SPASH volleyball team makes WIAA state tournament for first time since 1986, 'Why not us?'

STEVENS POINT – Before the first serve in the Division 1 semifinal, a River Falls parent approached third-year Stevens Point coach Mackenzie Kyle and raved about the character and connectedness of the 2025 SPASH volleyball team. The parents watched the local Zaleski livestream of the semifinal match and were inspired by the postgame interview of the group and the tremendous respect they displayed. That group of 2025 Panthers, spearheaded by a multitude of productive contributors went on to pull off a tense 3-2 set victory over River Falls to earn a trip to the WIAA state volleyball tournament, clinching a bid for the first time since 1986. It’s been a long time coming, and once the final...