Howells-Dodge loses to Lutheran High Northeast in Sub-Districts

The Howells-Dodge Volleyball Team lost 3-1 to Lutheran High Northeast in Sub-District C2-4 play-in match at Norfolk Catholic Monday night, ending the Jaguars' season.

Howells-Dodge won set one 25-22, but lost set two 25-21, set three 25-22, and set four 27-25.

Taya VanLengen had 10 kills and 13 digs while Erin Prusa totaled 9 kills. Jessi Brester added 7 while Macey Kulhanek and Grace Kreikemeier tallied 21 and 11 digs, respectively. Alyssa Coufal dished out 30 set assists.

Not the ending to the season the Jaguars were looking for I'm sure, but Howells-Dodge gave the Eagles a run for their money.

The Jaguars end the 2017 campaign with a 15-16 record.

This team was very young, and went through some growing pains no doubt.

Prusa led the team with 210 kills while Brester had 200 for the season. Grace Dvorak led the team with 70 blocks. Kulhanek was the team leader in digs with 393 while VanLengen notched 313. Coufal led the team in set assists with 510.

Lots of players made great contributions to this year's team, and the good news is everyone but Kulhanek is back.

Kulhanek was the lone senior on this year's team, but she will be missed dearly.

Still though Howells-Dodge has to be excited about next year.

The Jaguars bring back the likes of VanLengen, Brester, Dvorak, Kreikemeier, Prusa, Coufal, Madyson Cech, Tonya Brester, and Lexie Brester.

Howells-Dodge should be strong and mighty next year.

This was kind of a rebuilding year of sorts for the Jaguars given who they all lost last year.

So with that said, I look for Howells-Dodge to be back ready to make a run at a state berth in 2018.

The Jaguars should get excited and be ready to excel in basketball and track, but after the track season is over be ready to get back after things for Volleyball.

Howells-Dodge needs a great offseason of growth, development, maturity, and improvement in all aspects of the game.

The Jaguars have to be ready for the grind and challenge of each day for Volleyball Camps, open gyms, as well as workout sessions and sessions of playing the sport itself.

The girls have to get stronger, bigger, faster, and more fleet of foot.

Howells-Dodge needs to have the kind of offseason all good teams have.

You can bet this group of girls will be hungry, driven, motivated, and passionate in the offseason.

I don't think hard work and improvement is going to be a challenge these girls back away from.

I think the Jaguars will go into each day with a positive attitude, wanting to learn and get better.

I think 2018 will be a much better season for Howells-Dodge than 2017 was, and feel the Jaguars will get back to their dominant ways next year.

Winnebago falls to Madison in Sub-Districts

The Winnebago Volleyball Team lost 3-0 to Madison Monday night at the C1-7 Sub-District Tournament at Norfolk High.

The Indians lost set one 25-12, set two 25-18, and set three 25-19.

Tough end to the season for Winnebago.

The Indians end the season at 7-19.

It was another hard season for Winnebago, but the Indians did win 7 matches this year.

I think that's something encouraging and to build on for Winnebago.

The Indians say goodbye to seniors Helene Cox, Deona Harris, Laura Neff, and Jonna Price.

These four will be sorely missed I'm sure.

Winnebago brings back the likes of Jean Parker-Morris, Tia YellowThunder, Jaciah Earth, Jaiden Payer, and Kae Earth.

The Indians should have a strong core and nucleus back next season, and that should lead to even more improvement for Winnebago I would think.

These girls have to work hard every time they take to the floor and weightroom in the offseason, and workout with authority and purpose.

Going to open gyms and team camps on a consistent basis will be important to the growth and development of the Indians, in my opinion.

Winnebago has to do something to be even more competitive than they were this season.

There's no reason why the Indians should get swept by the Dragons.

Winnebago is better than to get swept by Madison.

The Indians have to use the match as fuel and motivation to get better in the offseason.

I thought Winnebago did some nice things this season, but kind of dropped off and wasn't as competitive at the end of the season.

The Indians lost their last 6 matches, including the last two to 4 win teams, and the 3rd to last to a 7 win team.

That has to serve as motivation and determination to be and do better in the offseason.

There's plenty of room for improvement and lots for Winnebago to work on before next fall rolls around.

The Indians just have to be committed to hard work and excellence every day they wake up to play the sport this offseason.

Winnebago also has to get excited and geared up for basketball season.

The Indians have to tear things up on the court.

Tekamah-Herman ends year with Sub-District loss to Arlington

The Tekamah-Herman Volleyball team saw their season come to an end Monday night as the Tigers lost 3-1 to Arlington in the C1-4 Sub-District Tournament at Fremont High.

The Tigers took the 1st set 25-15 before the Eagles won the 2nd set 25-17, the 3rd set 25-16, and the 4th set 25-13.

Marin Jetensky led the Tigers with 20 kills while Anna Wakehouse totaled 10.

Head Coach Becky Rennerfeldt. "You win that first set chances are looking pretty good for you, so I felt really good after that first set. I thought after set two we would get back into it. We just weren't able to do that."

Rennerfeldt. "I felt so great about our game plan that we had tonight. We were ready to play. And I was really proud of the way they started. And I don't know what happened after that. I mean I do think that we didn't see the best set of Arlington on set one too. And the second that they turned it on a little bit defensively, then we had a hard time getting back into our offense."

Tekamah-Herman ends the year at 18-14.

Not an easy way to go out for the Tigers, who probably feel they could of and should of made more noise in the postseason.

Tekamah-Herman loses a talented senior class in Caty Gross, Jetensky, Julia Feiling, and Lucy Green.

These 4 girls meant so much to Tiger Volleyball I'm sure, and will be sorely missed I'm willing to bet.

Key returners for next year's squad include Sydnee Brummond, Maleah Sheets, and Anna Wakehouse.

I look for Wakehouse to become the go to player for Tekamah-Herman next season.

Replacing Gross and Jetensky figures to be very difficult, but I'm sure the Tigers will be just fine.

Tekamah-Herman seems to graduate great players each and every year only to have more talent come in.

The Tigers should be solid again next year although I'm sure next year is the last thing Tekamah-Herman is concerned with right now after last night.

That had to be a tough way for the seniors to go out.

It will take some time for the Tigers to get over this one I'm sure, but the players will be just fine in time.

Once they're ready, I fully expect Tekamah-Herman's returning players to get after things in the weightroom, and on the court.

The Tigers have to work on improving in all areas of the game.

Tekamah-Herman has the potential to do a lot of nice things next season, they just have to put in the work in the offseason to get better and become a team that can play a high level of Volleyball throughout the entire season.

I thought the Tigers played good Volleyball for much of this season, but kind of stumbled at the end and weren't as consistent with their play throughout the year that they would of liked to have been I would say.

All things to work on for next year.

Logan View ends season with loss to Fort Calhoun in Sub-Districts

The Logan View Volleyball Team saw their season come to an end Monday evening as the Raiders lost 3-0 to Fort Calhoun at the C1-4 Sub-District Tournament at Fremont High.

The Pioneers took set one 25-8, set two 25-15, and set three 25-21.

Shaylin Daugherty had 8 kills for the Raiders.

Head Coach Brad Schlegel's girls end the season at 5 and 26. "We did some good things. And there 's been things to glean this season that have been good things. We've shown some promise. And I think as a coach sometimes that's what's even more frustrating. Is you show some promise, but then you have those times where you kind of go through the Valleys. And it's like well why can't we keep our level of play at that high level all the time."

Schlegel's team has high hopes for next year. "We'll lose a couple places, but we've got girls who are ready to step into those spots if they can have a good offseason, and kind of prepare their skills. And kind of just leadership skill as far as building teamwork goes, building team chemistry. And we could have a good nucleus next year."

Logan View will be known as Logan View/Scribner-Snyder after this year.

The Raiders say goodbye to MacKenzie Heinke, Jaycen Timm, Sandra Lugo, and Jasmine Hanshaw.

These girls are significant losses and will be missed without a doubt, but Logan View has to be excited about who they bring back next year.

Key returnees include Daugherty, Ashley Uhing, and Tyler Christianson.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder should be improved next year with all the talented athletes they figure to have out for the team.

I think the Raiders were competitive and made strides in many ways this year, and can build on these things for next season.

Logan View was competitive in certain sets against certain teams, and gave some good teams a good match for part of the time anyways.

Things to work on in the offseason include conditioning and becoming consistently competitive.

The Raiders have to learn how to compete hard at all times no matter who the opponent is.

