Janesville Tops Gehlen Catholic in State Semifinal
Gehlen Catholic's volleyball season ends after a three-set loss to Janesville in the Wisconsin state semifinal.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Volleyball
Gehlen Catholic volleyball lost a three-set match to Janesville on Wednesday evening in the state semifinal. Janesville advances to the state championship match against Ankeny Christian.
Why it matters
The loss ends a 23-8 season for Gehlen Catholic, which returned to state for the first time in five years and won a state match for the first time in six. Janesville, which made its second-straight state title game appearance, will play for the championship on Thursday.
Gehlen Catholic's first state match win in six years came in a season that ended at 23-8, with three seniors, Kora Bonderson, Kenadee Sitzmann, and Halle Walgenbach, set to graduate.
The players
Gehlen Catholic
Gehlen Catholic is a Catholic high school in Wisconsin whose volleyball program competes in the state tournament.
Janesville
Janesville is a Wisconsin city whose high school volleyball team has reached consecutive state title games.
Ankeny Christian
Ankeny Christian is a high school in Iowa whose volleyball team will face Janesville in the state championship match.
The details
Janesville's front row featured several strong blockers that made offensive success difficult for Gehlen Catholic. Gehlen Catholic fell behind by large margins in the first two sets and rallied in the third set, but could not complete the comeback.
Timeline
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Janesville defeats Gehlen Catholic in the state semifinal.
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 7:00 PM: Janesville faces Ankeny Christian in the state championship match.
Season Trajectory
Gehlen Catholic's return to the Wisconsin state tournament after five years marks a rebound within the WIAA bracket. Its large returning roster positions the program as a potential contender next season.
Fans wanting to follow the remaining postseason action can track the Thursday state championship match between Janesville and Ankeny Christian. Gehlen Catholic's returning players will carry the program into next season's schedule.
The takeaway
Gehlen Catholic's state run shows how a single season can rebuild a program's postseason standing after several years away. Its returning roster offers a foundation for the next campaign.
What happens next
Janesville faces Ankeny Christian in the state championship match on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
Further reading
Explore more Wisconsin volleyball coverage for the state tournament picture.
