St. Ambrose advances for first state trip with win over determined Vikings

The Vikings were right where they wanted to be Saturday night and that was competing for a berth in the WIAA state volleyball tournament,

They had a new team in their way in St. Ambrose. It was the first year of competing as a single squad for the Guardians as they were with Abundant Life last year.

St.  Ambrose ended up making their first ever trip to state as they held off the determined Vikings  who, as they say, left it all on the court.

The Guardians won the first two sets 25-16, 26-24 before the Vikings pulled away 25-17. But St. Ambrose regrouped and forged their way to a 25-17 decision to close out the win.

Senior outside hitter Penny Schell had a dominating performance at the net with 28 kills and three blocks, just a little better than Six Rivers West co-player of the year Loretta Tisch who recorded 24 kills.

Sophomore Ashley Buss added nine kills and Penny’s sister, Rosie added eight.

The final point of the night for the Guardians came from sophomore Anna Reis who hit a service ace that ended the night.

Pecatonica coach Melissa Schlimgen refused to let the loss dim what was a very successful season.

“Overall 16-8, Six Rivers Conference 8-4, winning Regionals for the first time in 31 years and progressing into the Sectional Finals. ...” she pointed out.  “This was accomplished by having an incredible group of seniors who lead our team, sustaining a culture where our younger players were included in such a positive way. I'd like to congratulate Loretta Tisch and Tatum Kurschner on their first team all conference awards, and Loretta also earning Co-Player of the conference. Additionally I would like to recognize Chayse Hirsch on an incredible senior season earning an Honorable Mention Award, and Brooklynn Johnsrud on earning our Sportsmanship Team Award.”

“With 87 teams in Division 5 and two ranked in the top five in the Six Rivers East conference, I certainly feel that our tough in-season competition prepared us to go far in the postseason. I couldn't be more proud of this team and their outstanding accomplishments in our 2025 season.”

VIKINGS STATS

Kills (50)

Loretta Tisch 24

Brooklyn Muench 18

Aces (5)

Loretta Tisch 3

Aleah Harris 1

Tatum Kurschner 1

Blocks (4)

Aleah Harris 2

Tatum Kurschner 1

Isla Jorenby 1

Digs (142)

Loretta Tisch 37

Ella Orloff 30

Tatum Kurschner 19

Chayse Hirsch 17

Cayla Doescher 16

Brooklyn Muench 11

Assists (45)

Tatum Kurschner 36

Lila Schlimgen 5

Aleah Harris 2

Loretta Tisch 2