Merrill fell one step away, losing to Eau Claire North in a sectional final for the second consecutive year.

In New Richmond, Kellan Flynn had 10 kills and eight blocks, and Anna Nyberg added nine kills and six digs to lead Tomahawk to a 25-17, 25-8, 25-21 win over Altoona in a Division 2 sectional final. Anna Sudbury chipped in with 32 assists.

"I think all three (state trips) are special for different reasons," Tomahawk coach Jen Pfannerstill said. "I think this team has been the most improved from the start of the season to the end."

In Ashwaubenon, Abby Brown had 20 kills and 12 digs, and Brianna Jankowski had 31 digs to lead Newman Catholic to a 25-16, 25-13, 25-19 win over Wabeno in a Division 4 matchup.

The Cardinals will face Owen-Withee in the state semifinals Friday. Owen-Withee swept Rib Lake in a sectional final. Janelle Vircks added 17 digs for the Cardinals.

"We're very excited to be down at the state tournament," Newman coach Betty Lange said. "Gotta give credit to the coaching staff and players. It's a great group of girls."

In Eau Claire, Taylor Laube had 44 assists and Abbie Richardson had 23 digs to lead Eau Claire North to a 25-23, 11-25, 25-19, 25-23 win over Merrill in a Division 1 matchup.

Jess Sabey had 19 kills and eight digs, and Renee Sladek had 15 kills and four blocks to lead the Bluejays. Lindsey Krueger led Merrill with 38 assists, and added 11 digs and five kills.

"The season goal was to get to state and it put everything in perspective," Merrill coach Stephanie Nelson said. "The girls played phenomenal. We played smarter and great defense in the second game.

"We dug ourselves into too big of holes in each game," Nelson added. "We had too many mistakes."