Perhaps some of the girls coming over from Scribner-Snyder will help shape the culture for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Volleyball.

It's hard to say what's going to happen in 2018, but there should be a lot of depth and numbers for the Raiders next season.

Look for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder to continue to build as a program and become a good, quality, competitive ball club in time.

Emerson-Hubbard falls to Winside and Plainview in Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament

The Emerson-Hubbard Volleyball Team lost 2-0 to Winside and Plainview in the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament at Winside on Saturday.

The Wildcats took set one 25-23 and set two 25-13.

Plainview claimed the 1st set 25-17, and the 2nd set 25-19.

Not the best way to end the regular season but Emerson-Hubbard ought to like its chances of picking up a win in the postseason.

The Pirates (4-22) take on St. Edward (4-20) in the bunny bracket match of Sub-District D2-3 at Wisner-Pilger late Monday afternoon.

The Beavers lost 2-0 to Riverside and Madison at their home Triangular Tuesday night.

St. Edward lost 2-0 to Winnebago while Emerson-Hubbard swept the Indians 2-0 so that has to give the Pirates hope.

I really think Emerson-Hubbard has a good chance to win this match.

The winner gets Humphrey St. Francis later in the evening, and I think just to get to that match would be a big accomplishment for the Pirates.

I don't expect Emerson-Hubbard or the Beavers to knock off the Flyers, but you never know.

The Pirates have to go into the postseason expecting to do well and have success.

Emerson-Hubbard has to compete, and do everything they can to keep their season alive.

The Pirates have to be focused mentally, and must have their heads in the game at all times.

Emerson-Hubbard can't let crowd noise get to them, and can't be intimidated by the atmosphere at all.

The Pirates have to believe they can go out there and win because anything can happen this time of year.

Emerson-Hubbard has to go out there and put things all together against St. Edward, and Humphrey St. Francis should the two teams play.

The Pirates have to leave it all out on the floor and find a different gear.

Emerson-Hubbard has to raise their level of play, and play better than they did in the regular season.

It's the start of a new season, and everyone is 0-0 as far as I'm concerned.

The Pirates have a new slate, and a chance to go out there and do special things.

Emerson-Hubbard just has to put their minds to it and go out there and get the job done.

First serve is slated for 4:30 p.m.

Scribner-Snyder sweeps last ever home matches to end regular season

The Scribner-Snyder Trojans went out winners on their home court Tuesday night, beating Weeping Water 2-0 and Omaha Christian Academy 2-1 at their home triangular.

Scribner-Snyder defeated the Indians 25-18 in sets one and two.

Kaylee Boyle registered 11 kills while Nicole Boyle posted 8 digs.

The Eagles took set one 25-22, but the Trojans bounced back to win set two 25-23, and set three 25-16.

Head Coach Shelly Schulenberg says her team simply refused to lose. "After a rocky start and losing the first set, I just told the girls this was not how we were going out. With a few eyes welting up, they all agreed that they were going to do whatever it took to push it to a 3rd set and get the win. Confidence and determination played a key role in that comeback."

Nicole Boyle put down 11 kills, and had 8 digs and 8 set assists. Emily Lewin added 10 kills and 11 digs while Kaylee Boyle notched 7 kills and 13 digs.

What a great way for Scribner-Snyder to end the regular season. Nothing better than going out a winner on your home floor in the final home matches ever for the Scribner-Snyder Trojans.

Schulenberg says she experienced a mix of emotions heading into the matches. "Words cannot express the feelings that I had going into our finals games on our home court. From the twirling pit in my stomach when things weren't quite gong our way to the emotions of the girls, it truly was a whirlwind of a night. "

Scribner-Snyder (13-14) takes on Winside (16-10) in the 1st round of the D2-3 Sub-District at Wisner-Pilger Monday night.

The Wildcats lost 2-1 to Hartington-Newcastle in the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament Tuesday night.

The Trojans beat Winside 3-2 at home on September 26th.

Schulenberg says not making mistakes offensively is the key to beating the Wildcats again. "I/We have been watching a lot of game film and when we played them the last time, we committed well over 25 errors during the match. Since then we have stepped up our serving game and we will just need to eliminate our offensive errors and pass the ball."

This should be a good match. I feel Scribner-Snyder can definitely win again given the tough schedule they've played.

Schulenberg says her team has to go out there and let it rip. "The girls have to want it and be ready defensively so that we can run our offense. We have to have strong communication and stay energetic. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by winning."

The Trojans have to go out there and play pressure free Volleyball. Scribner-Snyder has to want it more than Winside and Humphrey St. Francis and whoever else they might face in the tournament.

This is it for the Scribner-Snyder Trojans. The final postseason opportunity ever for this program.

Making state will be really tough, but it would be very fitting if the Trojans would qualify.

Scribner-Snyder has to believe, and go out there and make it happen.

The Trojans have to give it their all and everything, and do everything they possibly can do to keep winning in the postseason.

Scribner-Snyder has to go out there and compete at the highest level possible.

The Trojans have to exert every ounce of energy in their body, and go all out.

Scribner-Snyder has to leave it all out on the floor.

First serve is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in Wisner.

This is do or die for the Trojans. Scribner-Snyder has to play like there's no tomorrow.

Clarkson/Leigh falls at Mead, wins final regular season match over Pender

The Clarkson/Leigh Volleyball Team lost 3-0 at Mead last Thursday night before sweeping Pender 3-0 at home to end the regular season Monday night.

The Raiders won set one 31-29, set two 27-25, and set three 25-13.

Sydney Folken and Ashlynn Novotny tallied 9 kills each while Halee Steffensmeier totaled 17 digs. Kaegan Held chipped in 12 digs and 30 set assists.

The Patriots took set one 25-14, set two 25-20, and set three 25-14 from the Pendragons.

Folken led the way with 13 kills while Beth Wiese and Paige Moore totaled 11 apiece. Held registered 17 digs and 34 set assists while Holly Kuhr and Brittney Urbanek notched 13 and 12 digs, respectively. Steffensmeier contributed 10 digs while Sara McEvoy had 9.

Clarkson/Leigh had more players get involved against Pender it appears.

The Patriots (22-9) host Pender (5-24) again in the opening round of Sub-Districts at Oakland-Craig Monday night.

GACC is also in this D1-4 sub-district, and I feel the Bluejays are the only team standing between Clarkson/Leigh and a trip to Lincoln.

GACC doesn't have a great record, but they play a really tough schedule, and are a perennial power.

The Patriots can definitely win and advance past sub-districts though.

This Clarkson/Leigh team has been good all year, and is very tough, and I look for the Patriots to play really good in the postseason.

The biggest things for Clarkson/Leigh are relaxing and not tensing up.

The Patriots have to play the way they did in the regular season, and up their level of play.

So Clarkson/Leigh should continue to do the things they have, just at a faster speed and higher level.

The Patriots have to be intense and get fired up and be ready to go the whole night.

Clarkson/Leigh has to prepare themselves physically and mentally, and must go out there and expect to win.

The Patriots have to dream big and visualize the moment of making it to Lincoln.

Clarkson/Leigh can't get too ahead of themselves and must be focused on Pender, but the Patriots have to gear up for a big postseason run.

Clarkson/Leigh is definitely capable of making state, but it's going to take a lot of hard work and perseverance.

Even if the Patriots get down say 2-0 in a match, they have to keep fighting and play hard and continue to battle.

Clarkson/Leigh lost the last set to Mead by a lot farther a margin than the first 2 sets, and the Patriots have to realize that a match is never over until it is over.

Clarkson/Leigh has to write their own story and make history.

The moment can be theirs, the Patriots just have to go out there and make it happen.

The Pender match is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m.

GACC goes 2-2 at Mid-State Conference Tournament

The GACC Volleyball Team lost 3-0 at Battle Creek and 3-2 to O'Neill at Battle Creek Tuesday night in the Mid-State Conference Tournament before beating Boone Central/Newman Grove 2-0 and Pierce 2-1 at the Tournament Thursday night.

The Braves dominated set one 25-12, won set two 25-21, and took set three 25-14.

Bobbie Ortmeier led the Bluejays with 7 kills. Kali Stratman added 10 set assists.

Head Coach Paul Steuter says his team had a shaky start. "The girls really looked nervous. I was a little surprised by that this late in the season. They didn't have their legs under them, they were tentative, both hitting and in serve receive. Which I thought we kind of solved that problem. But I guess we'll keep working on that aspect of the game and hopefully that'll improve."

