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.
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