Witt-Birn’s Metropulos the top volleyball player

Area high school volleyball teams enjoyed memorable fall seasons, with a number of individuals turning in big performances.

Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School junior London Metropulos turned in a monster season and was named the NEW Media Inc. Player of the Year for her play.

“Having the support from my teammates and getting to experience this amazing season together,” said Metropulos on what helped her have a big season.

Metropulos totaled 416 attack kills on the season, about 4 per set. Her kill percentage was 39.4.

She finished with 20-plus attack kills in five matches.

Metropulos was second on the team with 62 service aces and 217 points. The junior also racked up 50 total blocks and 247 digs.

“Playing club volleyball in the offseason definitely helped improve my overall game,” said Metropulos.

Some of the junior’s biggest matches came on the team’s run to state.

She tallied a season-high 26 attack kills and 20 digs in a regional title win over Bonduel. Metropulos combined for 30 attack kills in two sectional matches.

“My favorite memory from this season is definitely the sectional championship because of all the support we got from our fans,” said Metropulos. “It was a very surreal experience and not very many teams often get to experience it so I am very grateful that we could.”

Through all the highs of the season, Metropulos’ favorite individual moment wasn’t any kind of statistical achievement.

“My favorite individual accomplishment is when I hit the ball and got it stuck in a nail in the ceiling at the conference championship game in Weyauwega (on Oct. 11, when the Chargers won the Central Wisconsin Conference-East Division title),” said Metropulos.

Honorable mentions

The individual talent in the area was off the charts this fall.

Shawano made a run at a Bay Conference title. Alix Heath served as the team’s setter and also provided strong serving.

Bonduel was also led by a setter, Hailee Thompson. She racked up 712 assists, 302 digs, 61 aces and 149 attack kills on the year. Audrey Weier totaled 307 kills, while Macy Niles amassed 409 digs.

Gresham’s Chloe Bohl and Tigerton’s Skyler Hauser led their respective teams and shared the Player of the Year honor in the CWC-North. Bohl tallied 214 attack kills and 31 blocks, while Hauser had 256 attack kills, 42 block kills and 220 digs.

Emily Bruss, another setter, guided Pulaski this fall. She was the Co-Player of the Year in the Fox River Classic Conference after tallying 593 assists, 235 digs, 52 aces and 116 attack kills.

Oconto Falls had a really strong fall season, but had a number of players make a big impact. Amber Otto and Brailyn St. Louis tallied 394 and 318 attack kills, respectively, on the year, with Otto also among team leaders for serving and digs. Kyndra Staidl recorded 467 digs and 130 assists.

Lena’s Natalie McNurlen and Suring’s Christine Sleeter were stars in the Marinette & Oconto Conference and both made the first team. Sleeter helped the Eagles to a top seed in the playoffs, but it was McNurlen that guided the Wildcats to a regional title.

To get to state, teams need more than one great player. Witt-Birn had several.

Reese Rogowski capped the season with 367 attack kills and 325 digs. Lilly Betry had 400 assists, 255 service points and 77 aces, while Payton Foster had 440 assists.

Team of the Year

Witt-Birn was the Team of the Year after its incredible season.

The Chargers finished 28-9 overall and went 7-0 in the CWC-East to win the title.

The team earned a No. 1 seed for the postseason and defeated No. 9 Coleman and No. 4 Bonduel to win the regional title. Witt-Birn then downed No. 2 Weyauwega-Fremont and No. 1 Edgar to advance to state for the first time in school history.

Witt-Birn was topped by Howards Grove in a state semifinal match.

sports@newmedia-wi.com