Steuter. "I told the girls in that first set, later on in the first set, we have to build momentum. This is possibility always of 4 or 5 sets. You can always go that far. So we wanted to try to gain that momentum. We had a few good breaks even though we lost that set I thought it did put us in a better frame of mind for the 2nd set where we battled them very well."

The Eagles won set one 25-17 before GACC took set two 25-19. O'Neill came back to win set three 25-17 before the Bluejays claimed set four 25-22. The Eagles took set five 15-12.

Riley Throener had 14 kills and 8 digs while Brooklyn Bailey totaled 11 kills. Ally Plagge chipped in 10 kills and 20 digs while Ortmeier notched 10 kills. Stratman registered 20 digs and 37 set assists while Meghan Brunsing and Hanna Knobbe posted 16 and 8 digs, respectively.

GACC topped the Cardinals 28-26 in the 1st set, and 26-24 in the 2nd set.

Bailey led the way with 7 kills while Plagge had 11 digs. Stratman registered 9 digs and 8 set assists while Throener had 8 digs. Knobbe chipped in 7.

GACC took set one from Pierce, 26-24, lost set two 25-11, but rebounded to win set three 25-20.

Throener notched 8 kills and 9 digs while Plagge and Ortmeier compiled 7 kills each. Plagge chipped in 12 digs while Stratman posted 11 digs and 15 set assists. Knobbe added 10 digs while Brunsing recorded 8.

I think the wins over BC/NG and Pierce should give GACC the confidence necessary to make a postseason run.

The Bluejays (9-16) take on Walthill (10-10) in the 1st round of Sub-Districts at Oakland-Craig on Monday.

The Blujays went 1-1 at the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament on Saturday, beating Bloomfield 2-1, but losing 2-0 to Wakefield.

I think GACC will have an easy time in this match. Walthill hasn't played the caliber of teams the Bluejays have, and GACC should win easily.

It will be interesting to see if the Bluejays can get through this sub-district.

I think Clarkson/Leigh is GACC's only threat to not make it to Lincoln.

I feel the Patriots will be tough, but the Bluejays have played a lot of tough teams and are battle tested.

It should be an interesting sub-district final should the two meet, and I don't know what to expect.

GACC has had a tough season for the most part while Clarkson/Leigh has experienced a lot of winning.

The Patriots haven't faced the same sot of competition though, and the Bluejays have pride and tradition on their side.

I think the winner of this sub-district will move on to state. I feel GACC has a chance to win it, but I wouldn't pencil the Bluejays in just yet.

If GACC plays the way they did Thursday night they should advance to a district final, but if the Bluejays play the way they have for the majority of the season then getting past the sub-district final could be very iffy.

Throener, Plagge, and Ortmeier need to have big matches for GACC.

Stratman needs to pass well also, and the Bluejays have to be on top of their game.

GACC had a tough regular season, yet here the Bluejays are. A chance to advance to state.

GACC takes on Walthill at 6:15 p.m. on Monday. The D1-4 Sub-District Final will be played at 7:30 p.m.

West Point-Beemer sweeps Pender Triangular

The West Point-Beemer Volleyball Team swept the Pender Triangular Tuesday night, downing the host Pendragons and Howells-Dodge 2-0.

The Cadets downed the Pendragons 25-13 in set one, and 25-10 in set two.

West Point-Beemer defeated the Jaguars 25-13 in the 1st set, and 25-22 in the 2nd set.

Good, solid way for the Cadets to end the regular season. West Point-Beemer won 6 out of their last 7 regular season matches.

Head Coach Conley Straight says his team really settled in and just played their game during the run. "I think our team really started focusing on the little things in practice and started executing those in our last matches here at the end of the season. I also feel like all the girls have done a great job of relaxing and having fun during these matches and I also can see in all of them that they believe in each other and that has lead to success on the court."

The Cadets (18-11) are the No. 1 seed in the C1-4 Sub-District at Fremont High.

West Point-Beemer will play either Fort Calhoun or Logan View at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.

Straight credits leadership and hard work as reasons why the Cadets earned the top seed. "I think the #1 seed is sub districts is a testament to the girls hard work during practice and continuing to get better each day. All season long we have known we have the capability to play with some of the top teams in our conference and in the state and the girls have shown they belong. I have to give credit to our six seniors that have continued to grow as leaders for this team and continue to help reach our goals this year."

It's definitely a huge accomplishment for West Point-Beemer to get the No. 1 seed, and now we'll see what the Cadets can do with it.

Straight says it would be a big deal to do well in the postseason. "Having success during the postseason would mean a lot to this team and our school. From the beginning of the year this team has strived to get better each day in practice and in every game and winning our sub district and making a district final would be another accomplishment that they knew all season they could achieve. Obviously, making state would be great as well, we just have to continue to do what we have been doing to help us reach our goal of making state."

This program has come a long ways this year, and is definitely now on the map I would say. West Point-Beemer is already guaranteed to finish much higher than .500, something they really struggled with in past years.

Straight adds his squad has to keep playing the way they have and must not get too ahead of themselves to have postseason success. "In order to have success we just need to continue to do what we have done these last 5 matches. Continuing to play as a team and having leadership on the court during each match is important and taking each match point by point. It will be important that we respect our opponent each match and not look ahead to the next match or opponent. I look for the girls to come out with intensity, energy and most of all to have fun during each match which can lead them to success!"

I could definitely see the Cadets coming through and winning this sub-district.

It's really anyone's sub-district to win I would say, but West Point-Beemer is definitely capable of winning it.

I think the way the Cadets have played lately gives them an advantage over anyone they face in sub-districts.

Monday's match will be carried on 107.9 the Bull.

Stanton wins last four regular season matches

The Stanton Volleyball Team won their last four regular season matches, sweeping Lutheran High Northeast 3-0 at home last Tuesday night, North Bend Central and Logan View 2-0 at their home triangular Tuesday night, and Twin River 3-0 on the road Thursday night.

The Mustangs topped the Eagles 25-20 in set one, 25-14 in set two, and 25-18 in set three.

Bree Burtwhistle and Jessie Brandl notched 12 kills apiece while Hannah Heppner and Liz Christensen totaled 10 and 8, respectively. Burtwhistle registered 13 digs and 22 set assists while Brandl had 10 digs. Jaiden Hartl chipped in 9. Makenna Espinoza dished out 19 set assists.

Stanton downed the Raiders 25-1 in set one, and 25-11 in set two.

Heppner had 8 kills while Burtwhistle and Espinoza registered 13 and 8 set assists, respectively.

The Mustangs knocked off the previously unbeaten Tigers 25-16 in the 1st set, and 25-21 in the 2nd set.

Burtwhistle and Brandl totaled 10 kills each while Heppner had 9. Hartl notched 9 digs while Jasmine Kment recorded 8. Burtwhistle and Espinoza posted 15 and 13 set assists, respectively.

Head Coach Tracy Kuester-Burtwhistle says her team found ways to improve following the loss to the Tigers the first time around. "After Conference we were able to focus on some opportunities to learn and improve our game.  The players watched film, made adjustments at practice and were able to implement those adjustments against North Bend Central."

Stanton knocked off the Titans 25-14 in set one, 25-12 in set two, and 25-18 in set three.

Heppner totaled 10 kills while Brandl notched 9 kills and 14 digs. Burtwhistle added 7 kills and 24 set assists while Hartl registered 8 digs. Espinoza chipped in 15 set assists.

Kuester-Burtwhistle says her squad is dedicated to excellence. "The Mustang Team is very driven and they continue to practice hard every day to improve. They are growing as a team and learning what each players role is on the team. Giving each player the confidence to play their best every single set and overall match."

Stanton (26-3) is the No. 1 seed in the C2-4 Sub-District at Norfolk Catholic.

The Mustangs play either Lutheran High Northeast or Howells-Dodge on Monday at 7:30 p.m.

Kuester-Burtwhistle says her team has to play hard and have a quick memory. "Our sub-district is very competitive we just need to focus on what we can control and make adjustments quickly as the match goes on. Continue to have that mind set to 'play to win' - mistakes happen - move on."

I feel like Stanton is one of those teams who probably has an easy time getting over mistakes and letting things go.

The Mustangs have a certain amount of margin for error at times, but there are some matches where Stanton can't afford to make many mistakes.

If the Mustangs are to get back to state and defend their state title they'll have to play very good, clean Volleyball.

