Columbus Catholic Dons Fall in WSAW-Reported Division 4 State Semifinals

Columbus Catholic’s Title Quest Falls Short in State Semifinal

The dream of a first state volleyball title for Columbus Catholic ended in Green Bay on Tuesday, as the Dons fell to Heritage Christian in a Division 4 semifinal match. The loss, WSAW reported, came on the opening day of the girls’ state tournament at the Resch Center, a stage the Dons reached for the second time in the last three years.

Despite the defeat, the season was a remarkable journey for the team, which had swept through all but one playoff game. The Dons entered the state tournament with a singular goal: to capture the championship that has eluded them. However, Heritage Christian, the defending state champions, stood firmly in their way.

The Semifinal Showdown

The match unfolded in three sets, with Heritage Christian securing the victory with scores of 25-16, 25-23, and 25-18, as WAOW detailed. Columbus Catholic started strong, with Xoey Bluth and Cardyn Blenker combining for a key early block, showing the grit that carried them through the postseason. Abby Kibbel, who finished with a team-high 10 kills, continued to be a offensive threat, including a memorable no-look hit that brought the Dons within striking distance in the second set.

Columbus Catholic vs. Heritage Christian – 2026 WIAA Division 4 Girls Volleyball State Semifinals

Kaila Stempniewski's serving helped her team pull ahead by two points late in the second set, as she delivered back-to-back aces. In the third set, the Dons again fell behind but mounted a rally, only to see Heritage Christian pull away late to seal the win and end Columbus Catholic’s season.

The Dons played the crucial semifinal match without their libero, Liv Baccera, an absence that undoubtedly impacted their defensive stability and ball control throughout the contest.

Columbus Catholic vs Heritage Christian | 2026 WIAA Volleyball State Semifinal | Zaleski Sports

“This team is so special, they just love one another so much and we played with so much heart, I’m so proud of each and every one of them. Thank you to all the fans, we had so many fans come out today to support us, we just felt all of the love and it was just such a great memory today even though it didn’t go the way we wanted.” Katrina Egle

A Senior’s Final Stand

For senior Sophie Wilczek, the match marked the end of an era. As the only senior on the team, Wilczek leaves Columbus Catholic with two state tournament appearances to her name.

“Our team has such a strong bond. We just love each other so much and we’d do anything for each other so to end my senior season at the Resch was just spectacular and I’m just so proud of all my teammates to get here and we worked so hard and although we didn’t win today I know they gave it everything they have and I’m just so thankful for the past four years and for getting to play with all my best friends,” Wilczek said, according to WSAW.

Wilczek reached the 1,000-career assists milestone earlier in the season, showing her skill and dedication over the past four years.

The Road Ahead for Other Area Teams

While Columbus Catholic’s season concluded, two other local teams are still alive in the tournament and will compete for a chance to play in the Division 3 championship on Saturday. Marathon and Stanley-Boyd are set to face off in the Division 3 semifinals on Friday, Nov. 6, with both matches starting at 8 a.m.