The Howells-Dodge Jaguars are 2-3 in their last five matches, beating Logan View and West Point-Beemer 2-0 on Thursday at home in the East Husker Conference Tournament, but losing 2-1 to Stanton and 2-0 to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family on Saturday in Wisner. Howells-Dodge lost 3-0 at North Bend Central Tuesday night in a match aired on 107.9 the Bull.
The Jaguars topped the Raiders 25-6 in set one and 25-7 in set two.
Kalli and Sam Brester notched 8 kills apiece while Tessa Brester had 15 set assists.
Howells-Dodge downed the Cadets 25-20 in the first set, and 25-21 in the second set.
Kalli Brester had a team-high 11 kills while Tessa Brester recorded 19 set assists.
The Jaguars earned a 25-18 win in set one over the Mustangs before dropping set two 25-13 and set three 26-24.
Kalli Brester posted 14 kills and 14 digs while Macey Kulhanek and Hailey Coufal contributed 20 and 8 digs, respectively. Tessa Brester dished out 28 set assists.
The Bulldogs took set one over Howells-Dodge 25-22, and won set two 25-15.
Kalli Brester recorded 7 kills while Tessa Brester compiled 15 set assists.
Howells-Dodge dropped set one to the Tigers 25-20, set two 25-21, and set three 25-14.
Head Coach Neil VanLengen says he was proud of the way his team played.
"Oh I just told my team you guys for 2 1/2 sets we played outstanding. I mean you put that team in C-2 that's the state champs hands down. I mean there's nobody in C-2 that can play with them. So they got a little tougher draw in C-1, but man we play the way we did I like our chances. We are going to do very well."
Kalli Brester notched 16 kills for the Jaguars (21-5) while Sam Brester and Erin Prusa registered 9 and 8, respectively.
VanLengen says his team's play was a lot better Tuesday night than it was on Saturday.
"Saturday we just weren't quite ourselves. Kind of had a chance to beat Stanton, and let them get away with one. And then we just weren't ready to play the third place game. And so I just told them hey we got to get rid of that, and be ready to go. And we were. Man to me for 2 1/2 sets that's as good of Volleyball you're going to see around here anyway man. Just two heavyweight teams just slugging it out. Shoot first set we had 16 side outs, second set I think we had 14 or 15 side outs. I mean that's outstanding Volleyball really."
The Jaguars are back in action Thursday, battling Tekamah-Herman (12-16) on the road in a match that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull beginning at 7:15 p.m.
Howells-Dodge is on a bit of a skid right now as they have lost three in a row.
The Jaguars simply have to come ready to play in every match from here on out.
Howells-Dodge can't take sets or matches off. The Jaguars need to be ready to play no matter what.
I'm not suggesting Howells-Dodge is in trouble as they played Stanton tough on Saturday and North Bend Central tough Tuesday night, but losing to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family hurts.
Right now the Jaguars stand a good chance to get to state, even if it's with a wildcard, but this team needs to understand the importance of continuing to play well and win for that reason.
Hopefully the loss to the Bulldogs doesn't comeback to haunt Howells-Dodge because it will be a shame if the Jaguars don't make state.
I think it's very possible for Howells-Dodge to play Stanton a third time in the postseason, and the Jaguars can definitely beat the Mustangs again, but the Jaguars can't afford anymore losses.
Howells-Dodge has to come out and play with a purpose and business like attitude against the Tigers Thursday night.
Tekamah-Herman is no slouch, especially at home. The Tigers topped Fremont Bergan and Scribner-Snyder 2-0 at their home triangular on Tuesday, and have won four out of their last six.
Just ask Wisner-Pilger what the Tigers are capable of doing.
Point being the Jaguars have to be ready to play and cannot take Tekamah-Herman lightly.
Howells-Dodge has to play the way they did in the first two sets against North Bend Central. If the Jaguars do that they should be in good shape.
We're to the point in the season where every match is critical. Play time is over. It's time for Howells-Dodge to gear up and make their run towards the state tournament.
Perhaps a win over Tekamah-Herman will be just what the Jaguars need. I do think Howells-Dodge stands a good chance to come away with a win Thursday night if they're on top of their game.
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