Sectional Final Heartbreak
The Rhinelander High School girls soccer team saw its season conclude in the Wisconsin Division 3 sectional final, falling 3-1 to a disciplined Rice Lake squad.
Earlier in the tournament, the Hodags had stunned Lakeland 2-0 in the semifinals, a victory highlighted by a decisive goal from Vivian Lamers in the 67th minute that sealed the win.
The semifinal also featured a breakout performance by Ella Miljevich, whose first‑half strike opened the scoring and set the tone for the upset.
Early Lead and Swift Response
In the championship match, Rhinelander struck first when Lamers found the net just minutes into the game, giving the Hodags a 1-0 advantage.
Rice Lake answered within two minutes, leveling the score and shifting momentum as the contest unfolded.
The second half proved decisive; Rice Lake added two more goals, pulling away to a final 3-1 result that ended the Hodags' campaign.
Key Players
Ella Miljevich’s early goal and Vivian Lamers’ dual contributions — both in the semifinal and the final — were pivotal to the team’s run, while Jordan Manske’s defensive work helped keep the Hodags competitive.
The team’s journey, marked by a surprise upset and a hard‑fought final, reflects the growing prominence of girls soccer in the Rhinelander community.