North Bend Central finishes 4th at State

Lincoln-The North Bend Central Volleyball Team downed Malcolm for the second time this season, winning 3-1 in a state match played at Lincoln North Star on Thursday.

The Tigers took set one 25-17 before losing set two 25-15. North Bend Central came back to win set three 25-17, and set four 25-23.

Brooke Fredrickson had 19 kill while West Virginia Commit Kristin Lux had 18. Megan Ortmeier added 7.

North Bend Central came up short of reaching the State Championship as the Tigers lost 3-0 to Wahoo in the State Semifinals at Pinnacle Bank Arena Friday afternoon.

The Tigers dropped set one 25-23, set two 25-18, and set three 25-22.

Lux had 14 kills while Fredrickson totaled 10.

North Bend Central lost 3-0 to Lincoln Lutheran in Saturday's 3rd place match at Lincoln Southeast.

The Tigers lost set one 25-14, set two 25-21, and set three 25-18.

The last two matches of the season were tough for North Bend Central, but what a great year the Tigers had.

North Bend Central ends the season at 31-3.

The Tigers ran the table this year, and picked up big wins over Wayne (3 times), Fremont Bergan, Wisner-Pilger (twice), Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, West Point-Beemer, David City Aquinas, Malcolm (twice), Tekamah-Herman, Stanton, Columbus Lakeview, and Columbus Scotus.

I think finally getting over the hurdle of beating Lakeview and Scotus is something that will set the tone for the future and lead to future postseason success for North Bend Central.

The Tigers graduate a lot of talent off this year's team though.

North Bend Central loses Lux, Fredrickson, Kaitlynn Bjorklund, Caitlyn Wiebold, Emma Kavan, Hailey Bang, and Kiley Allgood.

Key returners include Ortmeier, Lauren Emanuel, Jacki Minarick, Faith Taylor, and Kendra Lorence.

The Tigers certainly lose such a talented senior class that accomplished a lot. North Bend Central has a lot to be proud of given the result of this season and given what this senior class meant to Tiger Volleyball.

I would say this was the best team in school history, and this senior class and this team specifically has set the bar for future North Bend Central Teams.

Future teams have a lot to live up to given how great a season the Tigers had this year.

Next year's team has a lot of work to do in the offseason to make their own mark and leave their own legacy.

The standard has been set, and the returning players know what it's going to take to get back to the top.

Anytime you lose a Division I Volleyball Player and another player going to Midland you know replacing them is not easy.

We'll see if North Bend Central reloads instead of rebuilds. I think that will be the case.

I think you will see this Tigers squad compete at a very high level again next year and win their fair share of matches.

North Bend Central may not be quite as good as they were this year, but I look for the Tigers to be a great team for years to come.

Stanton takes 3rd at State

The Stanton Volleyball Team took 3rd at this past weekend's State Tournament, beating Fremont Bergan 3-1 in the 1st round at Lincoln Southwest on Thursday, and losing 3-1 to Hartington Cedar Catholic in the Semifinals at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday, before sweeping Nebraska Christian 3-0 in the 3rd place match at Lincoln Southeast on Saturday.

The Knights won set one 25-21 before the Mustangs took set two 25-17, set three 25-15, and set four 25-22.

Jessie Brandl finished with 22 kills and 24 digs while Bree Burtwhistle registered 17 kills, 22 digs, and 29 set assists. Hannah Heppner added 14 kills while Jaiden Hartl posted 18 digs. Makenna Espinoza totaled 14 digs and 21 set assists.

The Trojans won set one 25-22 and set two 25-18 before Stanton took set three 25-22. Hartington Cedar Catholic claimed set four 25-18.

Brandl had 21 kills and 18 digs while Burtwhistle notched 17 kills, 17 digs, and 22 set assists. Reba Waskowiak added 7 blocks while Hartl tallied 23 digs. Espinoza recorded 23 set assists.

The Mustangs downed the Eagles 26-24 in the 1st set, 25-20 in the 2nd set, and 25-12 in the 3rd set.

Heppner had 15 kills while Waskowiak registered 9 blocks. Brandl posted 11 kills and 14 digs while Burtwhistle notched 9 kills, 14 digs, and 25 set assists. Hartl added 14 digs while Espinoza chipped in 17 set assists.

Great season for Stanton. The Mustangs didn't win state this year, but 3rd place is knocking on the door.

Stanton ends the year at 31-4.

