News staff
The Tri-County Lady Penguins had a remarkable 2024 volleyball season, finishing the season with a 31-6 overall record. Athletes soared to new heights, setting new individual records, team records, and even winning the Regional Championship title for the first time in 43 years.
Head Coach Jessica Rettler helped reflect on the season to help highlight the growth the team has had both on the court and off. The season had a daunting start, with one player starting the year with appendicitis. Luckily she was quickly able to rejoin the team. The Lady Penguins went on to score four 1st place multi-event finishes in Colfax, Omro, Shiocton, and Greenwood. This gave the team competitive experience, which they were able to take with them throughout their regular season.
“We grew so much as a team these past four years,” stated Coach Rettler, “We emotionally achieved so much in early October which led us through some tough matches and big wins.”
The team ended the fall season with a 31-6 overall record, with only 2 of the losses being in the conference. Coach Rettler shared the experience of the conference match on Oct. 15 with the high pressure of performing on the road.
“Win – we clinch a conference championship. Lose – we are third in the conference,” she recalled.
The team had an outstanding performance, clinching the conference championship with a 3-1 win over Pittsville. This was Tri-County’s first time ever being interviewed for a feature by Zalenski Sports.
With this victory, the team was full of energy going into the WIAA playoffs. Tri-County has only had two teams in school history (1963 and 1981) that were able to score a Regional Championship. The pressure was on again for the team, but they came out triumphant on the other end after taking a 3-0 win over Randolph on Oct. 26. For the first time in 43 years, the team would be advancing to Sectionals!
“Our Sectional pep rally and send-off was extra special,” shared Coach Rettler. The team was full of Penguin Pride as they embarked on their Sectional game in Fall River.
This is where the season would unfortunately come to an end for the girls, losing the tough match in five hard-fought sets. “Losing in five sets was of course a little saddening, but surely wasn’t disappointing. Moments throughout might have felt like a disappointment in the moment, but in the grand scheme of the season, the careers of the six seniors, and the team’s accomplishments this season – I was beyond proud! As were the parents were the parents, grandparents, students, friends, family, community members, and the administration,” Coach Rettler reflected.
While the team as a whole had an extraordinary season, two players were able to reach career milestones. Senior Cali Eastling reached both 1,000 career digs and kills and Makenna Rettler achieved 1,000 career assists. This standout duo made major offensive and defensive contributions to end their volleyball careers at Tri-County High School.
Tri-County volleyball will have six players graduating this year, so next season is anticipated to be a rebuilding year. Their goal will be to hold a winning record and achieve what this team has and then some.
“My coaching philosophy is to lead with composure, be humble, persevere, be resilient, and coach the whole person to be a lifelong great human,” Coach Rettler left off with.
These character traits shine in each of the athletes, who have many accomplishments to celebrate on and off the court.
By Hayley Sroka, Editor
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