Manitowoc Lutheran defeated Wabeno/Laona in the state semifinals

GREEN BAY (NBC 26) – No. 1 Manitowoc Lutheran defeated No. 4 Wabeno/Laona (25-13, 25-17, 25-18) in the WIAA State Girls Volleyball Division 4 semifinals.

The Lancers were led by sophomore outside hitter Ava Stuebs, who finished the game with 24 kills.

“Ava is our spark plug,” said Manitowoc Lutheran Head Coach Lacey Behnke. “We are riding the wave of Ava. She has always been our leader. She loves the challenge of taking on the team.”

Stuebs said her confidence allows her to be so dominant.

“I’ve really tried to keep my confidence up because once I get going, I don’t know, I just can’t put it in the net anymore,” Stuebs said.

Stuebs knows the work isn’t done and is ready to fight for the state title on Saturday.

“I believe we can win,” said Stuebs. “If we play at full strength, like we do in every single game, then we’ve definitely made it.”

Wabeno/Laona head coach Michelle Boor recognized the Lancers after the game.

“Hats off to Manitowoc Lutheran,” Boor said. “They are incredible. We didn’t have an answer for number four.” [Ava Stuebs] We gave it everything we had and everything we tried to put down, they took it.”

Manitowoc Lutheran will face Regis for the state championship at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Resch Center.