The SPASH volleyball team recognized its seven seniors on Senior Night Thursday, Oct. 17, when the Panthers beat Merrill to win the WVC Title. Pictured are, from left; Maggie Lawrynk, Merriah Niedfeldt, Maddy Dokken, Taylor Hamerski, Olivia Stroik, Miranda Rusin and Faith Kitowski. (Contributed photo)

Portage County Gazette

By John Kemmeter

With the Wisconsin Valley Conference (WVC) Title on the line, the Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) volleyball team beat Merrill at the SPASH Fieldhouse Thursday, Oct. 17, to win its second consecutive Conference Title.

After the Panthers won the WVC Title last year for the first time since 2000, the Panthers and Merrill entered the conference finale Thursday night tied atop the WVC standings this season at 9-2, with the winner to take home the Conference Championship.

SPASH won the first set 25-21 to grab a 1-0 lead over Merrill Thursday night, and then pulled out the second set 26-24 to go up 2-0.

In an extended third set, the Panthers won 27-25 to complete a 3-0 sweep and win back-to-back WVC Titles.

Senior Maddy Dokken finished with 10 kills and 13 digs; senior Olivia Stroik totaled nine kills, 13 digs and six service aces; junior Amahra Matthai had two solo blocks and three block assists; senior Merriah Niedfeldt handed out 25 assists; and senior Taylor Hamerski added 11 digs.

SPASH will start the playoffs next week, as it received the third seed in its WIAA Division 1 Sectional and will host 14th-seeded Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln in a Regional Semifinal at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24.