Logan View goes 1-1 at Omaha Brownell-Talbot Triangular

The Logan View Volleyball went 1-1 at the Omaha Brownell-Talbot Triangular on Thursday, losing 2-1 to Omaha Brownell-Talbot before downing Boys Town 2-0.

In the Omaha Brownell-Talbot match, Logan View won set one 25-21. Omaha Brownell-Talbot took set two 25-15, and set three 26-24.

The Raiders downed the Cowboys 25-15 in the first set, and 25-14 in the second set.

I'm sure Logan View would of liked to have gone 2-0 to start the year, but I'm sure the Raiders are happy to have picked up one win.

Logan View (1-1) hosts DC West (1-0) Thursday night in a match that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Falcons swept Conestoga 3-0 at home this past Thursday.

The Raiders were swept 3-0 by the Falcons last year so even if Logan View doesn't win this year, if they could at least take a set or two I think that could serve as a momentum booster and moral victory for this squad.

The Raiders need to come ready to play and have positive attitudes.

Logan View did some nice things last week, now it's just a matter of building off them and putting together another good match.

The Raiders were so close to going 2-0 last week...just a point or two away.

That's why I look for Logan View to play well this Thursday. I think they will be hungry and motivated given the loss to Omaha Brownell-Talbot.

I look for the Raiders to play with confidence, and a belief that they can beat DC West.

I think Logan View has a chance to be more competitive than they were last year without a doubt.

It's just going to take a complete match effort from the Raiders to push things 4 or 5 sets, and perhaps win.

I'm not exactly sure how one would measure progress in this match, but I would say winning a set or two, or at least keeping all three sets close, would be a positive step in the right direction.

Logan View needs to do something to make sure they're taking a couple of steps forward instead of a couple of steps back.

The last thing the Raiders want to see is lopsided scores in all three sets with them being on the losing end of each one.

Logan View has to go out there and play their game, and play together.

The Raiders have to execute the passing, hitting, serve, and serve receive games.

Logan View must eliminate or at least minimize mistakes like hitting and service errors.

Thursday night's match is set to start at 6:30, and again it will be carried on 107.9 the Bull.

Wisner-Pilger wins opener over Schuyler

Wisner-The Wisner-Pilger Volleyball team kicked off the 2017 campaign with a resounding 3-0 sweep of Schuyler at home Thursday night.

The Gators won set one 25-15, set two 25-14, and set three 25-17.

Head Coach Jean Groth says they rely heavily on their servers. "We've got a few people that can earn some points. And the servers tonight as you saw we were down quite a bit in that 3rd set, and we've got a couple servers that can really kind of take a team away from what they want to do.

Junior Jordan Wegner led Wisner-Pilger (1-0) with a match high 17 kills. Maci Batenhorst chipped in 7 kills and 8 digs while Lauren Jacobsen registered 7 digs and 19 set assists. Ariel Meyer notched 12 set assists.

Groth on her team. "Well we lost four seniors, and they were strong in their positions. And these girls were kind of waiting to come and step into their place. And then like I told you earlier we had the girl transfer back in to Wisner that grew up in Wisner, but moved to Lewis Central last year. And so she's a nice addition. It's the Wegner girl in the middle.

Wisner-Pilger returns to action on Thursday, August 31st, taking on BRLD and Wakefield in the Northeast Nebraska Tournament.

Groth says her team knows it'll be a tough season. "The team is real focused right now on recognizing that there are teams on our schedule this year that are definitely going to be better than us. And the only way that we'll have a chance against them is if we can try and dismantle their offense with our serving. And then not allow them to dismantle us with their serving. So focusing on the serve and receive game to try and keep our focus on that."

The Wolverines and Trojans figure to be challenging matches without a doubt.

What I think helps the Gators though is they've already got a match under their belt whereas BRLD and Wakefield have yet to play a match.

I think the Schuyler match was a good tune up for Wisner-Pilger, and will help get them ready for what lies ahead.

This is a big weekend for the Gators. Wisner-Pilger is a great team, in my opinion, but we will find out just how good the mighty Gators are in this tournament.

There's a lot of quality teams and competition in this tournament, but I think Wisner-Pilger stands a chance to be one of the last teams standing come Saturday.

North Bend Central will be very tough as will GACC, Lutheran High Northeast, Tekamah-Herman, and others.

I wouldn't be surprised if this tournament came down to North Bend Central and the Gators, but again the competition is very good and stout in this tournament so the path to the championship match on Saturday doesn't figure to be easy for either team.

The biggest thing for Wisner-Pilger is to take things one point, one set, and one match at a time. The Gators have to be focused on each individual match, and not be looking ahead towards potential matches later in the night/day and/or weekend.

Wisner-Pilger has to take care of business against each team they're playing, and then worry about taking down another team.

The Gators have to take advantage of playing on their home floor this Thursday. Wisner-Pilger has to defend their home court, and use being at home to their advantage.

The Gators must have the attitude and mindset that no one is going to come into their house and beat them.

Oakland-Craig Gears Up For Another Season

Team: Oakland-Craig

Mascot: Knights

Colors: Orange and White

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Chelsey Quigley

2016 record: 8-24

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Oakland-Craig volleyball team opens its season on Thursday, August 31st taking part in the Northeast Nebraska Tournament hosted by Pender and Wisner-Pilger.

Head coach Chelsey Quigley says preparations for the year have gone well. “Practices have been going pretty good. We have a very young team this year, so it’s been a lot of catching up and learning new skills and drills,” Quigley said. “They learn really fast and they’re coming quite a ways, so I’m really looking forward to see what they can do against an opponent.”

A key loss for Oakland-Craig will be standout Dacey Nelson, who suffered a torn ACL over the summer and will miss the entire season.

Notable returners for the Knights include Natalia McNeil in the middle and Kennedy Benne, who moves from the outside to setter.

Coach Quigley said that seniors Beth Moseman and Dani Meyer have stepped into leadership roles this year. “They have just really taken on a leadership responsibility and they’ve done a fantastic job getting things done and making sure practices are always running at a high intensity,” Quigley said.

Nelson is a huge loss no doubt, but there are definitely other girls capable of stepping up and leading this team.

One player doesn't make a team, and so Oakland-Craig is going to need to come together more than ever this season.

Perhaps the Nelson injury will bring the Knights closer to each other, and make them a more tight knit group.

Oakland-Craig knows they can't rely on her production this year so perhaps the wealth will get spread around a little bit more.

Moseman and Meyer have to step up and lead this young team both with their play and actions on the court, and actions off the court as well.

The young players on this team have to step up quickly and be ready to step into game situations right away.

It very well could be baptism by fire for a lot of these young players this year as I would imagine quite a few of them will be pressed into action this season.

I think the key to the Knights' success this season will be the young players' ability to step up and develop quickly.

Maturing fast and being ready to play are going to be two very important things for Oakland-Craig, in my opinion.

Season Outlook:

Oakland-Craig looks for growth and improvement this year after going 8-24 last season. Quigley talks about what fans can expect to see from the Knights this season.

