This story is sponsored by: The University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
CHIPPEWA FALLS – The Marshfield volleyball team owed Eau Claire North some payback.
The Tigers, who were knocked out of last year’s playoffs by North in five games, got their revenge, beating the Huskies 25-13, 25-15, 16-25, 25-17, in a WIAA Division 1 sectional semifinal Thursday night at Chippewa Falls High School.
Marshfield moves on to a Division 1 sectional final Saturday against Wisconsin Valley Conference rival Merrill at Wausau East High School. The winner moves on to the WIAA State Girls Volleyball Tournament next week in Green Bay.
Marshfield, which played in seven state tournaments during a nine-year stretch from 1998-2006, hasn’t been back in six years.
Merrill, on the other hand, hasn’t been to state since 1982. The Bluejays lost to Eau Claire North in the sectional finals in each of the past two seasons.
During the regular season, Marshfield won two of three matches against Merrill. The two teams split matches during the WVC season, each going five games, and the Tigers won a match 2-1 during the Marshfield Invitational to open the season in Augusta. Marshfield’s win over Merrill at that tournament was the first time in four seasons the Tigers beat the Bluejays.
Senior Tiffany Stargardt had team-highs with 21 digs and 18 kills for the Tigers.
Darian Molter added 20 digs, Tori Nanstad had 18 digs and three service aces, Mikala Sebastian was big up front with eight blocks and Chelsea Akin added three aces for Marshfield.