Heppner, Burtwhistle, Brandl, Hartl, and Espinoza have to continue their prowess and progress for this team.

I think Battle Creek or maybe Wisner-Pilger could challenge Stanton, but I see the Mustangs winning this sub-district.

Stanton just has to play the way they have all season and raise their level of play.

The Mustangs have to get off to a strong start in their first sub-district match, and any other sub-district matches they play, and anything beyond that.

Stanton also has to close out teams when they have the opportunity like they have all season long.

This Mustang team is good, and it wouldn't surprise me to see Stanton go all the way again.

Hartington Cedar Catholic and others will be tough to beat down at State, but you can bet this Mustang team will be a very tough out.

If Stanton is to lose in the postseason the team that beats them will have earned it.

The Mustangs typically don't beat themselves, and you can bet Stanton will be a major postseason factor and a threat to win another state title.

If the Mustangs play the way they did against North Bend Central the second time around they may not lose another match this season.

North Bend Central goes 4-1 in final 5 regular season matches

The North Bend Central Volleyball Teambeat Howells-Dodge 3-0 on the road last Tuesday night and went 3-1 this week, losing 2-0 to Stanton at the Stanton Triangular Tuesday night, but beating Logan View 2-0 at the Triangular. The Tigers turned around and swept Madison and Shelby/Rising City 2-0 at the Madison Triangular Thursday night.

The Tigers took sets one and two over the Jaguars, 25-21, and set three 25-19.

Kristin Lux led all players with 17 kills while Brooke Fredrickson was also in double figures with 10.

Head Coach Amy Sterup's girls have only lost four sets all year. "I would say this is a good, well rounded team for us. And they've had a lot of success, and they learned how to play together well. And they kind of monitor themselves when it comes to errors on the court and what they need to do to step it up."

Sterup says despite the win, her players need to stay focused. "I thought we started out good. I felt like we were coming back on the rollercoaster that we have always talked about in the last few years. We haven't had that rollercoaster talk for a while, and I felt tonight it needed to be brought up again. And the girls agreed. And we just kind of played flat footed tonight. There wasn't a lot of get up and go in them. So I'm hoping that changes here shortly cause we're getting to the do or die part of the season."

The Tigers took the opening set from the Raiders 25-6, and the 2nd set 25-11.

North Bend Central dropped set one to the Mustangs, 25-16, and set two 25-21.

The Tigers downed the Dragons 25-7 in set one, and 25-21 in set two.

North Bend Central topped the Huskies 25-16 in the 1st set, and 25-14 in the 2nd set.

I don't think the Tigers have a lot to be concerned with given the loss to the Mustangs. Stanton is just a really good team, and beating them twice was asking a lot.

North Bend Central (27-1) has earned the number one seed in the C1-6 Sub-District to be played at Columbus High.

The Tigers will play either Columbus Lakeview or David City in their first sub-district match on Monday at 8:00 p.m.

North Bend Central has had issues with Lakeview and Columbus Scotus in the past, but I feel this year's Tiger team is built to get past these two teams.

I think this North Bend Central team is stronger than the Tiger teams of the past, who were also very good.

I feel North Bend Central is one of the best teams in C-1 if not the best, and I think the Tigers will prove that in this sub-district.

North Bend Central just has to play their game the way they did last year, and not tense up just because they're playing Lakeview or Scotus.

The Tigers have to play loose and just go out there and do what they have been doing all season long.

North Bend Central has to stay focused at all times and not get too ahead of themselves.

This has to be big stage big play for Lux and Fredrickson.

These two have to come up big for the Tigers, and single handily will this team to victory if necessary.

I don't know if anyone in this sub-district has anyone that can slow these two down.

I view Lakeview and Scotus as potential threats to North Bend Central, but the Tigers should be able to make state with a wildcard should they falter.

Still though I'm sure North Bend Central would just assume take the bull by the horns and dominate whoever they play.

The Tigers have to come out and play with lots of fire, tenacity, grit, toughness, passion, pride, steam, and will.

North Bend Central has to execute at a high level, and come out and play the type of Volleyball they're accustomed to playing.

There are quite a few seniors on this team so they have to come out and play like they know this is their last chance to do something.

Pender loses last three regular season matches

The Pender Volleyball Team dropped their final three regular season matches, losing 3-0 at Clarkson/Leigh Monday night, and 2-0 to Howells-Dodge and West Point-Beemer at their home Triangular Tuesday night.

The Pendragons lost set one to the Patriots, 25-14, set two 25-20, and set three 25-14.

Pender lost the 1st set 25-17 and the 2nd set 25-18 to the Jaguars.

The Cadets took set one 25-13, and set two 25-10.

I thought the Pendragons did a good job of competing against the Patriots and Jaguars for the most part.

Pender (5-24) takes on Clarkson/Leigh (22-9) in the opening round of Sub-Districts at Oakland-Craig Monday evening.

The Patriots have been good and solid the whole year, and figure to be tough for anyone in this Sub-District to beat.

The Pendragons definitely have an uphill battle in this match, but are certainly capable of pulling the upset.

A lot of people probably figure Clarkson/Leigh and GACC will meet in the Sub-District Final, but perhaps Pender will spoil the party.

Anything can happen this time of year, and the Pendragons have to play optimistic and be confident and believe in themselves.

Pender has to build off the close set they had against the Patriots the first time around, and turn in their best performance of the year.

The Pendragons have to exceed expectations, and play as well as possible.

Pender has to execute in all areas of the game, which includes serving, hitting, blocking, passing, and serve receiving well.

The Pendragons have to play inspired and out of their minds to come out on top.

Pender has to go all out and play as well as they possibly can to pull off the upset.

The Pendragons have to go out there and play loose and with reckless abandon.

Pender has to give it their all, and fight hard until the very end and be scrappy.

The Pendragons have to feel like they can do anything they put their mind to, and go out there and shock the state.

Pender has to play out of their minds, and with no fear and regard for human life. If they do that then they may have a shot at the upset.

The Pendragons have to be inspired given the fact the Football team upset GACC in the playoffs.

Anything can happen, and Pender has to feel like they can win.

First serve is set for 5:00 p.m.

Howells-Dodge splits Pender Triangular to end regular season

The Howells-Dodge Volleyball Team split the Pender Triangular to end the regular season Tuesday night, downing the host Pendragons 2-0, but losing 2-0 to West Point-Beemer.

The Cadets took set one 25-13, and set two 25-22.

Erin Prusa totaled 7 kills while Macey Kulhanek added 9 digs. Tonya Brester and Taya VanLengen chipped in 7 digs apiece while Alyssa Coufal tallied 16 set assists.

The Jaguars defeated Pender 25-17 in the 1st set, and 25-18 in the 2nd set.

VanLengen put down 8 kills and 9 digs while Jessi Brester added 7 kills. Tonya Brester and Kulhanek registered 8 digs apiece while Coufal dished out 25 set assists.

Decent way for Howells-Dodge to end the regular season I would say.

The Jaguars (15-15) take on Lutheran High Northeast (17-14) in the C2-4 Sub-District Play-In Match at Norfolk Catholic Monday evening.

The Eagles went 3-1 at their own Tournament on Saturday.

LHNE topped Howells-Dodge 3-0 at home on September 19th.

The Jaguars need to get back to playing the way they were at the beginning of the season to have a shot in this match.

Howells-Dodge started so well, but hasn't played as well as they were early on I would say.

The Jaguars have been up and down this year, and just haven't had any consistency in their play.

This is a tough Sub-District though, and Howells-Dodge plays a tough schedule, which should help them be ready for this match.

The winner gets defending State Champion Stanton, and beating the Mustangs may seem like next to impossible, but anything can happen.

The Jaguars have to believe they're as good as anyone in this Sub-District, and can't back down from anyone.

All teams in this Sub-District are good, and Howells-Dodge has to have the desire and will to compete hard, and must fear no one.

The Jaguars may be young, but Howells-Dodge has had an entire season to grow and mature, and should now be ready.

There's no doubt Howells-Dodge has a chance to beat the Eagles, and advance to take on the Mustangs.

Anything can happen in the postseason, and the Jaguars have to believe in themselves and trust one another.

Howells-Dodge has to expect to win and get the job done.

It's a mentality and attitude that all winning teams have, and it's something the Jaguars must possess.

First serve is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

Wisner-Pilger wins Scribner-Snyder Triangular; sweeps Oakland-Craig in final regular season contest

The Wisner-Pilger Volleyball Team won the Scribner-Snyder Triangular last Thursday night, topping the host Trojans 2-1 and sweeping Logan View 2-0. The Gators then swept Oakland-Craig at home Tuesday night to end the regular season.

