Warrior hits a career milestone

Helen Utecht set the goal at the beginning of the season. Last week, she achieved it.

Utecht reached 1,000 career assists for Ozaukee High School’s volleyball team.

“It was a very exciting moment that I got to share with my teammates and coaches. I have put a lot of time and effort into volleyball over the years, so reaching 1,000 assists is a moment I will always remember,” Utecht said.

“While this is an achievement for myself, I am very grateful for my teammates who have supported me and made this possible.”

The milestone is more significant given the timing.

“She really did it in two years. Even though she’s running a 5-1 (offense), that’s a lot to get in two years,” coach Amy Barnes said.

Utecht, she said, worked for this goal, spending one-on-one time with hitters during summer.

“She’s a quiet leader. She goes about her business. She really works hard in practice. She stays late, makes sure she’s getting the ball where they need it,” she said.

Ozaukee on Oct. 13 beat visiting Lomira, 25-12, 25-17, then Winnebago Lutheran, 25-22, 25-13. Maddie Barnes had 11 kills and Adalyn Krenek had nine. Utecht had 23 assists.

Last Thursday, Ozaukee won at Wayland Academy, 25-17, 25-13, 25-13. Krenek had 11 kills, and Barnes and Kennedy Brown each had nine. Barnes had eight aces. Utecht had 22 assists.

Ozaukee got a 5 seed in the Division 4 tournament and was to host No. 12-seeded Kohler on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The Warriors beat Kohler twice this season. The winner plays at No. 4-seeded  Sheboygan Lutheran on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Cedar Grove-Belgium on Oct. 13 lost at Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah, 22-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-17. Lauren Lueth had 14 kills, and Claire Lukens had 13. London Rulli had 24 assists, and Lauren Hopeman had 11. Kaylie Gulke had 19 digs, and Lukens had 18.

The Rockets got a 7 seed in the Division 3 tournament and was to host No. 10-seeded  Valders on Tuesday. The winner plays at No. 2-seeded  Oostburg on Thursday, 22.