“I always like to say that Oakland-Craig is a team that hustles all the time. We never let a ball drop on the floor without making a move for it, so I expect for everybody to hopefully see that this year as well,” Quigley said. “Defensively it’s always kind of the goal for the season to get balls up. But I’m hoping just to see more excitement. That’s been a goal this year, is to get more excited for each other after every play and to just be team focused and just get excited for each other and have some fun.”

Oakland-Craig faces Lutheran High Northeast in Pender on Thursday, August 31st as part of the Northeast Nebraska Tournament.

The Eagles made state last year in D-1 so that doesn't figure to be an easy match.

The Knights had a lot of success prior to last year, and I think Oakland-Craig would like to get back to an elite level.

I think the potential is there for the Knights, the team just has to get off on the right foot and believe in and encourage one another.

Oakland-Craig has a very difficult schedule though so wins will certainly not be given to or easy for the Knights this season.

That just means Oakland-Craig will need to work that much harder to accomplish their goals, hopes, and dreams this season.

The Knights simply have to outwork, outhustle, and outplay opponents, and give 110% at all times.

Having energy and enthusiasm will be important for this team too, in my opinion.

The girls have to get excited about every big kill or big block.

Oakland-Craig has to play with mental and physical toughness, tenacity, grit, heart, fire, passion, and desire.

The Knights can't let anyone or anything get in the way of accomplishing their goals and dreams this season.

This is a very proud program, and this year's team has to live up to what past Oakland-Craig teams have accomplished.

The Knights are in Subdistrict C2-2 with BRLD, Homer, Omaha Nation, and Wakefield, and figure to have a chance to get out of that Subdistrict.

The East Husker Conference is tough, but don't be surprised if Oakland-Craig is a factor in that tournament too.

2017 Oakland-Craig Knights Volleyball Schedule:

08/31/17 Lutheran High Northeast            Site: NE Neb Classsic (Host: Pender) NE Neb Classsic (Host: Pender)
08/31-09/02 (To Be Determined)            NEN Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner/Pender
09/07/17 @ Scribner-Snyder
09/12/17 BRLD                                           Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
09/12/17 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family   Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
09/19/17 North Bend Central
09/21/17 Arlington                                   Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholic)
09/21/17 Guardian Angels Central Catholic   Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholic)
09/23-09/23 (To Be Determined)            Scribner-Snyder Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Scribner
09/26/17 Tekamah-Herman                           Triangular (host: Tekamah-Herman)
09/26/17 Stanton                                           Triangular (host: Tekamah-Herman)
09/28/17 @ Howells-Dodge
09/30-09/30 (To Be Determined)           Clarkson-Leigh Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Clarkson
10/03/17 West Point-Beemer                      Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
10/03/17 Douglas County West                   Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
10/05/17 Pender
10/10/17 Logan View                                   Triangular (host: Logan View)
10/10/17 Archbishop Bergan                           Triangular (host: Logan View)
10/12-10/14 (To Be Determined)           East Husker Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Logan View/Logan View High School
10/17/17 @ Clarkson/Leigh
10/24/17 @ Wisner-Pilger

Winnebago looking for success under Williams

Team: Winnebago

Mascot: Indians

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-1

Head Coach: Katy Williams

2016 record: 6-22

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

The Winnebago Volleyball Program is under the direction of Katy Williams, who was Head Coach of the program once before.

Williams says her prior coaching experience should help. "Yes I was head coach years previous. I took a step back as to focus more on my family and continued to coach as assistant. This past year I was asked to be head coach again. I have coached junior high basketball for the past 5 years. I know this set of student-athletes and they know my expectations. It makes is a smoother transition from junior high basketball to high school volleyball because I know what they need to continue to work on and their individual strengths. It gives us also a lead on who works well together."

Alex Neff (11 5-9 OH), Tia YellowThunder (10 5-8 S ), Deonna Harris (12 5-10 MH), and Jonna Price (12 5-7 OH, RS, L) are the 4 returning starters for the Indians with Jean Parker-Morris (11   5-10 MH), Kylista Harden (11 5-11 MH), Jaiden Payer (10 5-8 RS), and Kiana Lewis (10 5-8 OH, MH) making up the rest of the rotating projected starting lineup.

Williams says newcomers will be an asset to the team. "All newcomers are going to be beneficial to boost morale. We have a couple that transferred and just beginning the volleyball journey that provide a positive impact on our team!"

It sounds like Winnebago should have a chance to be a successful team this season.

I think it's going to take lots of hard work, teamwork, togetherness, sacrifice, excellent communication, execution, leadership, and unselfishness for the Indians to have a successful season this year.

I think Winnebago has a chance to win at least as many matches as they did last year, and go on to have a respectable season.

The Indians are relatively young, but have a good mix of upperclassmen and lowerclassmen that should be able to work pretty well together.

I think the biggest thing will be these girls playing for each other and not themselves.

Everyone on the team must be treated equally.

There's not one player more important than the other, and whatever issues any of these girls might have with one another need to be put to rest on the court.

Season Outlook:
 
Winnebago looks to improve on last year's 6-22 record. Williams says her players have taken it upon themselves to get better. "We had a great turnout for conditioning, numerous team building opportunities, and a great start to the practice season. Many ladies also expanded their abilities by attending camps on their own. You can be a fundamentally sound team, but they have to work together to be successful."

The same could be said for talent. A team can have as much talent in the world as they want, but if that talent doesn't blend in and work well together then success is rarely had.

I think there is definitely some talent and ability on this team, but everyone has to have a team first attitude and not think about themselves only.

Williams says team goals include giving a great team effort. "My goal as a team is always try our hardest and encourage each other no matter what we encounter."

You can bet the Indians will face adversity at times this season, but if Winnebago works together they can overcome any obstacles they face together.

Everyone on the team needs one another though. There's no single person on this team that can beat any team on their own, in my opinion.

It's going to take selfless play for the Indians to be a successful team this season, in my opinion.

The schedule isn't too overly difficult so Winnebago should have a chance to have success this year.

I think another goal has to be win double digit matches and avoid the play-in game in Subdistricts.

The Indians are in Subdistrict C1-7 with Wayne, Pierce, Norfolk Catholic, and Madison.

Not an easy subdistrict by any means, but Winnebago should have a chance to compete well in the postseason.

If the Indians can make progress and win more matches than they did last year then I think that would have to be considered a successful season. If Winnebago wins 6 or less matches I would say that would have to be considered somewhat of a disappointment with no progress made.

The Indians host Mead and Cedar Bluffs in a home triangular on Thursday to start the season.

