‘Jays fall to Dons in D-4 sectional

By Casey Krautkramer

The Athens varsity volleyball team shocked No. 1 seed Marshfield Columbus in the first set with a 25-21 win. The Bluejays, however, couldn’t keep their momentum going in Thursday’s WIAA Division 4 sectional semifinal in Columbus’ raucous gym.

Athens lost the next three sets by scores of 25-12, 25-23 and 25-7 to end the match. The Bluejays conclude this season with a 30-12 match record. Marshfield Columbus ended up losing, 3-0, to Wonewoc-Center in Saturday’s sectional championship.

On Thursday, Athens junior Danica Diethelm’s attack kill gave the Bluejays a 22-20 lead against the Dons in a close first set in the sectional semifinal match. Bluejays sophomore Sy’Rih Hartwig’s kill gave the team a 23-20 advantage. Diethelm’s ace serve gave Athens a 24-21 lead and the team won the first set on Columbus’ hitting error.

Athens senior Jazelle Hartwig led the team with 13 kills and her younger sister, Sy’Rih Hartwig, added eight kills against Marshfield Columbus.

Senior Faith Nowak and Diethelm recorded one ace each for the Bluejays. Senior Sophia Coker paced the Bluejays with 17 digs on defense while Jazelle Hartwig added 13 and Diethelm had 10. Jazelle Hartwig led the team with 14 assists against the Dons.

BLUEJAYS ON THE ATTACK- Athens senior Sophia Coker on Thursday hits the volleyball over the net in the first set against Marshfield Columbus during the WIAA Division 4 sectional semfinals match. Athens sophomore Sy’Rih Hartwig looks on.

STAFF PHOTO/CASEY KRAUTKRAMER

CELEBRATING A FIRST SET VICTORY- Athens volleyball players enjoy winning the first set, 25-21, against Marshfield Columbus in the Dons’ gym on Thursday.

STAFF PHOTO/CASEY KRAUTKRAMER