Stanton finishes 2nd in East Husker Conference Tournament

The Stanton Volleyball team defeated Clarkson/Leigh 2-0 in the East Husker Conference Semifinals at Logan View on Saturday before losing the championship to North Bend Central, 3-1.

The Mustangs knocked off the Patriots 25-21 in sets one and two.

Bree Burtwhistle and Hannah Heppner had 11 kills each while Jessie Brandl notched 8 kills and 8 digs. Jaiden Hartl added 12 digs while Burtwhistle registered 9 digs and 19 set assists. Makenna Espinoza totaled 19 set assists of her own.

Stanton took set one from the Tigers 25-16, but lost set two 25-18, set three 25-16, and set four 25-17.

Burtwhistle posted 20 kills, 7 digs, and 22 set assists while Brandl recorded 18 kills and 14 digs. Hartl compiled 18 digs while Espinoza contributed 24 set assists.

The Mustangs certainly came ready to play and smacked North Bend Central in the mouth, they just couldn't sustain the same level of play throughout the match, or so it appears.

Stanton (22-3) hosts Lutheran High Northeast (14-11) Tuesday night.

The Eagles have lost three in a row, including a 3-2 decision at Columbus Lakeview Tuesday night.

The Mustangs should be able to win this game fairly easily.

LHNE is a solid team, but Stanton is at a whole nother level I would say.

I look for Burtwhistle, Brandl, and Heppner to have big matches for the Mustangs along with Hartl and Espinoza.

I thought Burtwhistle and Brandl really stepped up their game against the Tigers.

It's those types of performances Stanton needs to keep getting to be successful, in my opinion.

The Mustangs are still in really good shape. Not many teams have even taken a set from North Bend Central this season.

Stanton has to simply regroup, and find a way to overcome the loss to the Tigers.

A 3-0 sweep of the Eagles would be a great way to get back on track, and I feel the Mustangs will do just that.

Stanton will get another shot at North Bend Central at their home Triangular next Tuesday night, but the Mustangs have to be focused on taking care of business against LHNE.

The Eagles have struggled lately, but have been a good team for much of the season.

LHNE just hasn't been as consistent as teams like Stanton I would say.

I think that inconsistency along with the Mustangs' consistency will be the difference in the match.

I think Stanton will bounce back in a big way Tuesday night.

You can bet the Mustangs will be upset and motivated given what happened against the Tigers, and will take out their frustrations on the Eagles.

Stanton's a great team, and I think fans will see the Mustangs play a great match come Tuesday night.