Chris Caporale, sports@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Chris Caporale Shawano Community High School sophomore middle hitter Brandi Gueths serves during the second game of Shawano’s 3-0 victory over Menasha.
Leader Photo by Chris Caporale SCHS senior Erika Dunnam hits through a double block during the third set of Thursday night’s sweep of Menasha. Dunnam finished the game with 23 kills and 20 digs.
On a night when the Shawano Community High School girls volleyball team’s senior class would be recognized, the seven seniors made sure their moment was not going to end in a loss.
From the opening game Thursday, senior middle hitter Erika Dunnam powered past the visiting Menasha Bluejays in a 25-13, 25-19, 25-18 sweep in Bay Conference play.
“They came out with determination and we knew we needed to step it up,” SCHS head coach Jessica Cumberland said. “We can’t back down now where we are in our season, so we have to keep pushing it and excelling.”
Senior setter Annelies Young continuously set Dunnam, leading to 23 kills. Junior Miranda Washinawatok was second in kills with five.
“We knew coming into the game that she was pretty much the only person they would set, so we knew a lot about her,” Menasha co-head coach Sarah Trottier said. “We worked a lot with our middles blocking and making sure we focus on her because they don’t really go to many other outlets. I think we did a good job of even blocking her in the back row.”
After shaky passing kept Menasha (2-10, 1-4 Bay) well behind the Hawks in the first game, the second game included even play. Tied 10-10, the teams split the next 12 points, leading to a 16-16 tie before Dunnam took over the game.
Her kills helped Shawano pull away, and she served an ace to finish off the game.
Dunnam and the senior class were determined to put on a good show in their final regular-season home match. Shawano (21-10, 4-2 Bay) could receive another home match depending on its seeding in the WIAA regional in 10 days.
“Erika always puts her heart into the game,” Cumberland said. “Every time she steps on the court, she gives 120 percent and everything matters to her when it comes to volleyball.”
Three of the Hawks’ defensive specialists are also seniors: Kira Corn, Alexis Stephens and Lexi Dobberstein. The experience in the back row helped keep the Hawks in system, allowing Young to keep setting Dunnam.
Hitters Katelin Senzig and Meagan Ward also played vital roles in warding off the Bluejays in the decisive third set.
“I expected them to step it up and prove themselves,” Cumberland said. “And that’s what they did. Obviously, there are emotions on senior night, any senior night, but they put on their game face and they played their game.”
Young finished the game with 28 assists, four kills and two aces on the night.
Dunnam tallied 20 digs to go with her dominating performance on offense. Junior libero Saige Henning added 10 digs.
“I have been with this senior class since I moved to Shawano. I coached (Shawano) Storm for a year, and this senior class has taught me a lot,” said Cumberland, with tears welling up in her eyes. “They’ve believed in me, and I’ve believed in them. They taught me not to give up.”