2017 Winnebago Indians Volleyball Schedule:

08/31/17    Mead                                       Triangular (host: Winnebago)   
08/31/17    Cedar Bluffs                            Triangular (host: Winnebago)   
09/02-09/02    (To Be Determined)           Fort Calhoun Invitational (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Fort Calhoun
09/07/17    @ Walthill        
09/12/17    Allen                                        Triangular (host: Allen)   
09/12/17    Ponca                                       Triangular (host: Allen)   
     09/16    (To Be Determined)                 Winnebago Tournament (4-Team Round Robin)    Winnebago
09/19/17    Omaha Nation        
09/21/17    Emerson-Hubbard                     Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)   
09/21/17    BRLD                                        Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)   
09/23-09/23    (To Be Determined)             Scribner-Snyder Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Scribner
09/26/17    Omaha Nation                           Triangular (host: Winnebago)   
09/26/17    Walthill                                     Triangular (host: Winnebago)   
10/03/17    Allen                                        Triangular (host: Allen)   
10/03/17    Whiting, IA                             Triangular (host: Allen)   
10/05/17    Omaha Christian Academy            
10/12/17    @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge            
10/19/17    Wakefield                               Triangular (host: Wakefield)   
10/19/17    Homer                                    Triangular (host: Wakefield)   
10/21-10/24    (To Be Determined)          Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament)    TBA

Emerson-Hubbard expecting improvement and growth under Second Year Coach

Team: Emerson-Hubbard

Mascot: Pirates

Colors: Purple and Gold

Class: D-2

Head Coach: Dylan Kent (2nd season)

2016 record: 5-23

Returning Starters: 6

Overview:

The Emerson-Hubbard Pirates are expecting to be better than they were last year when they finished with a 5-23 record.

Emerson-Hubbard returns 6 starters, including Courtney Bokemper OH (11th), Hope Gubbels OH (12th), Stephanie Ferrusca S, DS (11th), Brook Ahlers M/L (12th), Taylor Lamp MH (12th), and Taylor Daum MH (11th).

Other players on the team are Madison Gunderson S (10th), Katelyn Ahlers OH (10th), Alexa Sullivan MH (10th), Paige Kinnaman DS (12th), Addison Mackling OH (10th), and Isabella Parker-Diaz S (10th).

Head Coach Dylan Kent says a few key players from last year's team are gone. "Skye Miller (S) and Caleigh Mackling (OH) graduated. Emma Haberman (S) transferred. Losing both of my main setters was the biggest loss. We've found good replacements but they don't have as much experience as the other two, so the first few games will be an adjustment for them. Caleigh was our big outside hitter and scored us a lot of points."

The Pirates have some experienced and young players this year. Kent says the sophomore class could make an impact this year. "All of my sophomores are going to be a big help this year. They add depth to my roster especially at setter. "

Kent adds she has a better understanding of how to do things as a Head Coach. "As the year progressed, I gained a better understanding of how to utilize my players in different situations and when to sub.  This year I am already working on some different rotations using a majority of my roster. It's just nice to have a year under my belt. I just feel more confident for this year already and am excited to get the season started."

I think Emerson-Hubbard will be better than they were last year. Bokemper and Daum figure to be big time players for the Pirates. Being in Class D-2 should help Emerson-Hubbard.

Last year was a rebuilding, transition, and learning year for the Pirates. A season of growing pains you could say.

But now that Emerson-Hubbard returns 6 starters and players are more familiar with Kent's system I think the Pirates will find a way to at least double their win total if not do better than that.

I really think that good times and things are in store for Emerson-Hubbard this year.

Season Outlook:

Emerson-Hubbard went 3-5 in their last 8 games last year after going just 2-18 in their first 20 contests.

Kent says winning a few matches at the end of last season has carried over into this year. "Winning a few games at the end of last season did help a lot. Girls have a positive attitude going into this season. I have a split roster (young/experienced) but they're all confident in their abilities. I think they need a few games under their belt but we might surprise some people."

Kent adds this team expects to play at a high level this year. "This year I expect the girls to be able to compete well against all of our opponents. Height will probably be our biggest disadvantage, but I don't think that is going to hold us back. As long as we keep our heads up and stay positive we will be able to better ourselves."

Girls will most likely have to be versatile this year, according to Kent. "Offseason was good. Girls realized they might need to switch up positions or be able to play multiple positions."

Kent adds doing better than last year is the outlook for this team.

I don't think there's any doubt that will happen with many winnable matches on the schedule.

I look for Emerson-Hubbard to win the matches they're supposed to, and compete better against the tough teams on their schedule that swept them last year.

The Pirates only won 4 sets in their losses last year, and I look for that to change this year.

I think you will see Emerson-Hubbard win more sets during losses, and not get swept so much.

I think the Pirates will be a much more reputable team this season than they were last year.

I'm not expecting Emerson-Hubbard to be what they were two years ago, but I look for the Pirates to win anywhere from 10-12 matches at least.

I think Emerson-Hubbard can improve their seeding in the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament, and be a factor in that tournament as well as Subdistricts.

The Pirates are in Subdistrict D2-3 with Humphrey St. Francis, Scribner-Snyder, St. Edward, and Winside.

Not an easy Subdistrict by any means, but Emerson-Hubbard should be a factor in it.

The Pirates open up the season on Thursday against Ponca and Homer at the Ponca Triangular.

2017 Emerson-Hubbard Pirates Volleyball Schedule:

08/31/17    Ponca                                     Triangular (host: Ponca)   
08/31/17    Homer                                    Triangular (host: Ponca)   
09/05/17    North Bend Central                Triangular (host: Pender)   
09/05/17    Pender                                     Triangular (host: Pender)   
09/07/17    Randolph                                 Triangular (host: Randolph)   
09/07/17    Osmond                                   Triangular (host: Randolph)   
09/12/17    @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge            
09/14/17    @ Allen        
09/19/17    Ponca        
09/21/17    BRLD                                       Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)   
09/21/17    Winnebago                               Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)   
     09/26    (To Be Determined)                  Ponca Inv (4-Team Round Robin)    Ponca
09/28/17    Pender                                      Triangular (host: Neligh-Oakdale)   
09/28/17    Neligh-Oakdale                        Triangular (host: Neligh-Oakdale)   
10/03/17    Walthill                                     Triangular (host: Wynot)   
10/03/17    Wynot                                       Triangular (host: Wynot)   
10/05/17    Homer        
10/10/17    @ Wakefield            
10/14-10/14    (To Be Determined)            Hartington-Newcastle Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Hartington
10/17/17    Hartington-Newcastle              Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)   
10/17/17    Winside                                    Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)   
10/21-10/24    (To Be Determined)            Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament)    TBA

GACC looks to continue winning tradition

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: D-1

Head Coach: Paul Steuter (1st season)

2016 record: 18-12 (finished 4th at state)

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

The GACC volleyball team enter this season having qualified for the state tournament the last seven years in a row. That's a tradition first year head coach Paul Steuter hopes to continue. "Goals will remain a lot the same. We expect to compete again this year down at state. We've had a long tradition of doing that. And our conference will be tough again as usual. We play in the Mid-State, and that's a big challenge for us every year since we're one of the smaller schools. We will be the small school in the Mid-State this year, in Class D-1. But we hope to compete well in the Mid-State conference as well."

The Bluejays have qualified for the state volleyball tournament 18 times in school history. .