The Mustangs had really good wins over Clarkson/Leigh (twice), Pierce, Ord, West Point-Beemer (3 times), Wisner-Pilger (twice), North Bend Central, Wayne, Tekamah-Herman, Lutheran High Northeast (twice), and Thayer Central.

Brandl led the team in kills on the season with 360 while Burtwhisle had 325.

Liz Christensen led the way with 72 aces on the season while Heppner had a team-high 77 blocks.

Hartl had 341 digs while Brandl posted 330.

Burtwhistle registered 573 set assists while Espinoza totaled 491.

Stanton loses 5 seniors to graduation in Heppner, Allie Spence, Alyna Padilla, Natalie Matthies, and Lillian Bernhardt.

The Mustangs figure to be great and locked and loaded again in 2018.

Stanton returns a ton of talent, including Brandl, Burtwhistle, Hartl, Espinoza, Christensen, and Waskowiak.

I look for the Mustangs to have a great season next year, but these girls have basketball and track this season first.

There's a lot for Stanton to accomplish in winter and spring sports as well as next Volleyball season.

A 3rd place finish at state is a tremendous accomplishment, and the Mustangs should be very proud of their efforts.

Now it's time to move on and get ready for other sports and next year's Volleyball season.

I think the success Stanton had this year will allow the Mustangs to be successful in other sports this year and in Volleyball again next year.

Stanton has to keep their successful run going, and continue to perform at a high level in all Girls Sports.

The Mustangs have a lot to be proud of this year, and I look for the future to be bright for Stanton.

Clarkson/Leigh falls to BDS at State

Lincoln-The Clarkson/Leigh Volleyball team was making its first State Tournament Appearance on Thursday as the Patriots took on BDS in the 1st round at Lincoln East High School.

The Patriots started out well, getting out to a lead in set one before the Eagles battled back. Clarkson/Leigh erased 4 set points by tying the first set at 24 before eventually losing it 26-24.

Clarkson/Leigh got off to a sluggish start in set two, but rebounded to win the set 25-22.

It was all BDS after that though as the Eagles took set three 25-14 and set four 25-17.

Sydney Folken had 11 kills for the Patriots while Ashlynn Novotny posted 6.

I'm sure the Patriots feel they could of done better in the final two sets against the Eagles, but I thought Clarkson/Leigh played very well and poised in the first two sets.

Clarkson/Leigh ends the season at 25-10.

It was a great season and a great ride for Clarkson/Leigh.

The Patriots picked up big wins over BRLD, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family (twice), Arlington, Red Cloud, Hampton, Mead, Tekamah-Herman, and Wisner-Pilger this season.

Imagine how even better the season could of been had Hannah Kasik not gotten hurt.

Clarkson/Leigh had a great year despite her injury, but I feel the Patriots would of been even better had she not gone down.

The good news for Clarkson/Leigh is that they graduate just one senior in Folken.

Everyone else is back.

I look for the Patriots to be great and dynamic once again next year.

I think Clarkson/Leigh will be even better next year than they were this year, and will have a chance to do even better at state than they did this year.

I wouldn't be shocked if the Patriots won 30 or more matches next year.

But before Clarkson/Leigh can accomplish that it's time for basketball.

I think the Patriots have a great chance to be good in that sport as well.

But anyways....as soon as basketball and track is done these girls should focus their attention on Volleyball.

Also playing club and stuff like that in the winter and spring wouldn't hurt to do outside of basketball and track.

While the focus should be on basketball right now and track in the spring.... next year's Volleyball season has to be on the back of these girls' minds.

Clarkson/Leigh has to get pumped up for the basketball and track seasons, and then this very talented Junior Class has to get geared up for great senior campaigns.

North Bend Central tops Wayne in C1-4 District Final to earn return trip to State

West Point-For the 2nd straight year, the North Bend Central Volleyball Team is headed to the State Tournament as the Tigers swept Wayne 3-0 in the C1-4 District Final at West Point-Beemer High School Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers won set one 25-17, set two 25-22, and took set three 25-17 after falling behind 6-1 in the set.

West Virginia Commit Kristin Lux had a match-high 14 kills for North Bend Central while Lauren Emanuel posted 11. Brooke Fredrickson and Megan Ortmeier notched 7 apiece.

Awesome match from the Tigers. North Bend Central was true to form.

30-1 North Bend Central takes on 28-3 Malcolm in the 1st round of State at Lincoln North Star Thursday afternoon. North Bend Central Head Coach Amy Sterup says the two squads are all too familiar with one another. "We played Malcolm before actually. Our first year of playing them was last year. And we lost to them to give us our first loss. And this year we played them and we won so we're tied 1 and 1 if you count last year so it's going to be a good game."

