MCDONALD'S SWNEWS4U.COM GAME OF THE WEEK (Aug. 27–Sept. 3)
Onalaska Great River Sprawl Volleyball Invitational

By Casey Lindecrantz, Tri-County Press, Republican Journal

Cubans roll to 7–0 to win 24-team Sprawl Invitational title

ONALASKA – The Cuban volleyball team got its 2024 campaign off to a strong start at the Onalaska Sprawl, where they went undefeated across last Wednesday and Thursday to take home the Gold Bracket Title.

Cuba City (7–0) didn’t drop a set over its five matches in pool play. 

“I was really impressed with our efforts from the serve line, and our ability to stay in system,” Cuban head coach Keri Lawson said.

The only opponent that carried Cuba City to extra points was Green Bay Preble in the teams’ first set, but the Cubans came away with the win 26-24. They closed the match the next set with a dominating 25-16 win.

A pair of 2-0 wins preceded Cuba City’s win over the Hornets — first against Hillsboro (25-17, 25-20) then over Black River Falls (25-14, 25-7). The Cubans maintained perfection against Ashland (25-8), and Pittsville (25-8, 25-13) to close out pool play 5-0.

Ella Vosberg and Lainey Runde led kills on the day with 26 and 20, respectively. Vosberg also led Cuba City in digs with 21, followed closely by Aly Ingersoll with 20. Lainey Runde was the block leader at seven, and Isabelle Digman set the pace in both aces (7) and assists (72).

The Cuban effort on day one put them on track to compete in the Gold Bracket during the second day.

Much like the first day, Cuba City started hot, taking down Webster in two sets (25-7, 26-16).

Division 1 opponent, Onalaska, was the only team standing between the Cubans and a title, and the traveling squad had no intention of quitting their winning ways.

The Hilltoppers took the first set narrowly, 27-25, before Cuba City cleaned house with 25-19 and 15-12 set wins. 

Vosberg was at the top of the kill charts with 29, while Digman maintained her ace (4) and assist (67) roles. Lainey Runde topped the Cubans in blocks with 10, and Alexis Runde claimed the most digs on day two with 67.

“We had a balanced attack, and picked it up on defense when we faced Onalaska,” Lawson said. “The Sprawl is always a good place to start the season off, and prepare for the SWAL season.”

Cuba City kicked off its SWAL conference season Tuesday night with a win at Mineral Point, the only SWAL opponent to hand it a loss in 2023. 

Pool Play Day 1 — Cuba City 5–0
from Wednesday, Aug. 28 @ Onalaska  
Cuba City 2, Hillsboro 0
Cuba City 2, Black River Falls 0
Cuba City 2, Green Bay Preble 0
Cuba City 2, Ashland 0
Cuba City 2, Pittsville 0
Day 1 Stat Leaders — Kills: Ella Vosberg 26, Lainey Runde 20. Blocks: Lainey Runde 7. Assists: Isabelle Digman 72. Aces: Digman 7. Digs: Vosberg 21, Ally Ingersoll 20.

Gold Bracket — Cuba City 2-0
(from Thursday, Aug. 29 @ Onalaska)
Cuba City 2, Webster 0
Cuba City....25 25
Webster.........7 16

Cuba City 2, Onalaska 1
Cuba City....25 25 15
Onalaska....27 19 12
Day 2 Stat Leaders — Kills: Vosberg 29. Blocks: Lainey Runde 10. Assists: Digman 67. Aces: Digman 4. Digs: Alexis Runde 67.