GACC returns six upperclassmen, including four seniors, as well as four starters from last year's team. Steuter talks about his four seniors. "Our senior outside hitter Riley Throener (5'8, OH SR), she's a returning starter. and I like her, she has a heavy arm. She's also a good passer. Kali Stratman (5'5, S SR)...she has started for about 3 years now at Central Catholic, and she's an excellent setter. Allie Knobbe (5'6 RS SR), is our right side, and she's a very solid right side player, is very versatile on the floor and can do a lot of things for us. The 4th senior is a player who hasn't had any varsity level experience...Bobbi Ortmeier (5'9 M). But I'm looking for big things from her. She could be an impact player for us as well."

With just two juniors, Steuter says the freshmen and sophomore players will have to step up in order to provide some depth.

Ally Plagge ( 5'5, L/OH JR) is another returning starter and letterwinner while Angela Jansen (5'8, OH/RS  JR), Brooklyn Bailey (5'9 M/OH SO), and Hanna Knobbe (5'4 L SO) are other possible contributors.

The Bluejays don't appear to have much height, which could be an issue on opening night against North Bend Central, in my opinion.

I'm willing to bet GACC is quick and athletic though, and that figures to help the Bluejays be successful.

GACC needs senior leadership, growth, development, and positivity around the program to have a good season, in my opinion.

The Bluejays must play with confidence, swagger, tenacity, physical and mental toughness, grit, determination, fire, and sacrifice if they want to have a successful season, in my opinion.

GACC has to live up to what past teams have already accomplished, and lay their own mark on this program.

Season Outlook:

GACC will have new leadership when they hit the hardwood for the first time this season. Steuter talks about what fans can expect to see from the Bluejays this season. "I'm hoping to put on the floor a really scrappy team. Defense is the heart of a good team. Being able to withstand momentum swings. I'm looking for grittiness from my players. And hopefully they can find a way to offensively be very balanced. I want a balanced attack this year. We want to push change in tempo on our offense as far as mixing it up to keep the opposing teams off balance. That will be a strength of ours if we can execute change in tempo offense we should be fairly successful this year."

GACC opens the season on August 31 in the Northeast Nebraska Tournament by Pender and Wisner-Pilger.

From my understanding the Bluejays take on Allen and North Bend Central on opening night. I don't see GACC having any trouble with the Eagles, but the Tigers figure to be a very tough opponent.

I feel the North Bend Central match is sort of a preview of the competition the Bluejays are going to face throughout the regular season.

Year in and year out GACC plays the best of the best, and are ready come postseason time because of the difficult schedule they play.

The Bluejays have excellent tradition, and should be just fine. I look for the Bluejays to be in the thick of things come conference tournament, subdistricts and state time.

It might take GACC a little time to get things ironed out, but I look for the Bluejays to have a good season.

The Bluejays won't be very deep though so some young players are going to have to step up in a hurry for GACC to continue their string of dominance.

I think GACC could be a bit up and down or I think they could dominate throughout the course of the season. It just depends how quickly the Bluejays pick things up.

GACC returns a fair amount of last year's team so that should help the Bluejays out tremendously.

GACC's four seniors need to be tremendous leaders on and off the court.

I think it's just as important for the Bluejay players to be leaders through their play as well as their actions.

This team has to have a team first mentality and not be selfish. GACC has to want to come to practice and get better everyday, and build something the West Point Community can be proud of.

There's a lot of potential in this team, in my opinion...it's just a matter of going out there and making things happen and putting things all together.

2017 GACC Bluejays Volleyball Schedule:

08/31-09/02 (To Be Determined)     NEN Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner/Pender
09/05/17 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
09/07/17 Boone Central/Newman Grove
09/12/17 Wayne
09/14/17 @ O'Neill
09/19/17 @ Homer
09/21/17 Oakland-Craig                      Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholic
09/21/17 Arlington                                      Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholic
09/26/17 @ Bishop Neumann
09/28/17 @ Hartington Cedar Catholic
10/03/17 @ Battle Creek
10/05/17 Lutheran High Northeast      Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholic)
10/05/17 Wisner-Pilger                                       Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholi
10/10/17 Pierce
10/12/17 Crofton
10/16/17 Aquinas Catholic
10/17/17 Norfolk Catholic
10/23-10/24 (To Be Determined)       Mid State Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Norfolk Catholic/Battle Creek

Pender to rely on new starters for success this season

Team: Pender

Mascot: Pendragons

Colors: Red and White

Class: D-1

Head Coach: Kayla Brewer (1st season)

2016 record: 10-20

Returning Starters: 1

Overview:

The Pender volleyball team will have a new face leading the the way this season. First year head coach Kayla Brewer says she's excited for the opportunity. "Good so far. I'm really excited to be in this, and the girls have been really supportive of me and letting me get my feet wet. And now we're kind of getting in the groove of things."

Brewer previously served as an assistant for the Pendragons, who open the 2017 season as part of the Northeast Nebraska Tournament in Pender and Wisner on August 31st.

Pender will have plenty of shoes to fill when it opens up play this season. The Pendragons lost six seniors to graduation, five of which were starters. Brewer says finding the right players to fill roles has been easier than expected. "It's actually been pretty easy. A lot of our Juniors have really stepped up to the task, and have really shown a lot of improvement just over the summer even. So they've done a really good job filling those spots so far."

Outside hitter Sadie Lamplot (5'6 Outside Jr.) is the only returning starter for the Pendragons.

Other projected starters include Kaylin Sandall (5'2 Libero Jr.), Tymaree Krusemark (5'3 Setter Sr.), Brittni Beckman (5 '8 Middle Jr.), Rylee Lehmkuhl (5'6 Outside Jr.), Jenna Kubik (5'6 Right side Sr.), and Sarah Krueger 5'6 Middle Jr.).

Key personnel losses would be Hallie Ballinger in the middle and Kamryn Anderson at setter.

There figures to be a lot of new faces and players in the starting lineup for the Pendragons, but I think this team has a lot of potential.

Brewer thinks her team can be good. "Even though we lost a lot of seniors last year, I think we will still have a very successful team. Our girls have been working extremely hard in practice and our seniors/juniors have really stepped up and shown some great improvement. I can't wait to see what these girls can do at our first game."

I think there could be some growing pains for Pender early on, but I think the Pendragons' eagerness, passion desire, drive, will, and determination will allow Pender to grow and improve as the year goes on.

I also look for the Pendragons to have a good attitude throughout the year, and I think they will work hard. That should allow Pender to find success this season.

Season Outlook:

After a 2016 season in which they won just 10 games and after losing all but one starter, you could say the path ahead doesn't look easy for Pender. But Brewer says they hope to surprise some people this year. "I think a lot of people are going to be pretty surprised by them. We don't have much height, but we have a lot of speed. So we've been working on our coverage and making sure we're able to run after the ball as fast as we can, and cover our blockers even though we don't have very many tall blockers."

The schedule does appear to be pretty difficult for the Pendragons, but that's not to say Pender can't surprise some people this season.

I thought the Pendragons underachieved last year to be honest, and if anything, I think Pender will overachieve and/or exceed expectations this season.

