Marathon Volleyball Returns to State Tournament
The Red Raiders qualified for the state volleyball tournament for the first time since 2014, facing Watertown Luther Prep in the semifinal.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Volleyball
Marathon's volleyball team advanced to the state tournament after a 26-24 sectional final win, ending a 14-year absence. The Red Raiders will face Watertown Luther Prep, which holds a 33-2 overall record, in the state semifinal on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Resch Center.
Why it matters
The return marks Marathon's first trip to the state tournament since 2014 and gives the program a chance at its first volleyball state title with a win in the semifinal. The run was built on comebacks from more than five points down in multiple sets this season.
The sectional final win came by a 26-24 score after Marathon trailed 24-20, and the team's last state appearance was in 2014, a 14-year gap. Watertown Luther Prep enters the semifinal at 33-2 overall, and the outcome of the Nov. 6 matchup remains unknown.
The players
Marathon Red Raiders
The Marathon High School volleyball program from Marathon, Wisconsin, returning to the state tournament for the first time since 2014.
Watertown Luther Prep
The Watertown, Wisconsin volleyball program entering the state semifinal with a 33-2 overall record.
The details
Marathon's squad, led by senior captains Kate Love, who has more than 1,000 digs, and Maven Schneider, who has more than 1,000 assists, came back from deficits of more than five points several times this season. Freshman outside hitter Maddie Jansen fills the sixth position as a hitter and all-around option.
Timeline
2014: Marathon last appeared in the state volleyball tournament.
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2026: Marathon won the sectional final 26-24.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026: State semifinal against Watertown Luther Prep at the Resch Center.
Season Trajectory
Marathon's return to the state tournament after its 2014 appearance ends a 14-year gap and places the Red Raiders among the state's final four this season. A semifinal win would give the program its first volleyball state title, a milestone it has not reached in its history.
A win in the Nov. 6 semifinal would send Marathon to the state championship match, its first appearance in a title game. Fans planning to attend can expect the Resch Center venue to host the semifinal on that Friday.
The takeaway
Marathon's run shows how a senior class can drive a team to a deep postseason run by taking ownership of energy and motivation, not just relying on coaching. Readers following Wisconsin prep sports can track the semifinal result on Friday, Nov. 6.
What happens next
Marathon faces Watertown Luther Prep in the state semifinal on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Resch Center.
Further reading
For more Wisconsin high school results, see Volleyball coverage across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wausau Pilot & Review.
