Divine Savior Holy Angels volleyball team wins WIAA D1 state championship

Ashwaubenon’s Divine Savior Holy Angels volleyball team secured their seventh WIAA Division 1 state championship title after a hard-fought 26-19, 25-11, 25-23 victory over Bay Port in the championship match on November 7. This marks the program’s seventh state championship, tying Abbotsford and Burlington Catholic Central for the third-most in state history since the WIAA started sponsoring the tournament in 1973.

Junior outside hitter Harper Wendlick reflected on the team’s determination, stating, “Coming off last year, even straight after that loss, it was remember this feeling, remember this for next year.” The Dashers (45-4) finished the season by winning their last 12 matches and lost just one set at the state level.

The Dashers faced adversity during the championship tournament, losing the first set to Wisconsin Lutheran 17-9 in the semifinals. However, they quickly turned the tide, winning the next two sets and carrying that momentum into the championship. Freshman outside hitter Tegan Loechler emphasized the team's focus on proving they were a strong team after last year’s loss: “I think we did just that.”

Bay Port (26-9) fought back in the final set, taking the first two points and forcing a tiebreaker. However, DSHA’s defense held strong, and a service error by Bay Port allowed DSHA to take a 21-20 lead, which they never relinquished. Wendlick contributed 20 kills and a .500 hitting percentage, while Loechler added 22 assists. Junior libero Marley Connor contributed 17 digs, and senior setter Meghan Bruss led Bay Port with 28 assists.

Coach Caitie Ratkowski praised the team's performance, noting, “Our second set was really awesome. The match overall against Wisco, that battle back that we had, I think that was probably our best match. But I think the second set of the match tonight was our best set.”

Bay Port coach Mackenzie Hurst acknowledged the Dashers' dominance, stating, “We were a little bit slow to start, found our fight in the end. Unfortunately, it was a little too late. But that’s a great volleyball team. We knew it was going to be a fight like that. Hats off to them. Congrats.” This championship victory is a memorable way for the seniors to end their high school careers, despite the coaching changes they faced during their time on the team.