Wins could very well be hard to come by for the Pendragons this season, but I look for Pender to be very competitive and give teams their best shot.

I think the Pendragons will be a team that grows and improves throughout the season. I look for Pender to play some of their best Volleyball at the end of the season.

I think you will continually see the Pendragons get better throughout the course of the season.

I think it's definitely a case where Pender has to be very effective in all areas of the game, and has to limit self mistakes.

The last thing the Pendragons can afford to do is give their opponents free points.

There's really not a lot of room for error for Pender if you ask me. That's why the Pendragons have to do everything they can to limit self mistakes and make their opponents work hard for their points.

Pender should be able to match up well against smaller teams, but teams with height like North Bend Central could cause the Pendragons issues, in my opinion.

I honestly don't know what to expect from Pender, but I think they'll find their way and win some matches. It should be a fun and interesting season for the Pendragon.

I'm sure these girls are ready to get the year started.

2017 Pender Pendragons Volleyball Schedule:

08/31-09/02    (To Be Determined)              NE Classic (2/3-Day Tournament)    Pender/Wisner-Pilger
09/05/17    North Bend Central                    Triangular (host: Pender)   
09/05/17    Emerson-Hubbard                      Triangular (host: Pender)   
09/12/17    Logan View            
09/14/17    Wakefield            
09/19/17    Wisner-Pilger                               Triangular (host: Stanton)   
09/19/17    Stanton                                          Triangular (host: Stanton)   
09/25/17    @ Scribner-Snyder        
09/26/17    Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family            
09/28/17    Neligh-Oakdale                             Triangular (host: Neligh-Oakdale)   
09/28/17    Emerson-Hubbard                         Triangular (host: Neligh-Oakdale)   
09/30-09/30    (To Be Determined)                 Clarkson Tourney (4-Team 1-Day Tournament)    Clarkson/Leigh
10/03/17    @ Tekamah-Herman            
10/05/17    @ Oakland-Craig            
10/10/17    Homer   
10/12-10/14    (To Be Determined)                 East Husker Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament)    Logan View/Logan View High School
10/17/17    BRLD       
10/23/17    @ Clarkson/Leigh            
10/24/17    West Point-Beemer                      Triangular (host: Pender)   
10/24/17    Howells-Dodge                           Triangular (host: Pender)

Returning Talent to Lead Clarkson/Leigh

Team: Clarkson-Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, and Gray

Class: D-1

Head Coach: Becky Schneider (6th season) (51-155 career record)

2016 record: 17-15

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

The Clarkson-Leigh volleyball team is coming off a 2016 campaign that saw them finish 17-15 overall and in the second round of the D1-4 Subdistrict tournament.

Head coach Becky Schneider said the team accomplished its goal of finishing with a winning record, and looks to expand on that for this season. "Last season went really well. We were really impressed with how our girls handled some of the games that we went into. We had a winning record, which was one of our goals as a team," Schneider said. "Coming off of that and going into this season, we look to do the same thing, if not increase our wins. We bring back five starters, so we only lost the one starter. We bring a lot of experience, so hopefully we can increase our victories."

The Patriots not only return five starters from last season, but also bring a solid number of upperclassmen back, with seven juniors and one senior. "Starting setter Kaegen Held, and then starting middle is Hannah Kasik (5'11, M JR), we have our right side Sara McEvoy (5'8, RS JR), outside Beth Wiese (5'10, OS JR), and then our libero Halee Steffensmeier (5'4 L JR)," Schneider said. "And then we look to fill with the DS Holly Kuhr (5'4, DS JR), another middle Sydney Folken (6'1 M SR), our outside that we've replaced is Paige Moore (5'9, OH JR). She's done a phenomenal job kind of replacing our lost outside from last year."

The Patriots have 27 total players out for volleyball this year.

Schneider adds Clarkson/Leigh has a lot of varsity experience and depth, and I think that makes the Patriots one of the top contenders in the East Husker Conference, and in their Subdistrict, in my opinion.

These girls that were just freshmen and sophomores are now juniors, and it's time for the Patriots to have a great season.

These next two years of Clarkson/Leigh Volleyball should be two great seasons for the Patriots. This junior class is loaded, and I look for the Patriots to be a factor in both the East Husker Conference Tournament and the postseason these next couple of years at least.

The time to win is now for Clarkson/Leigh, and expectations couldn't be any higher.

Exciting times for the Patriots if you ask me.

Season Outlook:

After finishing last season at 17-15 overall, Schneider says a familiar schedule could benefit the Patriots this year. "Our schedule is pretty much the same," Schneider said. "I think we've got a good shot at winning a lot of those games. I know there's still some teams that have great competition and we're gonna be ready for them."

The Patriots open this season against Stanton and Madison in the Stanton Triangular on August 31st.

Clarkson/Leigh improved their win total from 11 in 2015 to 17 in 2016, and I look for the Patriots to win over 20 matches this season.

I really think Clarkson/Leigh has a chance to have a big season, and make state if they can get to a district final.

GACC figures to still be very tough, but there's no reason why the Patriots can't knock them off and earn a spot in the district final. If Clarkson/Leigh can't get past the Bluejays...a wildcard could also be a possibility.

The Patriots are in Subdistrict D1-4 with GACC, Pender, and Walthill.

Schneider says her team is full of seasoned veterans. We return 5 varsity starters. We have a very well-rounded group of girls who have played a lot together and we have a lot of experience at the varsity level. We also have depth which gives us options."

I think it's definitely a situation where if one girl is struggling another can come in and pick up the slack.

The Patriots are built to win, and built to win now, and if a certain girl is struggling I don't think Clarkson/Leigh should be afraid to go to their bench.

The Patriots have to play team first volleyball, and have a "we" attitude rather than "I."

With that said, I look for these girls to get along tremendously as they've all been playing together for quite a while now.

Having that familiarity and continuity should help Clarkson/Leigh have a successful season this year.

There's no reason to think the Patriots won't do nice things and have a good season.

Clarkson/Leigh can definitely be a factor in the conference tournament and postseason this year, but the Patriots have to bring their best night in and night out.

Clarkson/Leigh can't take any nights off if they hope to achieve their dreams and goals this year.

