Merrill Varsity Girls Volleyball is part of historic night in Medford

On Sept. 30, 2025, the Merrill Varsity Girls Volleyball Team got to be a part of an historic night for central Wisconsin in Medford. The team competed in the first-ever outdoor volleyball match on the football field under stadium lights. It created “an electric atmosphere for both players and fans,” Merrill Varsity Girls Volleyball Head Coach Kasie Hold said.
“While the setting was unforgettable, the challenges of outdoor play quickly became clear,” she said. “As the temperature dropped, the court grew dewy and slick, causing players to slip and play more cautiously in the first set.”
“Early in the second set, with Merrill leading 5–2, continued slipping prompted officials to move the match indoors,” Holt said. “The sudden change of scenery meant no time for us to warm up on Medford’s court, and the match continued in the school’s fieldhouse — a tight, hot gym packed with noise and energy. It was an exciting environment, though a very different one from what Merrill is accustomed to.”
Merrill ultimately lost all three sets to the Medford Girls. “Medford showcased strong hitters throughout the night,” Holt said. “Merrill’s back row and passing game rose to the challenge with a phenomenal defensive effort, but the team struggled to finish plays and consistently put the ball down. Despite our fight, we ultimately fell in three sets.”

Box Score

Merrill 0 @ Medford 3
Final scores: 11-25, 12-25, 16-25

On Oct. 2, Merrill Girls played host to the ladies from Lakeland Union High School.
“We were ready to regroup after Tuesday’s tough loss,” Holt said. “Following a week of reflection and goal-setting, the team came in prepared for a battle against the Lakeland Thunderbirds.”
“We started off flat in the opening set, but quickly turned the page, showing fight and energy in the second. In the third set, Merrill held a lead most of the way, but couldn’t quite finish, dropping the set and eventually the match in four,” she said.

“Despite the result, there were several bright spots for Merrill. Starting middle Grace Hoff, playing in just her second game back from an ankle injury, was unstoppable at the net,” Holt said. “Hoff tallied 10 kills with only 3 errors, hitting an impressive .280, and added 7 blocks to her stat line. Anytime she was near the ball, she made her presence felt.”
“Setter Kaela Clerveaux also delivered a standout performance, recording 28 assists, 18 digs, and adding 3 kills of her own,” she said.
“Miley Krueger provided a spark from the service line with 4 aces, while Vanessa Pintor anchored the defense, picking up 6 digs and getting touches on several key plays,” Holt said.
“While the Jays came up short, the team is staying focused on growth and improvement,” she said. “With playoffs approaching, Merrill is determined to learn from mistakes and be ready to seize the next opportunity.”

Box Score

Lakeland Union High School 3 @ Merrill 1
Final scores: 25-14, 17-25, 25-19, 25-15