In the Scribner-Snyder match, the Gators won set one 25-16, and took set three 25-13 after losing set two 25-22.

Jordan Wegner posted a match-high 15 kills while Maci Batenhorst had 9. Lauren Jacobsen added 25 set assists while Ariel Meyer notched 8.

In the Logan View match, the Gators won set one 25-10, and set two 25-11.

Batenhorst had 8 kills for Wisner-Pilger while Wegner contributed 7. Jacobsen dished out 18 set assists.

Head Coach Jean Groth on the wins. "When the girls earned points those last two games against Logan View they earned 21 of the 25 with a kill, an ace, or a block. The first game against Scribner they earned 20. And when they make 12 errors and 13 errors they're going to have to hope that the other team loses to them because we're not earning the win. And so it was a good lesson for us to learn tonight."

Against the Knights, the Gators took set one 25-16, set two 25-6, and set three 25-13.

Wegner registered 18 kills and 8 digs while Batenhorst notched 9 kills and 7 digs. Ashton Meyer chipped in 8 digs while Jacobsen and Ariel Meyer totaled 21 and 11 set assists, respectively.

Wisner-Pilger is playing at a high level and sets themselves up nicely for Sub-Districts I would say.

The Gators (23-8) battle Battle Creek (20-9) in the C2-4 Sub-District at Norfolk Catholic Monday evening.

The Braves beat Crofton 3-0 at the Mid-State Conference Tournament Tuesday night.

Battle Creek beat Wisner-Pilger 2-0 at the Crofton Triangular on September 21st.

This is going to be a difficult match for the Gators as is any match in this sub-district given how tough it is.

Wegner, Batenhorst, Jacobsen, Ariel Meyer, and Ashton Meyer all need to be on top of their game for Wisner-Pilger.

The Gators need to be on top of their game to come away with a win.

I feel only Wisner-Pilger's best match will yield them a win. The Gators can't afford to come out and play sluggish.

Wisner-Pilger has to be really tough physically and mentally, and must attack, attack, and attack.

The Gators have to be relentless with their attack, and must bring it to the Braves over and over again.

Wegner and Batenhorst need to have gigantic matches for Wisner-Pilger.

The Gators need to be on top of their game and have the mojo working.

Wisner-Pilger has to be intense, focused, and on point.

The Gators must turn in a total team effort and play well together.

Wisner-Pilger has to play with fire, passion, pride, attitude, tenacity, toughness, and grit.

The Gators have to come out ready to lay the smackdown on Battle Creek from the start.

Wisner-Pilger has to revert back to the way they played against St. Paul, and bring that same type of effort and play to Monday night's match.

The Gators and Braves will go at things at 6:15 p.m.

Wisner-Pilger is the 2 seed, and Battle Creek the 3.

Oakland-Craig falls at Wisner-Pilger in regular season finale

The Oakland-Craig Volleyball Team lost 3-0 at Wisner-Pilger Tuesday night to end the regular season.

The Gators took set one 25-16, set two 25-6, and set three 25-13.

Difficult end a tough regular season for the Knights.

Oakland-Craig (7-24) battles Homer (7-21) in the bunny bracket match of the C2-2 Sub-District Tournament at Pender Monday evening.

Homer lost 2-0 to Laurel-Concord-Coleridge and Hartington-Newcastle in the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament on Saturday.

This should be an interesting match as should all the matches in this Sub-District.

This Sub-District is set up for a low seed to advance to a District Final.

So as tough as the regular season was for Oakland-Craig, they have a shot at redemption Monday evening.

The winner gets top seeded Wakefield, who is only 11-13.

I feel this Sub-District is wide open, and anyone can win it.

Oakland-Craig has to believe in themselves and in each other, and go out there and make it happen.

Oakland-Craig has to forget about what happened in the regular season, and start fresh.

Everyone is 0-0 right now. Anything can happen in the postseason.

Oakland-Craig has to play intense, and with a lot of might and mental and physical toughness.

Oakland-Craig has to play with confidence as well.

They have to find some motivation and courage and strength and resolve from within to go out there and compete and play well.

Oakland-Craig has to stress excellence and great play in the postseason.

It's the time of year where champions are born and dreams are realized, and Oakland-Craig is certainly capable of getting the job done.

It's time to make history if you are Oakland-Craig. The stakes couldn't be any higher than they are this time of year.

Oakland-Craig and Homer will go at it starting at 5:00 p.m. The winner gets Wakefield in a 7:30 p.m. match.

BRLD loses to Tekamah-Herman in regular season finale

The BRLD Volleyball Team closed out the regular season Tuesday night with a 3-1 road loss at Tekamah-Herman.

The Tigers won set one 25-16 before losing set two 26-24. Tekamah-Herman bounced back to take set three 25-17, and closed out the match with a 25-19 set four win.

The Wolverines were led by Vicki Gatzemeyer and Tiahna Bonneau with 10 kills each. Halle Wortman and Tori Ostrand added 9 and 7, respectively. Kelsey Larsen added 8 blocks while Kelcee Bacon registered 16 digs. Bonneau and Brandi Simonsen chipped in 9 digs each.

Head Coach Rebecca James on the loss. "Volleyball's a game of momentum and runs, and unfortunately our momentum we just couldn't get as many runs off it as they did. So it was a good match.

James says her girls put up a good fight. "I mean we really approach this season as we are playing as a team, and we have all our jobs to do. And we don't have that really, really star outstanding player, we just got to do it all together. So yeah it's been fun to see everybody step up."

BRLD simply couldn't contain or slow down Tekamah-Herman's Marin Jetensky and Anna Wakehouse, who combined for 51 kills.

The Wolverines (16-16) take on Omaha Nation (11-14) in their opening C2-2 Sub-District Match at Pender Monday night.

The Chiefs won 3-2 at home over Marty, SD Tuesday night.

I think BRLD has a legit shot to win this sub-district.

The Wolverines went 4-2 in the regular season against teams in their Sub-District, including a split with top seeded Wakefield.

I think Omaha Nation is actually the weakest team in this Sub-District based on their schedule.

BRLD has played a lot of good teams and a lot of good Volleyball, and I think the Wolverines have what it takes to get to a District Final.

With that said, BRLD lost some matches they shouldn't of this year so the Wolverines have to come out and be ready to go, and be on top of their game.

Gatzemeyer, Bonneau, Larsen, Simonsen, Ostrand, and Wortman all need to have big matches for BRLD.

The Wolverines have to play up to their potential, and display a lot of fight and might in their play.

BRLD has to come out with a business like attitude, and play for keeps.

The Wolverines have to do everything they possibly can to win, and cannot let up at any given time.

BRLD has to believe that they can win this Sub-District because they definitely can.

The Wolverines would most likely have to take on 20-4 Palmyra or  21-8 Fremont Bergan in a District Final, but anything can happen once a team gets that far.

BRLD has to think "Why Not Us?"

The Wolverines are certainly worthy and deserving of a state berth, and could certainly get it if they're on top of their game.

BRLD has to play better than they did Tuesday night though. I don't feel the Wolverines played their best Volleyball against Tekamah-Herman.

The Omaha Nation Match is scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m.

Winnebago loses to Bloomfield in Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament

The Winnebago Volleyball Team fell 2-0 to Bloomfield in the bunny bracket game of the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament at Ponca on Saturday.

The Indians lost set one 25-23, and set two 25-10.

Not an easy defeat to accept if you are Winnebago.

The Indians (7-18) take on Madison (3-21) in the C1-7 Sub-District Bunny Bracket Game at Norfolk High on Monday.

The Dragons beat St. Edward 2-0, but lost 2-0 to Riverside at the Riverside Triangular Tuesday night.

These two teams did not meet in the regular season.

Madison beat Bloomfield 2-0 at their home Triangular last Thursday night.

I feel this match is a toss up and can go either way, but Winnebago has to play much better than they did against the Bees.

The Indians have to want it more than the Dragons, and have to show a lot of pride and play with a lot of passion and attention to detail Monday evening.

This sub-district is pretty wide open as far as I'm concerned, and I think Winnebago has what it takes to be a factor.

Wayne awaits the winner later in the evening, and whoever wins between the Indians and Madison is going to have a challenge on their hands with playing a second best-of-five match.

Winnebago has to find some motivation and might from within, and play as well as they can.

