This story is sponsored by: Valley Communities Credit Union
By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
SPENCER – A week ago, Spencer volleyball coach Buff Heller was worried about the Rockets’ focus heading into Tuesday’s WIAA Division 3 regional quarterfinal against Cadott.
He said many of the players were already looking ahead to a potential showdown with Marawood Conference South champion Auburndale and a rematch with Cloverbelt Conference East champ Owen-Withee in the next two rounds.
However, when the team gathered for practice on Sunday, all of the focus was on Cadott and it carried over into Tuesday’s match.
Spencer, the No. 2 seed in the regional, got its offense rolling early and never let up, beating the Hornets 25-16, 25-14, 25-20, to advance to the regional semifinal at home against No. 3 seed Auburndale on Friday. Auburndale beat Stanley-Boyd 3-1 in its regional quarterfinal.
“Last week they were taking about (a matchup with Auburndale) a whole lot,” Heller said. “It was our homecoming too, Then we came in for practice Sunday and Monday and there was not one word about Friday or Saturday. Cadott’s a decent team. They’re above .500 and a No. 7 seed, is kind of scary.”
Junior Courtney Schulz led the Rockets’ powerful offense with 19 kills from her middle hitter position. Outside hitters Tara Matter had eight and Marcie Hebert added seven kills, and setters Kyleigh Hebert had 16 assists and Kylie Esser had nine assists.
Spencer jumped out to a 17-6 lead in the first game, never giving Cadott a chance.
The Hornets held their own early in the second game, taking a 6-5 lead on a kill by Erika Tannler, but Spencer responded with a 6-0 run on the serve of Kyleigh Hebert. The Rockets closed the game with another impressive 7-0 run to take control.
Spencer coasted to a 16-6 lead in Game 3. Cadott mounted a comeback, getting within 23-20 after a kill by Sydney Stephens and an ace by Andrea Bourget, but the Rockets settled in after a timeout and Marcie Hebert’s kill helped finish off the victory.
“The first two games we started really strong,” Heller said. “In the third game they took their foot off the pedal a little and let them back in it a little bit, but they were able to put it away. They just had to add some drama to it at the end.
“Everybody’s playing a little harder, they know their spot. As long as we can stay mentally strong, I think we can play with anyone.”
Spencer beat Auburndale 2-0 at the Auburndale Invitational in September, winning two close games. Heller said he expects Friday’s duel to be another tight one.
“I told the girls, ‘Prepare for five,’” Heller said, expecting a five-game match with the Apaches. “I don’t think anyone’s going to be left in this regional after this round that’s not going to be a really tough match. I looked at our regional, and there are four or five teams that could win it.”