Lisbon libero Addy Happel had quite a week.
On Tuesday, Sept. 26, when Lisbon upset No. 13 (2A) Regina in a five-set thriller, 24-26, 25-21, 17-25, 26-24, 15-10, the senior set a school record for digs in a match with 35.
“She’s came close a few times this season before that,” Lisbon Coach Lance Kamaus said.
Then Thursday, Sept. 28, Happel and the Lion seniors beat Marquette 25-13, 25-13, 25-17.
Then Friday, she was named Lisbon’s homecoming queen.
“I saw her at Casey’s this weekend, and told her I’ve got the practice plan for Monday, but I wanted to run it by the queen first,” Kamaus said. “She laughed at me and rolled her window back up.”
One thing is clear, the senior libero has been a royally good passer for the Lions all season.
“It is consistency of performance,” Kamaus said. “She’s never out of position. She is always where she needs to be.
“Experience is something you win with. She’s our security blanket in the back row.”
Happel and all the Lions had to dig deep against the Regals, falling behind 2 sets to 1. And in the fourth set, Lisbon trailed until taking the lead 25-24.
“We fought off match point three or four times,” Kamaus said. “Some of those involved really good defensive plays. Some were really good hustle plays by Addy and Mykala (Luzum-Selmon). We were able to get that one.”
Then in the fifth set, the Lions jumped out to a lead and held on.
“It was a fun environment,” Kamaus said. “Our student section traveled well and was loud.”
In addition to Happel’s record 35 digs, Luzum-Selmon added 21 digs. Ava Czarnecki led with 25 kills and Luzum-Selmon had 18 kills. Lisbon hit .294 as a team. Kaitlynn Hasselbusch had 53 assists.
It was also a timely win for the Lions, topping a ranked 2A team the week before the 2A postseason pairings are released by the IGHSAU.
Lisbon (20-5) remains unranked in 2A, and given its location, could be sent a lot of different directions for the postseason. And some directions could be right into the teeth of the best teams in the state, like No. 1 Dike-New Hartford, No. 3 Grundy Center, No. 4 Sumner-Fredericksburg or No. 5 Denver, if they get pushed north.
In 2A, Lisbon has its win over No. 13 Regina, and two close losses to No. 15 West Burlington this season.
“We can compete with those guys,” Kamaus said. “Our schedule has been tougher and it has given our kids a little confidence.
“We want to compete with those 2A teams. But we are about the smallest 2A school out there.”
Lisbon (4-0 Tri-Rivers) continued to stay on track for its seventh straight conference title with the win over Marquette.
Luzum-Selmon led with 14 kills, Czarnecki added 10 kills and Sarah Dietsch added six kills.
Hasselbusch had 29 assists and Happel led with 19 digs.
“We were lethargic,” Kamaus said. “That’s part of the kids being teenagers during homecoming week. They had powerpuff football games Wednesday, dance practice in the mornings … by Thursday night, they didn’t have a lot of legs left.
“We didn’t play our best, but a win is a win in conference play.”
Fortunately, the Lions didn’t have a Saturday tournament.
“The varsity kids appreciated having that day,” Kamaus said. “They were exhausted.”
The Lions host North Cedar on Thursday, Oct. 5 for Senior Night.
“The kids will be highly motivated,” Kamaus said.
Lisbon junior Kaitlynn Hasselbusch sets the ball as junior Sarah Dietsch prepares to attack against Midland on Thursday, Sept. 21, in Lisbon.