The Indians have to find some extra giddy up, and play their best match of the season Monday evening.

Winning this match over the Dragons would be a good building block for Winnebago, in my opinion.

To get to 8 wins would be a good accomplishment for this Indian program.

Just to have a shot at Wayne, an opportunity to play the top seed, would be good if the Indians can get past Madison.

Given the way the two teams have played lately you would have to give the edge to the Dragons, but looking at the season as a whole, you would have to lean toward Winnebago.

I really feel this match can go either way, and whoever executes the best and plays better, will most likely win the match.

First serve is slated for 5:00 p.m.

Tekamah-Herman goes 1-1 in final two regular season matches

The Tekamah-Herman Volleyball Team lost 3-2 at Howells-Dodge last Thursday night before beating BRLD 3-1 at home Tuesday night to end the regular season.

In the Howells-Dodge match, the Tigers won set one 25-15. The Jaguars won set two 25-19 and set three 27-25. Tekamah-Herman took set four 25-12 before Howells-Dodge claimed set five 15-12.

Against the Wolverines, the Tigers won set one 25-16 before losing set two 26-24. Tekamah-Herman bounced back to take set three 25-17, and closed out the match with a 25-19 set four win.

Marin Jetensky led all players with 30 kills while Anna Wakehouse had 21.

Head Coach Becky Rennerfeldt. "I thought there was a big difference between set one and set two as terms of our defense. I thought we were kind of back on our heels a little bit, we weren't picking up some balls that I like our defense to pick up. And I just said if we're going to beat BRLD, they have one of the best defenses in our conference, I really believe that. They keep balls in play. And it's hard. You have to outdefend them. And we needed to do that, and then we talked about that after the 2nd set."

Rennerfeldt on Jetensky. "She does a really great job of the net. And today she was a rockstar in the back row too so I really appreciate her playing the back row. I thought she played really good tonight. But yeah she's hard to defend. She really gets some teams flustered."

Rennerfeldt talked to Tom McMahon about the upcoming sub-districts that get underway Monday. "There's going to be four teams there that it can be anybody's sub-district. Honestly whoever wants it more is going to get it I think. It's with Arlington and Fort Calhoun and West Point-Beemer and Logan View.

Tekamah-Herman (18-13) drew the 3 seed and takes on Arlington (14-10) in their opening match of the C1-4 Sub-District at Fremont High.

The Eagles won 3-2 at Fort Calhoun to end the regular season Tuesday night.

The Tigers lost 2-0 to Arlington in the regular season.

The Tigers can definitely win this Sub-District though, in my opinion.

Tekamah-Herman split with West Point-Beemer in the regular season, lost to Fort Calhoun, and beat Logan View.

Both the Tigers and Cadets have played good Volleyball this season, and I could see those two meeting in the Sub-District Final.

I could also see Fort Calhoun and Arlington playing for the right to go to a district final too though.

I feel this is anyone's sub-district to win, and whoever comes out and plays the best ball is most likely to win it.

Jetensky and Wakehouse have to step up the way they did against BRLD and lead this team.

When those two combine for 50+ kills Tekamah-Herman is always going to be difficult to beat.

If the Tigers are on top of their game and play the way they are capable of then they can beat anyone in this Sub-District I would say/

But if Tekamah-Herman struggles and plays like they have in certain matches this year then they're most likely going to get beat at some point.

I can't stress the importance of coming ready to play and playing a good match Monday night.

The Tigers must be on top of their game to have a shot at beating the Eagles, and whoever they play Tuesday night should they make it that far.

Tekamah-Herman has to want it more than Arlington and whoever else they may play in this Sub-District Tournament.

The season is on the line for the Tigers Monday night, and Tekamah-Herman must play like there is no tomorrow.

First serve is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on 107.9 the Bull.

Logan View loses final four regular season matches

The Logan View Volleyball Team dropped their last four regular season matches, losing 2-0 to Wisner-Pilger and Scribner-Snyder at the Scribner-Snyder Triangular last Thursday night before falling 2-0 to North Bend Central and Stanton at the Stanton Triangular Tuesday night.

The Gators won set one 25-10, and set two 25-11.

Taylor Ruwe and Shaylin Daugherty had 2 kills apiece for the Raiders.

The Trojans claimed the first set 25-17, and the second set 25-20.

Tyler Christianson and Ashley Uhing chipped in 5 kills each for Logan View.

The Raiders lost 25-1 in set one, and 25-11 in set two to the Mustangs.

The Tigers took the opening set 25-6, and the 2nd set 25-11.

Tough way for Logan View to end the regular season given all the progress they had made prior to these last handful of matches.

The Raiders (5-25) take on Fort Calhoun (13-14) in the bunny bracket match of Sub-District C1-4 at Fremont High late Monday afternoon.

The Pioneers lost 3-2 at home to Arlington to round out the regular season Tuesday night.

Fort Calhoun has lost 3 out of their last 4 while Logan View has lost 10 in a row.

The Raiders definitely don't have a lot of momentum coming into this match, but that doesn't mean Logan View can't win.

The Raiders just have to find a way to create their own energy, passion, fire, and enthusiasm.

Logan View has to get pumped and fired up, and be ready to compete as hard and as well as possible in all sets of the match.

The Raiders have to feel like this Sub-District is wide open, and that anyone can win it.

Logan View has to come in feeling upbeat, positive, and optimistic.

The Raiders have to play with a lot of pride and school spirit, and must give it their all the entire match and in any other matches in the postseason should they advance past the Pioneers.

It might be a long shot for Logan View to beat Fort Calhoun and win the Sub-District, but upsets happen all the time, and the Raiders are certainly capable of getting the job done and writing their own story.

You just never know when a low seed will step things up in Sub-Districts and make a run.

It usually happens and comes out of nowhere, and that's exactly what Logan View's run would be if they make one.

To have postseason success the Raiders have to get back to the way they were playing when they made sets competitive and even took sets from teams with better records than them.

Even then that might not be enough. Logan View has to step up their game, raise their level of play, and take their game to new heights to do something, in my opinion.

The Raiders have to believe, and play optimistic and opportunistic Volleyball come Monday.

First serve is set for 4:30 p.m. on 107.9 the Bull. The winner gets top seeded West Point-Beemer at 6:30 p.m., also on Monday.

Scribner-Snyder 3-5 in last 8 matches

The Scribner-Snyder Volleyball Team is 3-5 in the last two weeks, losing 2-0 to Tekamah-Herman and beating Oakland-Craig 2-1 in the East Husker Conference Tournament last Thursday night, beating Pender and falling to BRLD 2-0 at the Tournament at Logan View on Saturday, losing 2-0 to Tekamah-Herman and Fremont Bergan at the Bergan Triangular Tuesday night, and falling 2-1 to Wisner-Pilger, but beating Logan View 2-0 at their home Triangular Pink Out Event Thursday night.

In the first meeting, Tekamah-Herman won set one 25-9 and set two 25-14.

Nicole Boyle paced the Trojans with 5 kills.

The Trojans won set one over Oakland-Craig 25-9, and set three 25-23 after losing set two 25-20.

Kaylee Boyle had a match-high 15 kills and totaled 13 digs for Scribner-Snyder while Faith Riggle registered 5. Nicole Boyle tallied 18 digs and 23 set assists while Emily Lewin notched 12 digs.

Head Coach Shelly Schulenberg wasn't pleased with her team's start. "When we started against Tekamah I wasn't happy with how we played. We're a better team than that. We just didn't have the energy level that we needed to compete against a team that's better. And so when we don't pass we can't run our offense. So we've kind of struggled with that over the last couple games with our passing. And can't get hits if we don't get good passes." 

Schulenberg's team had only three service errors all night, something to build on. "We played Winside a couple weeks ago, and we had 15 in the match just against them. And we had to nip that in the butt at practice. And so they've done a good job of really focusing on their serves. So that's definitely a plus for us."

The Wolverines beat the Trojans 25-13 in sets one and two.

Kaylin Niewohner had 10 digs while Kaylee Boyle registered 8.

Scribner-Snyder downed Pender 25-18 in the first set, and 25-14 in the second set.

Kaylee Boyle posted 10 kills and 9 digs while Nicole Boyle had 7 blocks, 14 digs, and 9 set assists. Lewin and Elissa Dames notched 7 digs apiece.

Bergan downed the Trojans 25-17 in set one, and 25-14 in set two.

Kaylee Boyle led the way with 8 kills.

