Eagles’ spikers have great expectations

Sauk Prairie’s girls volleyball team has become a state powerhouse in recent years. The Eagles reached the WIAA Division 2 state tournament in 2020 and 2022, finishing second overall in 2022. Sauk Prairie has gone 134-18 in the last four seasons — an 88.2 winning percentage — and won three Badger Small Conference titles in that time. So what is Sauk Prairie’s reward? A move up to Division 1. The WIAA’s performance factor for division placements promotes school programs that reach a threshold of tournament success based on a performance point system allocated over a three-year period.  The Eagles’ recent successes means the 2024 team must move up a division. While that task is daunting, Sauk Prairie is excited to attack it. “We have another heavy road ahead of us, but we’re excited for the challenge,” Eagles’ second-year coach Allison Steinmetz said. “We are now a D1 school, which makes our sectional look a little bit different. Our goal is to win the conference and get to state.” Sauk Prairie returns a terrific nucleus from a team that went 33-6 overall last year and reached the sectional finals, where it fell to McFarland. Senior setter Grace Shadewald was named first-team all-Badger Small Conference last season and will lead this year’s Eagles. Shadewald ran the Eagles’ 5-1 offense last season and finished with team-highs in assists (859), digs (238) and aces (78). “Greta will keep the offense moving and is one of our captains this year,” Steinmetz said. “Her work ethic, volleyball knowledge and skills set her apart from other setters.” Senior middle hitter Gracyn Meyer was named second-team all-conference a year ago when she finished the year with 245 kills and 97 blocks. “Gracyn works great with Greta (Shadewald) and will do well with both blocking and hitting for us,” Steinmetz said. “She is also one of our captains.” Junior outside hitter Mallory Hartwig was named honorable-mention all-conference last season after finishing with 278 kills, 44 blocks and 250 digs. “Mallory’s an extremely strong outside hitter,” Steinmetz said. “She will play all around for us as she can pass, set, and hit.” Junior rightside Alaina Kraemer is a returning starter, while sophomore Mackenna Murphy steps into the libero role. “Alaina is tall and has a great arm swing,” Steinmetz said. “McKenna works hard, doesn’t give up and is always willing to learn.” Newcomers expected to contribute include juniors Leah Allen, Leah Engelby and Ella Logterman, and sophomores Lila Shadewald and Ava Cannon. Overall, Steinmetz and the Eagles are expecting another big season. “These girls bring a sense of joy to the game, are respectful, hardworking, fun, and dedicated,” she said. “This is going to be another great year.” • DeForest 3, Sauk Prairie 0 — The Eagles fell to the Norskies, 25-23, 25-18, 25-23, on Sept. 3, in their opening match of the season. Greta Shadewald had 24 assists and four aces for Sauk Prairie. Mallory Hartwig had 10 kills and 10 digs, Marissa Kruckman had seven digs and four kills, and Gracyn Meyer had five kills and three aces. • Sauk Prairie 3, Reedsburg 0 — The Eagles routed the host Beavers, 25-8, 25-16, 25-21 on Sept. 5. Greta Shadewald had 29 assists and four aces, while Mallory Hartwig had 15 kills. Gracyn Meyer had 10 kills and 1.5 blocks, and Marissa Kruckman added a block.