Two weeks into his tenure as Middleton’s boys volleyball coach, it’s become apparent Rob Kleinschmidt will schedule the best competition he can find.
Kleinschmidt did just that last week, and Middleton enjoyed a thrilling few days — splitting four matches against a bevy of state powers.
On March 8, Fond du Lac defeated Middleton, 25-19, 18-25, 26-24. The Cardinals bounced back, though, later that night and toppled Kaukauna, 25-22, 21-25, 25-21.
The Cardinals also downed Madison Edgewood, 25-15, 25-14, 25-20, on March 11. Kimberly, the defending state champion, then edged Middleton, 20-25, 25-11, 20-25, 25-17, 15-13, on March 13.
In Middleton’s loss to Fond du Lac, Cole Sweitzer had 10 kills and DJ McCall added nine kills and three blocks. Nick Stott had 37 assists and Jackson Pertzborn added four digs.
Middleton led Fond du Lac, 24-21, in the third and deciding set. Fond du Lac closed the match with five straight points, though, to prevail.