Volleyball: Chargers’ Groshek, Fraaza make CWC-East first team

W-B’s Muscha, Clark and Bonduel’s Hoffman all tabbed to second team
By: 
Morgan Rode
Sports Editor

WITTENBERG — The Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School volleyball team had big aspirations coming into the season, and by working as a team, was able to enjoy a strong season on the court.

Wittenberg-Birnamwood had six players named to an all-conference team after winning the Central Wisconsin Conference-East Division title with a perfect 6-0 mark.

“This season was amazing for me,” said senior Marissa Groshek. “I truly have never had a better group of people to play with and they are all some of the best girls I could have ever met. They made playing so much more than just a game and we had a special bond among each other. This season is one I will never forget.”

Groshek and junior Abi Fraaza each landed on the all-conference first team as unanimous selections.

Seniors Elizabeth Muscha and Kaitlyn Clark each made the second team, while junior McKenna Metropulos and freshman Reese Rogowski were honorable mentions.

In conference play, Groshek accumulated 52 attack kills and 15 total blocks.

“I think getting first team is really cool because it shows that not only does your team believe in you, but so do the other teams in your conference, and you must have made a good impression on them,” said Groshek.

Fraaza finished conference play with team-highs in attack kills (59) and total blocks (30).

“It means a lot to be named all-conference as a junior because last year I wasn’t able to play (because of an ACL injury) and I missed competing every day with my friends,” said Fraaza. “This year I wanted to come out and prove that I was back and better than ever. With all my teammates’ and coaches’ support, it helped me improve my confidence and my success.”

Muscha served as the Chargers’ libero this fall. She totaled a team-high 70 digs and 12 service aces in CWC-East play.

Clark made a big impact for Witt-Birn at the net, tallying 35 attack kills and 24 blocks.

Metropulos was the team’s setter, racking up 183 assists in conference play. She also tallied 13 kills, 14 blocks and 16 digs.

Rogowski was another strong hitter the Chargers could turn to, recording 36 attack kills to go along with 13 blocks.

Witt-Birn earned a No. 5 seed in Division 3 for the postseason, topping 12th-seeded Coleman before losing to fourth-seeded St. Mary Catholic.

Bonduel

Injuries constantly plagued Bonduel throughout the fall season, with several underclassmen playing big roles by the end of the year.

One player that avoided the injury bug and always seemed to rise to the challenge was freshman Josie Hoffman, who made the CWC-East second team.

“Honestly, it means so much to me, I couldn’t be more happy,” Hoffman said. “It really motivates me to really improve my skillset and just become mentally and physically stronger in this game.”

The freshman finished the conference portion of the season with 59 kills, 24 solo blocks, 88 digs and 10 aces.

“This honor has definitely changed my mindset completely. I know the upcoming offseason I am going to be in the weight room as much as I can and just really work on improving the little things,” said Hoffman.

The Bears were a No. 14 seed in Division 3 for the playoffs, dropping their opening match to third-seeded Crivitz.

Menominee Indian

The Menominee Indian volleyball team did not have a player named to an all-conference team.

The Eagles were a No. 15 seed in Division 3 for postseason play, and were eliminated by second-seeded Lourdes Academy.

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