Heights spikers impress at Rio

Wisconsin Heights’ girls volleyball team went 3-1 at the Rio Invitational last Saturday and finished second overall. “We had a solid day,” Heights coach Katie Doescher said. “Our girls really played together as a team and it was noticeable.” Heights opened with a 25-17, 25-15 win over North Fond du Lac, then toppled Faith Christian, 25-18, 18-25, 15-10. In the semifinals, the Vanguards downed Rio, 25-19, 22-25, 18-16. “During our matches against Rio and Faith Christian, we faced some challenges with strings of lost points, digging some holes for ourselves and dropping both of those second sets,” Doescher said. “But they were able to stay calm, focused and come back for the win with a determined mindset.” In the championship match, though, a terrific Abundant Life team downed the Vanguards, 25-9, 25-16. Lauren Smith finished the tournament with 25 kills and eight blocks for Heights, while Sonja Severson had 13 kills and 27 digs. Izzy Sutherland had 12 assists and five blocks, while Mia Blicharz had 24 assists. Haydan Louis had 25 assists and nine aces, while Maya Luko had 18 digs and six aces. Vanessa Wagner added 19 digs and Ayla Schwarz had 11 aces. Heights also dropped a 25-17, 25-19, 25-15 decision to Belleville on Oct. 1.  Smith had four kills and six blocks, while Severson had three kills and 12 digs. Blicharz had five assists and Sutherland had three kills and three blocks. Louis added four assists and eight digs, while Schwarz had two aces. “We struggled to find focus and sustain our mental and physical energy against Belleville,” Doescher said. “We had times within sets that it seemed like we were starting to play our game and come on stronger, but we just couldn’t keep it going.  “The girls worked hard the rest of the week at practice and showed improved intensity, cohesiveness and offensive progress, which we carried over into the Rio tournament.”