In the second match against the Tigers, Tekamah-Herman won the opening set 25-23, and the second set 25-15.

Kaylee Boyle posted 7 kills and 15 digs while Lewin had 13 digs. Sidney Fletcher and Niewohner registered 9 and 7, respectively.

The Gators won set one 25-16, and took set three 25-13 after losing set two 25-22.

Kaylee Boyle had 13 kills and 7 digs for the Trojans. Nicole Boyle registered 17 digs while Lewin totaled 7.

The Trojans claimed the first set against the Raiders 25-17, and the second set 25-20.

Kaylee Boyle put down 8 kills.

Schulenberg says it was an off night for service errors. "When I talked to you the last time I had said our serving had improved, and we really had, but tonight I don't know, we just got into a little funk. I'm not sure what Em struggled a little from back behind the line. Overall I told the girls I gave them an A+ for that game. We took a set from them, we made them work hard, we made them call timeouts. So that was our goal for the night was to just play hard." 

Schulenberg is retiring as coach of the Scribner Snyder girls after 20 years......She has one more triangular Tuesday. "Coached a lot of great girls so Tuesday night will be a hard night for us emotionally, at least for me anyway. Last time on the court ever for the Trojans, so it will be a little tough for us, but I'm hoping that they'll pull through and come back with a couple wins."

Scribner-Snyder (11-14) hosts Weeping Water (7-16) and Omaha Christian Academy (14-10) in the Triangular.

The Indians beat Conestoga and Johnson County Central 2-0 at the ECNC Tournament last Thursday night.

The Eagles swept Cornerstone Christian 2-0 at the Nebraska Frontier Conference Tournament on Thursday.

Both teams should present challenges, but what a huge deal it would be for the Trojans to sweep the Triangular given it's their last ever home matches as the Scribner-Snyder Trojans.

In case you hadn't heard, Scribner-Snyder and Logan View will be combining in all sports starting next school year.

So this is it at home for the Trojans, and they have to make the most of this opportunity.

I think there will be extra incentive for Scribner-Snyder to do well and sweep the Triangular.

I think it would be fitting for the Trojans to sweep this Triangular and end the Scribner-Snyder Trojans' existence on top at home.

I feel anything less than a Triangular sweep would be disappointing and disheartening for Scribner-Snyder.

The schedule the Trojans play should really help them in these matches.

I look for Scribner-Snyder to play well and turn in a really good performance Tuesday night.

This is it for the Scribner-Snyder Trojans at home. The last time this team and program will ever play a game on its home floor.

The Trojans have to go out in fitting and unique fashion, which is by winning their last two home contests.

This figures to be a very emotional night for these players, the coaches, and fans, and I can't begin to imagine the emotions that will be running through everyone's bodies at this Triangular.

It should be a memorable night, that's for sure, and hopefully the Scribner-Snyder Trojans can say they are winners of their last ever home contest or contests.

Howells-Dodge 2-4 in last 6 matches

The Howells-Dodge Volleyball Team is 2-4 in their last 6 matches, beating Twin River and losing to North Bend Central 2-0 at the East Husker Conference Tournament last Thursday night at North Bend, losing 2-0 to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family and 2-1 to Tekamah-Herman at the Tournament at Logan View on Saturday, and then losing 3-0 at home to North Bend Central Tuesday night, before topping Tekamah-Herman 3-2 at home Thursday night.

The Jaguars defeated the Titans 25-14 in set one, and 25-15 in set two.

Jessi Brester had 10 kills while Macey Kulhanek and Taya VanLengen notched 12 and 7 digs, respectively. Alyssa Coufal added 16 set assists.

In the first matchup between the two teams, North Bend Central took the first set 25-12, and the second set 25-19.

Coufal totaled 9 set assists.

The Bulldogs claimed set one 26-24, and set two 25-18.

VanLengen registered 10 kills and 9 digs while Kulhanek and Grace Kreikemeier registered 9 and and 7 digs, respectively. Coufal chipped in 24 set assists.

In the first matchup with Tekamah-Herman, the Jaguars won set one 25-23 before the Tigers won set two 25-19, and set three 25-14.

Erin Prusa put down 9 kills while Kulhanek had 14 digs. Coufal compiled 9 digs and 21 set assists.

In the second match with North Bend Central, the Tigers took sets one and two 25-21, and set three 25-19.

Brester led Howells-Dodge with 8 kills. Grace Dvorak notched 7 blocks while Kulhanek posted 16 digs. VanLengen contributed 8 digs while Coufal dished out 19 set assists.

Head Coach Neil VanLengen says his team got off to a slow start. "Our serve receive really broke down. Especially early in each set it was just awful how poorly we passed to start off each set. That got us behind the eight ball. And then we battled back. But we got to figure out a way to come out early, pass the ball, side out. Get into a side out game, side out side out, and then make it time to get after it and score some points."

Van Lengen says his girls put up a good fight. "They made a few mistakes, they helped us out, but towards the end of the game there I said I'm sure they're going to say they didn't play well. But we made them play not well. Our blocking, 11 blocks, that's a big number against that team, and that takes them out of their game."

In the second matchup with Tekamah-Herman, the Tigers won set one 25-15. The Jaguars won set two 25-19 and set three 27-25. Tekamah-Herman took set four 25-12 before Howells-Dodge claimed set five 15-12.

VanLengen led the way with 15 kills and 17 digs while Prusa had 11 kills and 7 digs. Brester recorded 10 kills and 9 digs while Dvorak posted 8 kills. Kulhanek managed 22 digs while Coufal notched 10 digs and 38 set assists. Tonya Brester added 7 digs.

The win over Tekamah-Herman was big. I would say the Jaguars are starting to regain some form.

Howells-Dodge (14-14) takes on Pender (5-21) and West Point-Beemer (16-11) at the Pender Triangular Tuesday night.

The Pendragons lost 3-0 at home to BRLD Tuesday night while the Cadets beat Boone Central/Newman Grove 3-1 at home Tuesday night.

This should be an intriguing triangular, at least when the Jaguars play West Point-Beemer.

Howells-Dodge shouldn't have much trouble beating Pender, but the Jaguars still have to come ready to play in that match.

The Cadets topped Howells-Dodge 3-2 at Howells-Dodge on August 31st. This is the 1st meeting of the season between the Jaguars and Pendragons.

Howells-Dodge has to continue to build on what they did last week, and turn in two good performances prior to subdistricts.

It's likely the Jaguars will play Lutheran High Northeast in Subdistricts, and the C2-4 Subdistrict will be a challenging one for sure.

The winner of Howells-Dodge and LHNE will play have to defending state champion Stanton, and that won't be an easy matchup whatsoever.

It definitely won't be easy for the Jaguars to win either match, especially against the Mustangs, because Howells-Dodge would have to play a second best of five set match on the same night.

The Jaguars have to use these last two regular season matches to prepare themselves for the postseason.

A postseason run may not be in the cards for Howells-Dodge this year, but you can bet the Jaguars will give the Eagles their best shot.

LHNE beat Howells-Dodge 3-0 in Norfolk on September 19th, and the Jaguars definitely won't have an easy time beating the Eagles in the postseason.

First things first though, Howells-Dodge has to focus on winning Tuesday's Triangular.

In the West Point-Beemer match, it's experienced talent vs. young talent.

That match against the Cadets should be really good.

Winnebago loses to Wakefield and Homer

The Winnebago Volleyball Team lost 2-0 to Wakefield and Homer at the Wakefield Triangular Thursday night.

The Knights won set one 25-19, and set two 25-14.

The Trojans took the first set 25-10, and the second set 25-22.

I thought the Indians did a good job competing in one set in each match.

Winnebago (7-17) takes on Bloomfield (2-21) in the first round of the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament at Ponca on Saturday.

The Bees lost 2-0 to Madison and Elkhorn Valley at the Madison Triangular Thursday night.

The Indians should be able to win this match.

It's a bunny bracket match, and Winnebago should be able to take it.

A win of any kind is good for this team, and I'm sure the Indians would be very happy with a win over Bloomfield.

Winnebago can't take the Bees for granted and think this is a sure win though. The Indians aren't a team that can take anyone lightly.

The winner gets Ponca, and while it might be really difficult for Winnebago to beat them, just playing them and playing the best is what you want if you are Winnebago, or any team for that matter.

The Indians have to play with lots of mental and physical toughness, good team spirit, fire, tenacity, grit, passion, and pride.

Winnebago has to come out and lift one another up on the court, and give one another positive encouragement on every play if possible.