2017 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Volleyball Schedule:

08/31/17    Madison                                          Triangular (host: Stanton)  
08/31/17    Stanton                                            Triangular (host: Stanton)  
09/05/17    BRLD       
09/12/17    @ Scribner-Snyder           
09/14/17    High Plains Community                  Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)  
09/14/17    Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family    Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)  
09/16-09/16    (To Be Determined)                   Stanton Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Stanton
09/19/17    Twin River      
09/23-09/23    (To Be Determined)                   Hampton Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Hampton
09/26/17    Logan View      
09/30-09/30    (To Be Determined)                   Clarkson-Leigh Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Clarkson
10/03/17    Lutheran High Northeast                Triangular (host: Lutheran High Northeast)  
10/03/17    Shelby/Rising City                         Triangular (host: Lutheran High Northeast)  
10/05/17    @ Humphrey St. Francis       
     10/07    (To Be Determined)                        Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Tournament (4-Team Round Robin)    Humphrey
10/12-10/14    (To Be Determined)                  East Husker Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament)    Logan View/Logan View High School
10/17/17    Oakland-Craig           
10/19/17    @ Mead           
10/23/17    Pender    

Howells-Dodge looking for good things again in 2017

Team: Howells-Dodge

Mascot: Jaguars

Colors: Green, Black, and Silver

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Neil VanLengen (332-187 career record)

2016 record: 25-7

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The Howells-Dodge Volleyball Team lost quite a bit of talent off last year's 25-7 team. Head Coach Neil VanLengen's Jaguars return three starters. "Returning players we got Erin Prusa (MB 6’0 11 2) coming back, she'll be a big force for us this year. And Macey Kulhanek (OH 5’4 12 3) is a great ball handler, and I think she'll pry do a little hitting this year. She was at libero last year. And Jessi Brester (OH 5’9 11 1) is a returner as well. So we'll kind of lean on those three."

VanLengen says sophomore Alyssa Coufal will be one of the team's setters.

Other notable players include Tonya Brester (OH 11), McKenna Klosen (OH 11), Hannah Bayer (OPP 11), Grace Dvorak (MB 11), Taya VanLengen (OH/L 10), Madyson Cech (MB/RH 10), and Grace Kreikemeier (OH 10).

Howells-Dodge figures to be young and inexperienced, but that doesn't necessarily mean the Jaguars won't be good, in my opinion.

Kulhanek and Prusa should have something to say about how this season goes for Howells-Dodge, and I look for both of them to have outstanding and monster like seasons.

VanLengen says things will be different this year from a personnel standpoint. "We will be very young and inexperienced. We graduated 6 players that started last year. Prusa will move from Opposite to Middle, and Kulhanek may move from Libero to OH. Brester should still be an OH for us, but all other players will be new this year. We had a decent JV team last year, so I am looking for those players to step up to the varsity level, but it could be a steep learning curve moving to the varsity level."

Key losses include Kalli and Samantha Brester. Those players, among others, will definitely be missed, but it's time for a new group and crop of Jaguars to make a name for themselves in Howells-Dodge lore and Volleyball history.

I think this team has a lot of potential, and I think they could actually start off well given their schedule, but the Jaguars will be tested throughout the year there's no doubt about it. Everyone will give Howells-Dodge their best shot without a doubt so the Jaguars are going to have to be ready to rock and roll night in and night out.

This group of Jaguars is going to have to grow up in a hurry to live up to and meet the expectations laid forth by Howells-Dodge teams of the past, in my opinion.

Season Outlook:

Howells-Dodge kicks off their season next Thursday at home against West Point-Beemer. VanLengen says the match doesn't figure to be easy. "We saw them a little bit this summer, and they'll be similar athletically to what they did in the past. They've got some great athletes there, and they're going to hit the ball hard and be aggressive. The new coach you never know...I've met him a couple of times, and I think he's going to do a great job with them. And he'll have them ready to play that's for sure. And that'll be the interesting part. May not know exactly what they're going to be doing, but like I said I know a few of their athletes, and I know they're very good athletes so it's going to be a challenge for us right off the bat."

The Jaguars downed the Cadets on two separate occasions last season.

Things could definitely be different this time around given all the experience West Point-Beemer has back, but it wouldn't surprise me if Howells-Dodge found a way to win.

I think the schedule is light enough in the first half of the season for the Jaguars to find their way and have success.

Things appear to be tougher in the second half of the season for Howells-Dodge, but by then the Jaguars should have their kinks worked out.

I think the East Husker Conference figures to be very interesting this year. You have Stanton and North Bend Central at the top, but it's sort of a toss up after those two and perhaps Humphrey Lindsay/Holy Family, in my opinion.

Howells-Dodge has been a top team in the conference in recent years so it will be interesting to see if the Jaguars can sustain their success in the East Husker Conference Tournament, and make some noise.

Howells-Dodge is in Sub-District C2-4 with Stanton, Wisner-Pilger, Battle Creek, and Lutheran High Northeast.

Very tough Sub-District so we'll see what sort of shape the Jaguars are in by the time the postseason rolls around.

A very good Howells-Dodge team got left home last year and didn't make state so you can bet this year's Jaguars' squad will be out for revenge and redemption.

Howells-Dodge may not have the same veteran experience and leadership they had last year and in years past, but the Jaguars should have a lot of young, raw talent that develops and grows as the season progresses.

I think you could see Howells-Dodge stumble out of the gate a little bit, but the Jaguars should get better and challenge quite a few teams on their schedule.

2017 Howells-Dodge Jaguars Volleyball Schedule:

08/31/17 West Point-Beemer
     09/02 (To Be Determined)        Hartington-Newcastle Quadrangular (4-Team Round Robin) Hartington
09/05/17 Scribner-Snyder                Triangular (host: Scribner-Snyder)
09/05/17 Cedar Bluffs                        Triangular (host: Scribner-Snyder)
     09/09 (To Be Determined)        Howells-Dodge Tournament (4-Team Round Robin) Howells
09/12/17 @ Wakefield
09/14/17 Logan View
09/19/17 @ Lutheran High Northeast
09/26/17 BRLD                                 Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/26/17 Wisner-Pilger                         Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/28/17 Oakland-Craig
09/30-09/30 (To Be Determined) Clarkson-Leigh Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Clarkson
10/03/17 @ Stanton
     10/07 (To Be Determined) Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Tournament (4-Team Round Robin) Humphrey
10/12-10/14 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Logan View/Logan View High School
10/17/17 North Bend Central
10/19/17 Tekamah-Herman
10/24/17 Pender                                  Triangular (host: Pender)
10/24/17 West Point-Beemer                  Triangular (host: Pender)

BRLD hoping to shine this season

Team: Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur

Mascot: Wolverines

Colors: Blue and Gold

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Rebecca James

2016 record: 19-15

Returning Starters: 2

Overview:

The BRLD Volleyball Team looks to build off the success they had last year when the Wolverines went 19-15. Head Coach Rebecca James' team returns two starters. "Returning starters are Vicki Gatzemeyer, and she's an outside hitter, and she has been playing for us all four years. I mean she started not right as a freshman, but into her freshman year she was starting for us. But then she's played right side and outside. So we have her returning, being a leader on the floor, and then also Kelcee Bacon, our libero, our defensive specialist in the back row. She has had experience and will be getting those digs for us."

James says three other seniors likely to contribute are middle hitter Morgan Bonneau, right side setter Tiahna Bonneau, and Sophia Henneman.

Newcomers include Halle Wortman, Kelsey Larsen, and Tori Ostrand.

It's the second year of the co-op between Bancroft Rosalie and Lyons-Decatur Northeast. James says her team has come together as one. "Oh yeah. It's been good for our kids. The girls they've fallen in, and they're just one team. And we don't think oh Lyons or oh you're Bancroft. It's just oh you're a BRLD player. And yeah it really has gone well. It's been a truly smooth transformation I guess of our two schools coming together."

The Wolverines have 25 players on the roster this season.

