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LA CROSSE — Kari Rosenberg’s prediction had come true.
The 2009 season had been, without question, a challenging one for the Onalaska Luther High School volleyball team. It had been equally taxing on Rosenberg, the Knights’ coach — and understandably so. But truth be told, she expected to experience ups and downs this fall.
Onalaska Luther finished tied for third in the Coulee Conference a year after it shared the league title with West Salem. Rosenberg also had to break in a new starting lineup.
Rosenberg never has backed away from a challenge in her 13 years as the Knights’ coach. But after Aquinas beat the Knights 25-19, 25-19, 25-16 in a WIAA Division 3 regional semifinal on Oct. 23 at Reinhart Athletic Complex, she was eager to start looking ahead to 2010.
“I knew things would be challenging. ... This was a year where I had to teach (the players) all the little points of the game,” Rosenberg said. “Once they saw all the little points and how they all fit together, success started to come.”
Rosenberg is optimistic the Knights, who will lose three seniors to graduation, will experience more success next season. Outside hitter Jessie Kish, who had a team-high 10 kills against Aquinas, will be a senior and a key player. Onalaska Luther also will return another key player in setter Rachel Zibrowski, who also will be a senior.
“Next year we are going for the conference (title), and I see no reason why we shouldn’t get it,” Rosenberg said.
HOLMEN: The Vikings broke a 26-match MVC losing streak and finished with a 4-8 league mark. They lost to Verona 25-12, 25-19, 25-16 in a Division 1 regional final on Oct. 22.
ONALASKA: The Hilltoppers finished seventh in the MVC at 0-12. They lost to MVC champion Sparta 25-12, 25-7, 25-11 in a Division 2 regional semifinal on Oct. 20.
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