Despite defeat, Heights spikers are big winners

Wisconsin Heights’ girls volleyball team might have dropped a 3-0 decision to Marshall on Oct. 8. But the Vanguards — and Breast Cancer Recovery of Dane County — were both big winners. The Vanguards hosted Dig Pink Night and raised more than $2,000 for breast cancer. “That’s a big win there and an awesome opportunity for our girls to be a part of something bigger than our gym,” Heights coach Katie Doescher said. As for the volleyball itself, a solid Marshall team toppled Heights, 25-15, 25-15, 25-16. Sonja Severson led the Vanguards with three kills and 16 digs, while Haydan Louis had five assists and two aces. Lorelai Sutherland had two aces, Mia Blicharz had six assists and Lydia Crowe had four kills. “Marshall is a tough opponent who challenged us with their defensive coverage and offensive attacking,” Doescher said. “I am proud of our girls for giving great effort, continuing to play as a team and staying supportive and positive even when we were down.” Overall, Doescher has seen substantial growth from the Vanguards. “As a team, we definitely showed improvements in this match in comparison to our last with Marshall,” she said. “It’s also fulfilling to see those achievements and growths that happen with individual players who have been working hard on certain skills — things maybe others watching might not notice, but to our coaches and within our team it’s exciting to see those growth moments.” • On deck: Heights was at New Glarus Tuesday, travels to Cambridge Thursday at 6:45 p.m., then is at the Marshall Invite Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. “Looking forward to our last week of conference play,” Doescher said. “We continue to work on improving a more aggressive offense as well as our defensive readiness and reading.”