BRLD figures to have good depth, which should make for better practices and competition among players.

I look for the younger players to push the older players with the seniors and juniors mentoring and bringing along the freshmen and sophomores.

I look for Gatzemeyer to have a big season for the Wolverines this year. She will really need to have a big season, and step up and lead by example with the graduation of Tess Nottlemann (now playing at Nebraska Wesleyan), Kelly Wakeley, and Lexie Bacon.

BRLD lost a lot of great players and talent, there's no denying that, but the Wolverines bring back and welcome some new talent that, in my opinion, is ready to make a name for themselves in this program, and make a mark on this team and program for years to come.

The Wolverines will be relatively young, but I think there's a lot of good young talent on this team waiting to break out and show what they can do.

I look for this BRLD team to play with drive, determination, pride, and hunger every time they take the floor. I think you will see the Wolverines play good team Volleyball throughout the season.

Season Outlook:

BRLD begins their season on August 31st with the Northeast Nebraska Tournament. James says Wisner-Pilger is one of the teams the Wolverines will face. "Wisner has a strong middle and they're always a very defensive team. And so I hope that we are competitive and that we can see what Morgan Bonneau, our new middle, is made out of. And see what the other middle's going to contribute too."

Wakefield is the other team BRLD will face that night.

I think the Wolverines can be a factor in the conference and postseason this year. BRLD may start off a little slow, but look for the Wolverines to hit their stride by the mid part of the season.

BRLD has a stretch of very winnable matches starting in mid-September, and that's when I look for the Wolverines to take off and hit their stride.

I think BRLD could end up somewhere around the .500 mark, or perhaps a few games over. 500.

Regardless of how the regular season goes though, I look for the Wolverines to be a factor in the postseason.

The Wolverines are in Sub-District C2-2 with Oakland-Craig, Homer, Omaha Nation, and Wakefield.

I would say that sub-district is wide open with Homer losing Deja Ford to graduation, and Oakland-Craig's Dacey Nelson being out all season with a torn ACL.

I look for the Wolverines to make a strong postseason push, and perhaps reach a district final.

Given how Sub-Districts are set up it wouldn't surprise me to see BRLD make a District Final, and advance to the state tournament.

There's certainly a ton of work to do between now and the end of October/early November, but I'm sure these girls will be committed to hard work and good play every time they take to the floor whether that be in practice or in a match.

If the Wolverines can improve throughout the season and be playing their best Volleyball at the end of the season don't be surprised if BRLD makes some noise in the postseason.

2017 BRLD Wolverines Volleyball Schedule:

08/31-09/02 (To Be Determined)      NEN Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner/Pender
09/05/17 @ Clarkson/Leigh
09/07-09/09 (To Be Determined)      Wakefield Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Wakefield
09/12/17 Oakland-Craig                      Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
09/12/17 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
     09/16 (To Be Determined)               Tekamah-Herman Tournament (4-Team Round Robin) Tekamah
09/19/17 Scribner-Snyder
09/21/17 Emerson-Hubbard                       Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)
09/21/17 Winnebago                       Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)
09/26/17 Madison                                       Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/26/17 Howells-Dodge                       Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/30-09/30 (To Be Determined)       Clarkson-Leigh Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Clarkson
10/03/17 @ Logan View
10/10/17 North Bend Central
10/12-10/14 (To Be Determined)       East Husker Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Logan View/Logan View High School
10/17/17 @ Pender
10/24/17 @ Tekamah-Herman

North Bend Central figuring to be a force to be reckoned with again

Team: North Bend Central

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-1

Head Coach: Amy Sterup

2016 record: 28-3 (Lost to Bishop Neumann in the first round of State)

Returning Starters: 5

Overview:

North Bend Central is expecting big things again this year after going 28-3 and appearing at state last season. Head Coach Amy Sterup says the Tigers return 5 starters. "I have Kristin Lux (6'2, MH SR), Brooke Fredrickson (6'0, OH SR), and Kaitlyn Bjorklund (5'6 Setter SR) that will be back for us as starters, and Hailey Bang (5'6 SR) is going to be my libero, and she was also a starter last year. Oh and I forgot my other returning starter from last year was Lauren Emanuel (6'2 SO, a middle."

The Tigers are experienced and have a lot of height to work with this season. That should make North Bend Central a strong force at the net and in the back row.

Bjorklund ought to work pretty well with Lux, Fredrickson, and Emanuel.

Three 6'2 girls starting...that's a recipe for another state run, in my opinion.

This could definitely be another great season for the Tigers. All the pieces appear to be in place for another fantastic season for North Bend Central.

Kiley Allgood and Megan Ortmeier are a couple of players who could also make a big impact for the Tigers this season.

This is a veteran, senior laden team, and teams like this often make state runs and win state championships.

Four returning senior starters is something to get really excited about, and these girls, coaches, the school, the fans, and the community have to be pumped up about this season.

I look for North Bend Central to put another very good team on the floor this season. I really think the Tigers could be better than they were last year, and figure to be just as good at the very least.

North Bend Central has an excellent winning tradition, and I look for the Tigers to continue their winning ways this season.

I think you will see a hard working, scrappy bunch come to work day in and day out. Players who will give it their all in practice and in games.

Champions are made from December through July...so now it's time for North Bend Central to put all their hard offseason work into action, and have an outstanding season.

Season Outlook:

North Bend Central begins their season on August 31st with the Northeast Nebraska Tournament.

Sterup says the Tigers have been very anxious for this season to start. "We are looking forward to a fun season. Girls have worked hard in the offseason and have been waiting for this year since last year got over. We are working hard a solid 25 points straight through without letting up."

The end of that statement simply means North Bend Central is a team that is working on giving maximum effort at all times and never taking a point or a set off.

The Tigers figure to be one of the favorites in the East Husker Conference. Sterup says the conference features some quality teams though. "Oh yeah it's a tough conference. You have Stanton coming back, who is a returning state champion. And Wisner's always a tough match. Humphrey High and Lindsay Holy Family's always a tough match. Our conference is big and we got some good teams. Howells-Dodge. So it's always a good game when we play a conference team."

Looking at the schedule, I think North Bend Central has a chance to be undefeated heading into the East Husker Conference Tournament.

Stanton is also a very good team, and I look for the Tigers and Mustangs to play a couple of times this year, and have a couple of very good, compelling matches

North Bend Central is in Sub-District C1-6 with Columbus Scotus, Columbus Lakeview, David City, and David City Aquinas.

That Sub-District could prove to be challenging depending on how the two Columbus schools and David City Aquinas are this year.

With that said, I think the experience of winning in the postseason last year could definitely put the Tigers over the hump this year, and allow them to get through sub-districts.

Waiting on the other side could be Malcolm or Lincoln Christian so if North Bend Central gets to a district final beating either of those teams won't be easy either, but the Tigers knocked off the Crusaders last year so North Bend Central is capable of doing it again, or even beating Malcolm should they play them.

With this said, it's important for the Tigers to have an excellent regular season so they can put themselves in a position to get to state with a wildcard should they need it.

