Wiaa Wisconsin

Wiaa Wisconsin: The No. 3-seeded Ships cruised to an easy first-game victory over No. 14 Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln, then battled through a tough second game and slow start in Game 3 to sweep the Red Raiders 25-8, 25-20, 25-10 at JFK Field house.

The Ships will advance to take on Stevens Point in the WIAA regional finals. The No. 6 Panthers beat No. 11 Bay Port 25-17, 25-19, 25-22 on Thursday night.

The time and date of the regional final are yet to be determined due to the funeral visitation of Marine Cpl. Justin Cain that will take place at JFK Field house from 1-6 p.m. on Saturday.

Game 1 was the type of start Manitowoc was looking for in the regional. The Ships jumped out to an early lead and controlled play on nearly every point. Manitowoc took control at the net and the few points Wisconsin Rapids was able to record came on fluke plays.

The second game began with a 4-1 Wisconsin Rapids run. That’s when Manitowoc knew it was not going to be a walk in the park.

“With all the distractions we had — where we are going to practice, where we are going to play — I thought we did fairly well that first game,” Manitowoc coach Mary Beth Dixon said. “That second game was a little shaky. We did some things different, but that shouldn’t have made a difference.

Wiaa Wisconsin