Tri-County Lady Penguins are Regional Champions

Arayanna Foster celebrates the Lady Penguins’ victory on Oct. 24 during their first round of Regional action.

Cali Easting hits the ball back to New Lisbon’s court. Eastling led the teams in attacks during Regional action, with 17 kills on against New Lisbon and 15 kills against Randolph.

Makenna Rettler assists the Lady Penguins to get the ball ready for a kill.

Tri-County Lady Penguins scored two 3-0 wins, earning them the 2024 Regional Champion title. The team will now face off in Sectionals on Oct. 31 in Portage.

Posted Thursday, October 31, 2024 1:09 pm

News staff

The Tri-County Lady Penguins prepared for takeoff against the New Lisbon and Randolph Lady Rockets for the Regional Champion title following the first week of WIAA tournament action.

During their first round of WIAA action, the team welcomed the New Lisbon Lady Rockets on Oct. 24. Tri-County was able to climb their way to the top, winning in 3 sets. The first and second set had the teams neck and neck, with the score being tied several times. The Lady Penguins took close wins in the first two sets – 25-23 and 25-22. The third match went smoothly for Tri-County, who brought the heat for a 25-11 win.

Cali Easting was on fire for the Lady Penguins, making 17 kills, 3 assists, 4 blocks, and 16 digs. Addyson Rettler also helped control the court, getting low for 20 digs and going high for 5 kills. Makenna Rettler also led the Lady Penguins with attacks and digs, recording 12 kills and 13 digs throughout the night. M. Rettler also had 3 blocks and 1 assist. Courtney Hildebrandt aided the team with 10 digs of her own.

This win advanced Tri-County to the Regional Championship game on Oct. 26, when they hosted the Randolph Lady Rockets. The Lady Penguins were able to swiftly score a second win in 3 sets yet again, overtaking Randolph 25-21, 25-9, and 25-7.

Tri-County Head Coach Jessica Rettler praised the team for their hard work this season. Rettler celebrated the athletes, stating “Cali Eastling had a tremendous performance of 15 kills no errors, a 484 hitting %, 3 aces, 10 digs, and 5 blocks. Makenna Rettler added 11 kills with no errors, 14 assists, and 24 digs. Kaila Foster added 10 digs, and Addyson Rettler added 13 assists and 12 digs. Natalie Rasmussen was once again challenged with finishing out some set points with her serves and she nailed them.” The Lady Penguins will travel to Fall River southeast of Portage on Thursday, Oct. 31 to compete in the sectional semifinal match. The match begins at 7 p.m.

By Hayley Sroka, Editor