The Kimberly Papermakers secured their ticket to the WIAA state tournament with a commanding 3-1 victory over Fox Valley Association rivals Manitowoc on Saturday. The decisive win, marked by scores of 25-20, 25-15, and 27-25, ensures the Papermakers will compete for a state title for the 14th time in program history and the second consecutive year. This achievement sets the stage for a highly anticipated rematch against Waunakee, who defeated Kimberly in the quarterfinals last season.
Key Match Highlights & Tactical Analysis
Kimberly’s offensive engine roared to life, led by Natalie Weyenberg, who tallied 11 kills to spearhead the attack. Senior Harper Van Lannen contributed eight kills, while Bri Hagglund and Haylie Dulas each added seven to keep the scoring balanced. On the back row, Aubrey Van Camp orchestrated the offense with 30 assists, providing crucial distribution to the hitters. Defensively, the Papermakers held firm, with Finley Van Lannen leading the team with four digs, while Harper Van Lannen and Hagglund recorded nine and eight digs, respectively, to stabilize the pass.
The victory underscores the team’s resilience and focus on redemption after last year’s elimination. Senior Harper Van Lannen emphasized the internal drive required to return to the state stage, noting that the goal was always to prove their capability to themselves. With a balanced roster and a proven track record of deep tournament runs, the Papermakers enter the state tournament with momentum and a clear objective: to overcome their previous obstacle and push further into the bracket.
Source: Yahoo Sports
