Windthorst Rocks Milano, 15-6, 15-8

Strahan coliseum was rocking with "point Windthorst" chants Friday morning as the 5-time defending state champs used a tremendous size advantage to overpower Milano 15-6, 15-8 in the opening match of the 2002 state volleyball championships.

Windthorst's 6'0" middle tandem of freshman Danielle Veitenheimer and sophomore Kandis Schroeder and powerful outside Allison Schreiber combined for 23 kills.

Milano, which ends the season with a 24-8 record, was led by Rebekah Melton with 7 kills.

Windthorst (35-3) jumped to a 9-2 lead in game one and never looked back. Milano kept it close for a time in game 2, but Windthorst broke open a 7-7 tie with five straight points then rolled on to Saturday's championship match.

"I thought we kept our focus and intensity up in the first game, then we relaxed a little in the second," said Windthorst coach Stacy Wolf. "I was very happy with the way Danielle played, being a freshman in this situation. We did well enough to win and move on, and that's what is important."

Statistical leaders

Windthorst
Kills - Danielle Veitenheimer 9, Allison Sdchreiber 8, Kandis Schroeder 6, Amanda Osterman 3, Brittany Schroeder 2, Tessa Sales 1
Blocks - Allison Schreiber 1S, 1A; Danielle Veitenheimer 1S, 2A; Amanda Osterman 1A
Assists - Brittany Schroeder 12, Allison Schreiber 10

Milano
Kills - Rebekah Melton 7, Roxie Ely 5, Holly Scarpinato 4, Triston Graham 2, Erica Rasco and Neile Bush 1
Blocks - Roxie Ely 1S, 1A; Rebekah Melton 1S; Holly Scarpinato 1A.
Assists - Neile Bush 9, Erica Rasco 8