Howells-Dodge defeats Cedar Bluffs to advance to state

Howells-Dodge is headed to the state tournament as they defeated Cedar Bluffs 3-0 in the D1-2 District Final in North Bend Thursday night. Head Coach Neil VanLengen talks about what allowed his team to come away with the victory.

"We worked on it the last time we played them. Some of the things we talked about on the whole season basis are blocking and defense. And that's what won the game for us. Our blocking and defense leads to offense. And whatever, defense always wins championships or great games like this. And we really worked hard on blocking."

The Jaguars won set one 25-16, set two 25-17, and set three 25-16.

Kalli Brester registered 11 kills and 14 digs while Sam Brester and Kara Brichacek had 8 kills apiece. Mallory Rolf added 7 kills and 11 digs while Macey Kulhanek recorded 17 digs.

Howells-Dodge enters this week's state tournament with a 23-9 record.

The Jaguars will face Johnson-Brock (22-9) on Thursday at Lincoln Southeast.

The Eagles earned a wildcard into the state tournament after losing 3-0 to Diller-Odell in Sub Districts.

This is going to be a tough match for Howells-Dodge, but I think the Jaguars are definitely capable of winning and advancing to the semifinals on Friday.

If Howells-Dodge wins they would likely play Emerson-Hubbard on Friday.

That would be a very difficult matchup for the Jaguars, but just getting to the semifinals would be a big deal for Howells-Dodge.

I think the Jaguars are definitely capable of winning their first round match, and playing three matches this weekend.

Howells-Dodge has had a great season, and to get three matches at state would be a big deal for this program.

The Jaguars would love to get to the state championship, and certainly they are good enough to do that, but it's going to be very difficult.

Howells-Dodge's goal should be to win the whole thing, but if they don't I think taking 3rd or 4th at state would be a respectable consolation prize.

It will be interesting to see how the Jaguars fare at this state tournament. A first round win over Johnson-Brock would be nice.

First serve is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at Lincoln Southeast.