Surging Warriors capture SEC title

Muskego - After enduring a season filled with ups and downs, the Muskego girls volleyball team is making its usual late rush.

The Warriors captured the Southeast Conference Tournament championship at home on Saturday, capping their effort with a triumph over Kenosha Tremper, avenging their lone SEC dual loss this season.

They also downed Oak Creek in three straight games on Oct. 11 to finish the SEC dual campaign at 6-1.

Muskego has made a habit of rounding into top form right at tournament time, advancing to the WIAA Division 1 state championship match the past two seasons and claiming the crown in 2009.

Once again, coach Karen Anderson's team seems primed for another strong WIAA tournament run.

"We are playing more consistently now," Anderson said. "That is the difference. We are feeling encouraged by (the tournament play). If we can continue to build on what we had last week, we should be in good shape. We are giving ourselves a chance to win. The team went a long way this weekend."

Muskego received the top seed in its sectional and will take on either Racine Horlick or Franklin at home at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 in a regional championship match. The Warriors downed both of those teams in three games earlier this season.

A victory sends them to a sectional semifinal at Greenfield High School at 6 p.m. Oct. 27.

In Saturday's SEC Tournament, Muskego opened with a 25-21, 25-12 decision over Racine Case, then dropped Kenosha Bradford, 25-23, 25-16, in the semifinal.

In the title match, the Warriors beat Tremper, 25-21, 25-18. They had lost to the Trojans earlier this season in five games, when they were hurt by numerous errors.

Laura Felker tallied 15 kills for the tournament, while Kaitlyn Hein totaled 13, Mary O'Connor 12 and Jordan Wachowiak 11. Bianca Borga tallied 24 assists, Chelsea Lallemont 28 digs, Michelle Fugarino 19 digs and two aces and Wachowiak six blocks.

Muskego downed Oak Creek, 25-16, 26-24, 25-11, on Oct. 11 behind 11 kills by Kayla Bluemel, 28 assists from Borga, 17 digs by Lallemont and five aces by Fugarino.

Now the Warriors will set their sights on the state tournament series.

"The time (for improvement) is definitely now," Anderson said.