Oconto Falls wrapped up its regular-season volleyball schedule with a historic conference championship, two individual milestones and a tough four-set loss to the No. 1-seeded Fox Valley Lutheran Foxes.
On Oct. 12, the Panthers defeated Marinette to claim the first North Eastern Conference championship in program history, finishing conference play with a perfect 7-0 record.
Senior Lucy Ripley was recognized for breaking the Oconto Falls High School record for career block kills. The previous record of 177 was set by Teri Malingowski in 2008.
Assistant coach Carly Hanson presented Ripley with a commemorative volleyball in recognition of the achievement. Hanson was among the former Panther athletes whose records Ripley surpassed on her way to establishing the new mark. Ripley currently has 182 career block kills and counting.
The milestones continued in the first set when senior setter Izzy Otto reached 3,000 career assists, becoming the first setter in Oconto Falls volleyball history to achieve the milestone.
“Reaching 3,000 assists is a tremendous accomplishment that reflects Otto’s leadership, consistency and ability to put her teammates in position to succeed,” coach Rochell Otto said.
That night also marked Senior Night, as Oconto Falls honored nine senior players and senior manager Kazlyn Graves.
“This group has brought something unique to the program, helping shape the culture of Panther volleyball through its commitment, leadership and contributions,” Otto said. “The impact these seniors have made on the program will be felt for years to come.”
Leading the Panthers against Marinette, Otto recorded 18 assists and three aces. Ripley finished with 10 kills and three aces, while Melanie Frank added five kills. Brylee Gorman contributed four kills and six aces, Ella Jahnke had four kills, and Rhiana Van De Yacht recorded three kills and seven digs. Rylan Macha also added six aces.
On Oct. 14, Oconto Falls faced No. 1-seeded Fox Valley Lutheran and fell in four sets. They won the first set 28-26 but dropped the next three, 25-20, 25-22, 25-15.
Oconto Falls closed its regular season with a 34-5 record, a perfect 7-0 conference mark, and the program’s first conference title.
Oconto Falls volleyball seniors, are, from left, Viv Moua, Ella Jahnke, Rylan Macha, Rhiana Van De Yacht, Leah Bigelow, Izzy Otto, Brylee Gorman, Kazlyn Graves, Elsie Trochil and Lucy Ripley. (Contributed)
