Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 136 No. 1 Fall 2014 | Page 17

WSD vs. Indiana School for the Deaf 8-25, 15-25
The newer members of the Lady Firebirds had a wonderful opportunity to advance their level of play when they
faced the Orioles from Indiana. ISD served and hit hard and fast. The Lady Orioles quickly put up eight points
to WSD’s three points. The next ISD player served for ten straight points. WSD was able to volley back but did
not get a side out. ISD took the first game. The team huddled and discussed their defensive options. WSD made
adjustments and were able to keep pace with ISD and stopped their great serving. At the end of the first rotation,
WSD was ahead 10-9 but the beginning of the next rotation saw ISD putting up seven points. Both teams fought
hard with long volleys and kills. ISD continued their run to win the match but the Lady Firebirds fought hard.
WSD vs. Waukesha Christian Academy 25-23, 28-26, 25-23
WSD finally won their second match of the season by beating Waukesha at home. Waukesha was able to lead
the first game 18-14 but junior Halina Kangas rallied the Lady Firebirds with eight points including two aces.
Sophomore Briana Robertson, senior Teresa Baumgartner, junior Katelyn Miller, and senior Lyssa Matsche each
had an ace serve. WSD took the first game by two points. Both teams matched point for point until senior Emma
Menzel finished the game with two final ace serves. The third game was no different with both teams matching
up point for point until Menzel inspired WSD with five points to take the lead for good. The Lady Firebirds
looked in the rearview mirror and found Waukesha within a point but WSD tweeked out a victory, winning the
final game by two points.
WSD vs. Grace Christian Academy 21-25, 25-15, 25-22, 25-13
The Lady Firebirds faced Grace at home and continued their winning streak. In the first game, senior Madi
Conine served for three points while Matsche and Miller each had one ace serve with Miller serving for eight
points. Grace Christian still managed to win the first game. The Lady Firebirds came back in the second
game behind Matsche’s three aces, Kangas’ one ace, and Menzel’s two aces. Sophomore Rylee Kannanman
contributed an ace to go along with five points. The Lady Firebirds never looked back in the match. They won
the third and fourth games behind Matsche’s combined 22 service points including 11 aces, Emma Menzel’s six
points and one ace, Kannaman’s five points and two aces, and Besaw’s three points.
WSD vs. Rock County Christian School
8-25, 13-25, 22-25
The Lady Firebirds opened the match with the first point,
which was answered immediately by 13 straight points
from Rock County. WSD restructured its defense but was
unable to play consistent defense. In the second game,
WSD found their offense but still struggled defensively as
evident by the 5-13 deficit. Rock County eventually won
the game. WSD battled hard in the third game from a 12-19
score to keep it close until the final score of 22-25.
WSD vs. Missouri School for the Deaf
25-11, 25-21, 25-18
In a warm-up to the Central States Schools for the Deaf
tournament, senior Lyssa Matsche opened the first game
with four service points, including an ace. Elizabeth
Besaw and Alaqua Cox each added five points with two
and four aces respectively. Matsche slammed the game
with five points including three aces. Missouri attempted
to fight back in the second game, leading at one point 15
to 8. Wisconsin responded and brought the game to 1516. Besaw finished the game with eight points including
four sharp aces. The final game was close until Matsche
squelched the Eagles’ high hopes with four aces.

LEFT:
Senior
Elizabeth
Besaw gets
ready for
an ace.

Fall 2014 - 17