The excitement and anticipation for the season can't get here soon enough I'm sure. Look for big things from North Bend Central this season.

2017 North Bend Central Tigers Volleyball Schedule:

08/31-09/02 (To Be Determined)            NEN Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner/Pender
09/05/17 Emerson-Hubbard                     Triangular (host: Pender)
09/05/17 Pender                                     Triangular (host: Pender)
09/07/17 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
09/09-09/09 (To Be Determined)             North Bend Tournament (4-Team 1-Day Tournament) North Bend
09/12/17 Wisner-Pilger
09/19/17 @ Oakland-Craig
09/21/17 West Point-Beemer
09/23-09/23 (To Be Determined)              David City Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) David City
09/26/17 @ Twin River
09/28/17 Malcolm
10/05/17 Tekamah-Herman
10/10/17 @ BRLD
10/12-10/14 (To Be Determined)       East Husker Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Logan View/Logan View High School
10/17/17 @ Howells-Dodge
10/24/17 Stanton                              Triangular (host: Stanton)
10/24/17 Logan View                              Triangular (host: Stanton)
10/26/17 Madison                                      Triangular (host: Madison)
10/26/17 Shelby/Rising City                       Triangular (host: Madison)

Wisner-Pilger looking for another good season

Team: Wisner-Pilger

Mascot: Gators

Colors: Green and White

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Jean Groth (40th season) (757-232 record)

2016 record: 20-12

Returning Starters: 6

Overview:

Wisner-Pilger looks to get back to top form and have another good season after going 20-12 a season ago.

6 starters return for long time Head Coach Jean Groth, and they are Maci Batenhorst (8 M 12 5.11 3), Lauren Jacobsen (9 S 12 5.10 3), Ashton Meyer (6 OH 12 5.8 2) , Cass Dixon (14 OH 12 5.9 1), and Jordan Wegner (7 M 11 6 2).

Groth says Batenhorst is a player to watch out for. "Maci, hit .206 last year and returns with 267 kills (1/4 of last year’s total number of kills)  She led her team with 74 ace serves. Scored on 26 solo blocks. Maci also is one of  our primary receivers when siding out. Maci has a terminator attitude and is very well equipped to score runs of points at the net or from the service line."

Groth adds Jacobsen is a great player in her own right. "Lauren led the team with 890 set assists, nearly 11 per set. Also led team in solo blocks with 28. Lauren was leading server for her team last season also. Lauren is an extraordinary leader and has excellent ball control skills. She does an amazing job of raising the level of play of everyone around her, while holding the bar at a high level for herself.  She will direct our offense again this season. Her strength of serve will be a huge asset for her team, as well as swinging for points when in the front row."

Groth says Ashton Meyer is a very valuable member of the team. "Ashton is a returning starter, who was a integral part of our primary passers in serve receive. She also is our third leading attacker at the net returning in kills."

Groth says Ariel Meyer will have an expanded role this year. "Ariel will take over some of the setting role in transition to allow Lauren to become a part of our offense."

Groth says Dixon bolsters and strengthens the team. "Cass also returns as an outside attacker. Her strength of serve and ability to cut the ball at the net will add to the depth of this team."

Groth says Wegner is an all around great player. "Jordan is an impact volleyball athlete. She was a Gator her freshman year and then transferred out her sophomore year, she returned last fall, with 9 matches left on the season. During that short stint, she led her team with blocks per set -28 total and averaging .56 per set. She also scored on 174 kills, an average of nearly 4 kills per set. Jordan is a very accomplished high jumper in track and uses her ability to get up in the air to control the net in her area."

Other possible contributors are Emily Hatterman (1 DS 5.4 11), Karrin Jindra (13 M 5.9 10), and
Aspin Waterman (16 OH 5.9 10).

I'm expecting big things out of the Gators this year. Wisner-Pilger certainly has the talent and experience to have a great season. Now it's simply a matter of putting things all together and going out there and getting the job done night in and night out.

Season Outlook:

Wisner-Pilger looks to get back to their dominate ways this season. Groth says the Gators are a hard working and experienced group. "The 2017 Gator Volleyball team has an excellent collective work ethic in this young season. They are committed to being stronger together. The team has 5 seniors that are very experienced on the court and complement one another. Strength of serve and ball control on “in-system” serve receive are focal points early - and I anticipate will become our strength as the season matures."

The Gators are in a tough C2-4 Sub-District with Stanton, Battle Creek, Howells-Dodge, and Lutheran High Northeast.

Wisner-Pilger has a pretty tough and challenging schedule, but I look for the Gators to compete with everyone on the slate.

The Gators should be a very fine team, and I look for them to make a push in the early season, in the conference tournament, and in postseason play.

I think every team will get Wisner-Pilger's best shot with a lot of these girls being seniors and juniors.

This is the final go around for quite a few of these girls, and I fully expect the Gators to go out with a vengeance.

I don't think Wisner-Pilger will go down quietly or softly this season. I feel the Gators will be a team that is never out of a match no matter the situation.

A tough schedule should give Wisner-Pilger a lot of wildcard points and an opportunity to make state if the Gators take care of business.

I view Stanton as Wisner-Pilger's biggest threat to making a district final and the state tournament.

So it's really important for the Gators to do well in the regular season in order to give themselves a chance at a wildcard to go to state should they need it.

State has to be the ultimate goal for Wisner-Pilger, and what a way it would be to go out for these five seniors.

The Gators know what to expect, and should be ready to roll from the onset this year.

Wisner-Pilger has to get off to a fast start and finish even stronger.

The Gators have been very good and consistent over the years, and I look for Wisner-Pilger to have another 20+ win season this year.

All the Gators' hopes and dreams are out there to achieve...Wisner-Pilger just has to have the drive and determination for greatness, and must take the bull by the horns every day when they wake up.

2017 Wisner-Pilger Gators Volleyball Schedule:

08/24/17 Schuyler
08/31-09/02 (To Be Determined)     NEN Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner/Pender
09/05/17 West Point-Beemer
09/12/17 @ North Bend Central
09/19/17 Stanton                                     Triangular (host: Stanton)
09/19/17 Pender                                             Triangular (host: Stanton)
09/21/17 Battle Creek                                        Triangular (host: Crofton)
09/21/17 Crofton                                             Triangular (host: Crofton)
09/23-09/23 (To Be Determined)             Wisner-Pilger September Classic (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Wisner
09/26/17 Madison                                              Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/26/17 Howells-Dodge                              Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
10/05/17 Lutheran High Northeast              Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholic)
10/05/17 Guardian Angels Central Catholic     Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholic)
10/07-10/07 (To Be Determined)               Wisner-Pilger Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Wsiner
10/10/17 Tekamah-Herman
10/12-10/14 (To Be Determined)              East Husker Conference (2/3-Day Tournament) Top Seeds/Logan View
10/17/17 @ Twin River
10/19/17 Logan View                                          Triangular (host: Scribner-Snyder)
10/19/17 Scribner-Snyder                       Triangular (host: Scribner-Snyder)
10/24/17 Oakland-Craig