 middle blocker and second-team honoree Abi Marcquenski, and Sarah Blair, a 5-4 honorable mention libero.

Berg expects Mueller and Blair to step up, replacing Barthel as the vocal leaders of the squad.

“With the graduation of Rachel as our voice, that role will fall on Kaeley Mueller and Sarah Blair,” said Berg.

Bolstering the front row is 6-foot-1 sophomore Laura Shoopman, an outside hitter who finished second in kills with 254 last year.

Finishing behind her was Mueller at 246, 5-10 junior Devin Gillespie at 222 and Marcquenski with 179.

Additionally, Marcquenski led the Lady Falcons with 142 blocks.

“Abi leads in her aggressive style of play and Laura is becoming a very confident sophomore who is gaining strength and will be a tough player to defend,” Berg stated. “Devin Gillespie has one of the best swings on our team and has an unlimited potential. Her game can take over a game.”

Gillespie added 201 digs and 49 service aces.

With a formidable front row, the back row exhibits several key returners, including Blair and sophomore honorable mention Sierra Lee and Kennedy Muff, both setters.

While Blair finished with a team-leading 606 digs, Lee contributed 505 assists and Muff added 258.

Also returning are seniors Nikki Stratton (5-11 middle blocker/right side hitter), Julianna Ellerbrock (5-9 right side hitter).

Newcomers are 5-10 sophomore Ella Kaebisch, 5-4 defensive specialist Haley Hovland, and freshman DS McKenna Hall, who is 5-5.

While Berg credits Stratton and Ellerbrock for bolstering senior leadership, contributing in all departments, the slew of newcomers should reinforce the Lady Falcons’ depth.

“McKenna and Haley will be solid defenders and contribute in many ways. Ella will add blocking and attacking strength for us even though she is only a sophomore,” Berg said.

After their appearance at the Watertown Preseason Invitational Tuesday, the Lady Falcons play at Kimberly to start the Homestead Joust in Mequon, before taking on Muskego Sept. 3.

 


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