The Tigers topped the Clippers 3-0 at home on September 28th.

Both teams are making their 2nd straight state tournament appearance.

I think North Bend Central has a chance to win this match fairly easily again.

I look for the Tigers to come out and play well, and show why they are one of the best if not the best teams in the State in Class C-1 in this state tournament.

I really think North Bend Central has a legit shot to win the whole thing.

This is a huge stage for Kristin Lux and Brooke Fredrickson, and others.

The Tigers have to come out on fire and ready to go.

There can't be any hesitation or tenseness from North Bend Central whatsoever. The Tigers have to come out ready to dominate and take care of business Thursday afternoon. North Bend Central has to let it rip.

I look for North Bend Central to win this match 3-0 or 3-1. I don't see it going five, and I don't see the Tigers losing.

I truly believe this Tiger team is legit and the real deal, and they have had a great season, and have proven they are a great team and a force to be reckoned with.

This is these seniors' last chance at winning state and bringing home a state title to North Bend Central.

The Tigers have had one of the best if not the best seasons in school history, and now it's a matter of going out there and putting on a showcase at state.

I think North Bend Central can beat anyone they play in this tournament, and could potentially meet GICC in the State Championship on Saturday.

I really think the Tigers have what it takes to get to the State Championship Match on Saturday and bring home a state title.

North Bend Central has to take things one point, one set, and one match at a time, but if the Tigers do that they should be just fine.

First serve is slated for 3:30 p.m., and the match can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

Stanton beats Thayer Central in District Final to return to State

The Stanton Volleyball Team swept Thayer Central 3-0 in the C2-4 District Final at Cross County on Saturday to advance to State for the 3rd straight year.

The Mustangs won set one 25-11, set two 27-25, and set three 25-14.

Jessie Brandl had 14 kills and 14 digs while Hannah Heppner totaled 11 kills. Bree Burtwhistle added 10 kills, 13 digs, and 23 set assists while Jaiden Hartl notched 20 digs. Makenna Espinoza dished out 12 set assists.

Head Coach Tracy Kuester-Burtwhistle says her team did a great job of staying focused and controlled things throughout much of the match. "Our team philosophy all year is to take one point at a time and keep the momentum on our side of the court. The team did a great job of doing that on Saturday. We served aggressively that kept them out of system. For the second set we had to many unforced errors - which we cleaned up the 3rd set. "

Kuester-Burtwhistle expects nothing less from Brandl, Heppner, and Burtwhistle, but gives a lot of credit to the setters as well. "Yes - Bug, Jess and Hannah are our attacker we go to for big plays. They continue to be consistent and move the ball around which gives us that edge playing offense. Our setters do a great job of placing the ball for them and our players also pass the ball well for our setters.  TEAM effort!"

That team effort was good enough to give Stanton (29-3) the No. 4 seed in this weekend's State Tournament. The Mustangs' first round opponent is Fremont Bergan (25-8), who Stanton plays on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at Lincoln Southwest.

The Knights swept Sandy Creek 3-0 in the C2-5 District Final at Centennial on Saturday.

A couple of common opponents include North Bend Central and Lutheran High Northeast. Both teams beat the Eagles while the Mustangs lost 3-1 to the Tigers and then turned around and beat them 2-0. Bergan lost 2-1 to North Bend Central early in the season.

Kuester-Burtwhistle says state success won't come easy.  State is going to be very competitive again this year. You will not be seeing scores like you did in sub-districts or districts. It will be tight matches and it's going to be the team that holds their composure the entire match. We will attack Bergan like any other match - review film, make adjustments and go out there and give 110% - leave everything on the court."

Stanton has only lost once since Mid-September, and that's part of the reason why I like the Mustangs to win this first round match.

A potential rematch with Hartington Cedar Catholic looms in the State Semifinals on Friday, and I would say the Trojans are the one team standing in the way of a chance for Stanton to defend their state title.

Kuester-Burtwhistle says repeating as state champs has been a real focus for her team. "Our team sets goals every year and that is our goal to repeat. We talked about it at the beginning of season and know that we need to take care of one match at a time to reach the final goal. We need to learn at every match we played and make adjustments. Again, winning it again says a lot to the players and the volleyball program at Stanton. We are moving in the right direction! #staythepath"

I look for the Mustangs to have a great weekend of Volleyball. Stanton has played in the last two Class C-2 State Title matches, and I think their state experience gives them a chance to make the title match for the 3rd year in a row.

