GREEN BAY — Xavier High School added another trophy to its cabinet on Saturday night, winning the Division 2 girls volleyball state championship for the third time since 2022. The Hawks overcame a spirited challenge from Kettle Moraine Lutheran (KML) in a five‑set thriller at the Resch Center.
After taking the first two sets 25‑21 and 25‑18, Xavier saw KML rally to claim the third set 20‑25 and surge ahead in the fourth, leading 24‑19. The Hawks, however, rallied with an 8‑1 run to close the fourth set 27‑25 and force a decisive fifth set, ultimately prevailing 15‑12.
Coach Herriges Praises Grit and Depth
“Unbelievable,” head coach Luke Herriges said after the match. “Kettle Moraine Lutheran is such a talented team and just has so many good players at every position. They threw everything they had at us and our kids dealt with the adversity.” He added, “It was a real gutsy effort from our kids not to give in. Our backs were against the wall, but they kept fighting.”
Herriges highlighted the team’s balanced attack as a key factor. Five Xavier players recorded at least seven kills each, providing multiple offensive options when fatigue set in. “One of our keys to the game was spreading the ball around because we have terminal hitters all over,” he explained. “We emphasized that in the fourth set, and it paid off.”
Community Celebration
The championship win sparked excitement among Xavier families and Green Bay supporters who gathered at the Resch Center. The victory reinforces the program’s reputation for developing well‑rounded athletes who excel both on the court and in the classroom.
Local businesses and alumni have long supported the Hawks, and the latest title adds to the school’s growing legacy of athletic excellence. Fans can look forward to the team’s upcoming season, where the coaching staff expects to build on this momentum and continue fostering a culture of perseverance and teamwork.
For more coverage of local high‑school sports, follow reporter Doug Ritchay on X @dougritchay.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
