Moving on up

There is experience up and down the roster. There is talent throughout the gym. And there’s a head coach who’s certainly done her share of winning. Is it any wonder that expectations for Sauk Prairie’s girls volleyball team are sky high this season? The Eagles return five starters and eight letterwinners from a team that went 31-14 overall last season. And Sauk Prairie — which opened its season Tuesday by hosting Lakeside Lutheran — believes big things await this fall. “We do expect another winning season and a possible run at state, if there ends up being a tournament,” said Sauk Prairie head coach Amy Schlimgen. “This is an incredibly talented team that has been working really hard in the offseason. We have fared well against some of the best teams in the state this summer and are looking forward to meeting them again during the season.” Schlimgen certainly knows a thing or two about winning. She led Wisconsin Heights to state four times in her 24 years there and guided the Vanguards to a state championship in 2008. Schlimgen took over the Eagles’ program in 2019 and had a solid first season. Sauk Prairie went just 2-6 in the Northern Badger Conference, but upset Madison Edgewood in the WIAA Division 2 regional semifinals, before falling to eventual state runner-up McFarland. The Eagles return several key cogs from that team, led by senior setter Olivia Breunig and junior outside hitter Aida Shadewald — a pair of second-team all-conference selections last year. Breunig was also named the Eagles’ MVP and was an honorable-mention all-state pick after compiling 462 assists, 364 kills, 245 digs, 44 aces and 31 blocks. “She’s great at everything,” Schlimgen said of Breunig. “She’s smart and aggressive.” The 6-foot Shadewald led the Eagles last season with 443 kills, 320 digs and 85 aces. She also added 44 blocks. “Aida grew a couple of inches since last season and is hitting harder than ever with an amazing vertical,” Schlimgen said. Senior defensive specialist Kaitlyn Brickl is “smart and always hustling,” according to Schlimgen. Junior middle hitter Olivia Paukner has been, “hitting better and faster, she’s more aggressive and confident,” Schlimgen said.  Sophomore setter Jenna Pistono is both quick and athletic. And junior Alia Schlimgen is back after missing the 2019 campaign with a torn ACL and will help anchor the back row. Sophomores Maggie Hartwig, Anni Braund and Alexis Klemm have also impressed early. “I’m excited about some very talented and athletic sophomores who will be key factors to our successes,” Schlimgen said. Schlimgen said there have been some challenges with COVID-19. Overall, though, things have gone swimmingly to begin the year. “There seems to be no apprehension about playing and all seem eager to get a full season in,” Schlimgen said. “I think this pandemic and the possibility of another shutdown season has made everyone appreciate their sports teams even more than before. “The challenges about coaching through this are minor sacrifices we have to make — different drills to minimize contact, different team gatherings, etc. The most frustrating thing has been the schedule. We can not go to any bigger tournaments, which we always looked forward to, but I am thankful for a full schedule of duals, triangulars, and quads. Now we just have to stay healthy so we can participate in all that have been scheduled.” Several teams in the Badger Conference opted to play their seasons in the spring. But 74% of schools across the state are playing fall volleyball, and the WIAA recently announced the state tournament will be held Nov. 5-7 in Green Bay. Sauk Prairie’s only trip to state in school history came in 2009. And while reaching the state tournament is certainly a lofty goal, Schlimgen believes these Eagles could soar that high. “We expect to fare very well this season as long as we keep improving,” she said. “I expect us to be one of the best teams in the area.   “We would be contending for the conference title if we were to have a conference season this year, but we don’t. I have only been at this school for two years, but I would be willing to bet they haven’t had a team this talented in over 10 years.” Which could make for a thrilling year.