The Mustangs may need to knock off a great team in Hartington Cedar Catholic to win it all again, but Stanton only lost 2-1 in the regular season to the Trojans.

It would take a valiant effort for the Mustangs to top the Trojans this weekend should the two play, but anything is possible, especially given how great this Stanton team is.

The Mustangs have to go out there and fight their hardest, take things one point and one set at a time, and not get too ahead of themselves.

Stanton has to go on scoring runs and minimize their opponent (s)' scoring runs against them.

Clarkson/Leigh tops Nebraska City Lourdes in District Final

Wahoo-For the first time in program history, the Clarkson/Leigh Volleyball Team is headed to the State Tournament as the Patriots topped Nebraska City Lourdes 3-1 in the D1-2 District Final at Wahoo Thursday night.

Clarkson/Leigh lost set one 25-15, but roared back to win set two 25-22, set three 25-15, and set four 25-20.

The Patriots were led by Beth Wiese with 10 kills. Sydney Folken added 9 kills and 7 ace blocks while Ashlynn Novotny totaled 8 kills. Brittney Urbanek added 19 digs while Sara McEvoy registered 12. Halee Steffensmeier registered 9 digs while Kaegan Held had 7 digs and 24 set assists.

Head Coach Becky Schneider. "It was a big game. They had a lot weighing on them. They knew what was at stake. They claim it's not nerves, but I think the nerves just subconsciously just got to them, and they try not to make mistakes, and made a few unforced errors, and kind of just let it get to them."

Schneider. "It was a good feeling to get that second set because if we went down 2-0, I don't know, it would of been definitely challenging to comeback from that."

Schneider on her thoughts after losing the first set 25-15. "Ugh, it's going to be a long night. I know our girls, we've practiced really hard, and for them to be down by 10 I mean that's just not like them, these last couple games we've always led and come out on top. So it was kind of a gut check and how bad do you guys want it."

All that matters now is that Clarkson/Leigh is at state. The Patriots (25-9) take on BDS (26-5) in the 1st round at Lincoln East at 1:30 Thursday afternoon.

The Eagles lost 3-2 to Meridian in the D1-2 Sub-District Final at Fairbury last Monday night.

Head Coach Becky Schneider says the Eagles are battle tested, but feels her team matches up well. “I think it’s a good draw. It will be challenging for us. I know they’re a taller team. They’re lumped in there with Johnson-Brock and Meridian, who are kind of the top rivals down there. And so getting throwing into that mix I think it will be good for our girls to kind of see that competitiveness. But we’re preparing the best that we can for them.”

The Patriots are making their first ever state tournament appearance as Clarkson/Leigh while BDS is at state for the first time since 2013.

This ought to be a very interesting matchup. It will be interesting to see what effect being off for a week and-a-half has on BDS.

I would say with it being state it doesn't matter, and I feel Clarkson/Leigh comes into this match with nothing to lose really.

The Patriots are a newcomer to the State Tournament, but should be able to hold their own with the Eagles.

BDS is a great team who has beaten some really good teams, but I look for Clarkson/Leigh to hang in there and compete with the Eagles.

BDS is probably the favorite to win, but don't count out the Patriots.

Clarkson/Leigh has had a great season, and has dealt with and overcome adversity.

The Patriots lost Hannah Kasik...they dealt with some tough losses...yet they are at state.

Clarkson/Leigh did it. They achieved their hopes and dreams of making it to Lincoln.

Now it's matter of doing something while you're there.

Both of these teams have played a super tough schedule, and I feel their schedules and accomplishments to this point have helped prepared them for this point in the season.

I feel the match could go either way, and wouldn't be shocked if it went 5 sets.

The Patriots have to come out loose and fearless, and be ready to go from the start.

Clarkson/Leigh can't afford to come out tight and get off to a sluggish start like they did against Nebraska City Lourdes.

The Patriots can't let the state atmosphere get to them.

Thursday's match will be carried on 107.9 the Bull. First serve is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

BRLD loses Sub-State match to Hartington Cedar Catholic

The BRLD Volleyball Team saw their season come to an end on Saturday as the Wolverines lost 3-0 to Hartington Cedar Catholic in the C2-1 District Final at Wayne State College.

BRLD lost set one 25-14, set two 25-18, and set three 25-16.

Vicki Gatzemeyer posted 10 kills and 7 digs while Kelsey Larsen registered 11 blocks. Kelcee Bacon posted 12 digs while Brandi Simonsen totaled 7 digs. Tiahna Bonneau recorded 9 set assists.

