Momentum swing helps Shawano sweep Marinette

After cruising through two sets to open Thursday’s match against Marinette, the Shawano Community High School volleyball team found itself in a hole, down 17-10 to the Marines in the third game.

That’s when, seemingly, the Hawks decided they were going to win.

“They really united as a team tonight,” said coach Jessica Cumberland, who moved up from assistant coach after Jean Wolff recently stepped down for personal reasons. “There was a lot of positive energy with it being senior night. Just really knowing that they wanted it in their heart.”

Shawano (2-5 Bay Conference), which was on a five-game losing streak, rallied to a 26-24 win over Marinette (0-7 Bay) to complete the sweep.

On a night dedicated to them, Shawano’s trio of seniors — Courtney Vomastic, Madison McBride and Tori Wiskow — all had a hand in the rally.

Madison McBride finished the day with five aces. Vomastic had four digs.

Wiskow finished with seven kills and two blocks, including a big spike to tie the game at 21-21.

“That was awesome,” Cumberland said. “You probably saw me jumping on the sideline. It was perfect. Perfect set, perfect hit. It was exactly what we needed. It was beautiful.”

An ace by junior setter Annelies Young would tie it again at 23-23. The two teams traded points again before Marinette twice had hits go out of bounds to end the game.

Young finished with 24 assists for Shawano. Miranda Washinawatok had seven kills. Erika Dunnam had 11 kills and five digs.

Shawano won the first game 25-18 and the second 25-14.

Following the game, the seniors were given gifts, read letters from the underclassmen, played games for prizes and were served an postgame meal in the school commons with parents and friends.

“Ultimately, our seniors are our leaders,” Cumberland said. “Every year we have a different group of seniors step up. It’s important to acknowledge them and make it known that they are an important part of the team. And that we’re going to miss them, as well.”