The Indians have to be authoritative and aggressive with their swings, and must hit their spots and overpower the Bees.

Winnebago has to take chances and try and go for it all against Bloomfield.

The Indians can't hold anything back, and should take it to the Bees the entire time.

Winnebago has to be relentless in their attack, and must attack Bloomfield with full force and aggression.

The Indians have to come out and lay the smackdown and hammer on the Bees, and make life extremely difficult on Bloomfield.

Winnebago has to come out and take care of business and get back on the winning side of things, and move on to face Ponca. I'm sure it would feel really good to experience another win, it's been a little bit for the Indians.

First serve between Winnebago and Bloomfield is set for 2:00 p.m.

Oakland-Craig finishes 2-2 at East Husker Conference Tournament; loses at Clarkson/Leigh in 4

The Oakland-Craig Volleyball team went 2-2 at the East Husker Conference Tournament last week, losing 2-0 to Clarkson/Leigh and 2-1 to Scribner-Snyder at Clarkson last Thursday night before beating Madison and Logan View 2-0 at Logan View on Saturday. The Knights lost 3-1 at Clarkson/Leigh Tuesday night.

The first time around, Clarkson/Leigh won set one 25-17, and set two 25-16.

Natalia McNeill led the Knights with 7 kills.

The Trojans won set one 25-9, and set three 25-23 after losing set two 25-20.

McNeill had 14 kills for Oakland-Craig while Kennedy Benne added 10.

Oakland-Craig topped the Raiders 25-18 in the first set, and 25-19 in the second set.

The Knights also beat the Dragons 25-18 in set one, and 25-19 in set two.

In the second meeting between the two teams, the Patriots won set one 25-19. Oakland-Craig took set two 25-21 before Clarkson/Leigh earned 25-8 set three and 25-12 set four wins.

The Knights did a nice job beating Logan View and Madison, and competed fairly well against Scribner-Snyder and the second time around against the Patriots I would say.

Oakland-Craig (7-23) takes on Wisner-Pilger (22-8) on the road Tuesday night in the regular season finale.

The Gators knocked off Scribner-Snyder 2-1 and Logan View 2-0 in winning the Scribner-Snyder Triangular Thursday night.

This appears to be a mismatch on paper, but perhaps the Knights will give Wisner-Pilger a match.

I think Oakland-Craig at least has a chance to make some sets close and at least take a set from the Gators like the Trojans did.

The Knights are in a wide open Subdistrict so Oakland-Craig has to keep things positive and keep their spirits up.

Girls need to lift each other up and encourage one another at practice, and help one another prepare for the match.

The Knights have to go hard, and hold each other accountable.

Oakland-Craig has to approach this match like they have every other, and believe that they can win.

It can be intimidating playing a good team like Wisner-Pilger at their house, but the Knights have to expect to get the job done.

Oakland-Craig can't hope to play or play not to lose.

The Knights have to play to win, and execute and make the plays necessary to come out on top.

Oakland-Craig needs to have everyone healthy if that's possible. The Knights should use the rest of this week and Monday to get healthy and ready.

Oakland-Craig has to play and fight hard Tuesday night, and give the Gators their best effort and shot.

I think if anything this match is a good test for the Knights, and will get them ready for the postseason.

Oakland-Craig may need to beat Fremont Bergan if they get to a District Final so this match with Wisner-Pilger should help prepare Oakland-Craig for that potential match.

BRLD goes 2-2 at East Husker Conference Tournament; sweeps Pender

The BRLD Volleyball Team went 2-2 at the East Husker Conference Tournament last week, losing to West Point-Beemer, but beating Madison 2-0 at Stanton Thursday night, before downing Scribner-Snyder and losing to Twin River 2-0 at Logan View on Saturday. The Wolverines turned around and swept Pender 3-0 on the road Tuesday night.

The Cadets downed the Wolverines 25-12 in set one, and 25-10 in set two.

Kelsey Larsen had 7 digs while Vicki Gatzemeyer totaled 11 digs. Tiahna Bonneau, Kelcee Bacon, and Halle Wortman posted 8 digs apiece while Brandi Simonsen chipped in 7.

BRLD beat the Dragons 25-23 in the first set, and 25-15 in the second set.

Larsen registered 8 blocks while Gatzemeyer, Bacon, and Wortman totaled 7 digs each. Lauren Ahlers added 10 set assists.

The Titans won set one 25-17, and set two 29-27.

Gatzemeyer compiled 9 kills and 9 digs while Bacon notched 10 digs. Bonneau registered 10 set assists while Ahlers dished out 8.

The Wolverines won the first set over the Pendragons 25-20, the second set 25-11, and the third set 25-22.

Gatzemeyer recorded 11 kills and 13 digs while Bacon and Simonsen posted 9 and 8 digs, respectively. Bonneau chipped in 17 set assists.

Good solid play by BRLD last week and this week. I feel the Wolverines are right where they need to be at this point in the season.

BRLD (16-15) rounds out the regular season Tuesday night at Tekamah-Herman (17-13).

The Tigers lost 3-2 at Howells-Dodge Thursday night.

Tekamah-Herman knocked off BRLD 2-1 at the Tekamah-Herman Tournament on September 16th.

I think this is going to be a great match.

Both teams need it in terms of momentum for Subdistricts.

Right now it's looking like the Wolverines are going to be the No. 1 seed in their Subdistrict, and that has to be a big boost of excitement for BRLD.

It should give the Wolverines a jolt of energy and momentum if anything as I feel it gives something for BRLD to play for and look forward to.

The Wolverines have to fix any kinks in their armor and fine tune anything they're struggling with prior to Tuesday night's match.

It's one final chance for BRLD to prepare, gear up, and get ready for the postseason.

The Wolverines have to be pumped, jacked, fired, and psyched up for this match.

BRLD is only guaranteed two more matches this season, and has to make the most of their opportunities.

I don't know if either team is playing as well right now as they were on the 16th of last month, but either way it should be a great, entertaining, and compelling match.

The Wolverines have to play with the blood, sweat, tears, and heart of a champion, and lay everything on the line Tuesday night.

BRLD has to exert every ounce of energy in their bodies and work their muscles to the max.

The Wolverines have to play with lots of pride, enthusiasm, mental and physical toughness, fire, passion, tenacity, and grit.

BRLD has to keep fighting and working hard no matter the situation, and must dive after loose balls and hustle to the max.

Pender loses last two matches of East Husker Conference Tournament; falls to BRLD

The Pender Volleyball Team lost 2-0 to Scribner-Snyder and Twin River on Saturday at the East Husker Conference Tournament at Logan View before falling 3-0 at home to BRLD Tuesday night.

The Trojans claimed set one 25-18, and set two 25-14.

The Titans defeated the Pendragons 25-11 in the first set, and 25-17 in the second set.

The Wolverines won the first set 25-20, the second set 25-11, and the third set 25-22.

I thought Pender did a really nice job of fighting with and competing against BRLD. The Pendragons showed no quit and that they are going to fight until the very end.

Pender (5-21) takes on Clarkson/Leigh (21-8) on the road Monday night.

The Patriots knocked off Oakland-Craig 3-1 at home Tuesday night.

Clarkson/Leigh is a very good, tough team, and figure to be really difficult for the Pendragons to beat.

The Patriots have a very talented junior class that is living up to or exceeding expectations.

Pender has to come out and fight and play hard though. The Pendragons can't back down from Clarkson/Leigh and just hand the Patriots the match.

Pender has to be ready to go from the start, and must maintain focus and a high level of play throughout the match.

If the Pendragons could keep all sets close and/or at least take a set I think that could serve as a moral victory for Pender.

The Pendragons have to create their own energy and momentum, and execute in all facets of the game.

Pender has to have good sets and good passes and hits. The attackers have to hit the ball with authority and hit their spots with soft hits too.

Having good court awareness and presence will be important for the Pendragons as well, in my opinion.

Simple things like knowing if a ball is going to be in or out could go a long ways in deciding a good chunk of points and perhaps a set or two I would say.

Pender has to be on top of their game, and must play their best match of the season to compete.

It hasn't been the most ideal season for the Pendragons, but Pender doesn't appear to be quitting whatsoever.

There seems to be a lot of fight in this squad until the very end, and those are qualities and traits that will benefit these girls for years to come on and off the court.

The Pendragons have to keep working, fighting, and playing hard no matter the match or situation they're facing.

It's likely these two will meet in Subdistricts as well.