CAMPBELLSPORT - The Denmark volleyball team's season flashed before its eyes and the Vikings didn't blink.
The Vikings came back from a 2-1 set deficit to beat Campbellsport on Thursday to advance in the WIAA Division 2 tournament.
Denmark (16-8 overall record) took the opening set 25-19 before Campbellsport (26-13) took set two 25-18. The Cougars appeared to gain the upper hand with a set three win of 25-15, but it was then that the Vikings dug in.
Denmark led most of the set until the Cougars made a late comeback and eventually had a match point at 25-24 in the fourth set. But the Vikings would hold Campbellsport off and win 4 of the next 5 points to take the fourth set 28-26.
In the fifth and deciding set, Denmark got off to a strong start with a 4-1 lead but Campbellsport cut into that advantage and the Vikings’ lead was just 8-7 at the midway point of the set and 12-11 a few points later. From there it was close until the end with the Vikings finally ending the match with a 15-13 set five win.
The victory now moves the Vikings into the regional final at Appleton Xavier on Saturday at 5 p.m. The host Hawks come into the match with a 26-11 record and have been strong in the tournament in recent years including a Division 2 state title in 2023 and a final four finish in 2022. A season ago, Xavier reached the sectional final but fell to Denmark rival Luxemburg-Casco in three sets.
UP NEXT
Saturday, Oct. 24: WIAA regional final at Appleton Xavier, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 22
WIAA Regional Semifinal
DENMARK 3,
CAMPBELLSPORT 2
Denmark 25 18 15 28 15
Campbellsport 19 25 25 26 13
