Campbellsport’s offense was nearly unstoppable on Tuesday night.
The Cougars took control early and dominated in their WIAA regional quarterfinal sweep of North Fond du Lac, winning 25-8, 25-11, 25-5.
Campbellsport (20-13) jumped out to commanding leads in all three sets, for it led 8-0 in the first set before NFDL even got to serve. Senior setter Carleigh Ward had three aces during the run to start the match.
"We really worked on taking every opportunity tonight," coach Jessica Jensen said. "Carleigh really showed up. She wanted to have a good last home match, and she showed up and was ready for that."
Even when NFDL (1-15) was able to handle the serve, the defense got Campbellsport into system and the hitters were able to swing aggressively.
Emma Muraski led the Cougars in kills with 13. She also added six assists playing all the way around.
"It was really exciting seeing the score," Muraski said. "I feel like the team did really good as a whole. This was probably one of the best games we've had.
"Everybody was having a good time and we all just worked together as a team."
Jensen said not only is Muraski a talented volleyball player, but she also brings a positive attitude to the gym every day.
"She's been a really positive light on our team," Jensen said. "She's full of energy, often doing handstands and cartwheels when we're in the middle of practice and some of that positivity bubbles over into our team."
Muraski was one of three players to record at least eight kills. Ellie Smith had eight kills and Shealyn Willacker had nine. All three kills leaders are sophomores.
The offensive depth, which also included 10 combined kills from middle blockers Megan McCarty and Kaylie Jandre, helped Ward to 24 assists.
Ward said the team's passing from the back row helped to make her job easy.
"I feel like my passers just did such a good job of getting the ball up to set me up in the position to set my hitters, who did a really good job of putting the ball down," Ward said.
Senior libero Natalie Sippel led the Cougars in digs and found both Ward and Muraski with pinpoint passes on countless occasions.
"Our passers were really good," Muraski said. "They had every ball up, they were diving for everything. Our passing was really good.
"I think our hitters are really good at reading the sets or reading the block and that's really what helps us."
Sets two and three started similarly to the first. Campbellsport put NFDL away early in each set, starting the second set on a 7-1 run and the third with a 13-1 run.
With the win, the Cougars advanced to the regional semifinal on Thursday against Sheboygan Falls.
PHOTO GALLERY: NFDL at Campbellsport - WIAA Regional Quarterfinal - 10/22/2024
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