The Wolverines put forth a valiant effort it appears, but it just wasn't good enough to knock off the mighty Trojans.

BRLD ends the year at 18-17.

I thought the Wolverines really played well in the second half of the season as they went 12-7 in their last 19 matches.

That comes after BRLD started the season 6-10.

I think this young team grew up before our eyes, and represented the communities of Bancroft, Rosalie, Lyons, and Decatur very well.

The Wolverines have a lot to be proud of and a lot to be thankful for this season.

Gatzemeyer finished with 268 kills on the season while Larsen and Morgan Bonneau had 151 and 141 blocks, respectively.

Bacon led the way in digs with 334.

Tiahna Bonneau finished the season with a team leading 369 set assists.

BRLD loses Gatzemeyer, Bacon, Sophia Henneman, Lauren Ahlers, Morgan Bonneau, and Tiahna Bonneau to graduation.

So the Wolverines lose some key contributors and players, but return some good talent too.

Key returners for BRLD next season are Zoe Sjuts, Simonsen, Halle Wortman, Larsen, and Tori Ostrand.

There's plenty of talent returning for the Wolverines next year, and I look for these 5 girls to lead this team next season.

BRLD has experienced a district final and success, and know what it's like now.

Now it's a matter of taking that experience and applying it to offseason workouts, conditioning, running, lifting, open gyms, camps, and leagues.

The Wolverines have to be relentless with their workouts this offseason, and must get stronger and quicker.

Gatzemeyer won't be easy to replace, and so someone is going to have to step up and be the offensive leader that she was this season.

New players will have to emerge at setter for BRLD as well with the losses of Tiahna Bonneau and Ahlers.

And the Wolverines will also need to make up for the lost defensive production of Bacon.

North Bend Central beats Columbus Lakeview and Columbus Scotus to win C1-6 Sub-District

The North Bend Central Volleyball beat a pair of nemesis's in Sub-Districts this week, rallying from a 2-1 deficit to beat Columbus Lakeview 3-2 in the C1-6 Sub-District at Columbus High Monday night before sweeping Columbus Scotus 3-0 in Tuesday night's Sub-District Final.

The Tigers lost set one to the Vikings, 25-23, before taking set two 25-12. North Bend Central lost set three 25-17 before winning set four 25-12 and set five 15-5.

North Bend Central beat Scotus 25-22 in the 1st set, 25-14 in the 2nd set, and 25-20 in the 3rd set.

Head Coach Amy Sterup on the wins. "It wasn’t an easy road, that’s for sure. Those are teams that we have historically had trouble with. To beat two good teams really shows that we earned our way in, and that’s how we wanted to it to be."

Sterup adds her team did some uncharacteristic things against the Vikings, but turned things around at the end of that match and played great against the Shamrocks. "Against Lakeview, you could tell we just weren’t on our game. We had struggles that we don’t normally have. I think the sign of a good team is to win even when you are not playing your best. Against Scotus the next night, I thought we played very well and sort of put them on their heels. It showed what type of team we can be when at our best. I think both are good signs heading into all of the tough games ahead."

The Tigers (29-1) take on Wayne (19-12) in the C1-4 Sub-State Final at West Point-Beemer Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

The Blue Devils swept Pierce 3-0 in the C2-7 Sub-District Final at Norfolk High Tuesday night.

Wayne has played really good Volleyball as of late as they are 10-2 in their last 12 matches. The Blue Devils lost 2-1 to the Tigers on two separate occasions in early September, once at the Northeast Nebraska Tournament, and the other time at the North Bend Tournament.

Sterup says it won't be easy to beat Wayne again, but is hoping playing the Blue Devils for a third time brings out the best in her team. "I have always felt that it is very hard to beat a good team 3 times in one year. Having already played them twice, that is a challenge. They took a set from us both times we played, so we know that they are capable. Hopefully, our memory of those games will remind us that they can beat us if we are not at our best so that we bring our A game that night."

I could see Wayne making it a match and being competitive against North Bend Central like the first two times around, or I could see the Tigers coming out and sweeping the match.

I would say North Bend Central needs to have the same type of focus and play the same way they did to close out the Lakeview match and against Scotus.

If the Tigers do that, I think they stand a great chance to win.

North Bend Central is seeking their 2nd straight state tournament appearance. "The state tournament should never be expected. It is a goal for any good team, but if you expect it, you are setting yourself up for failure. So when you do make it, it is always a great feeling. It would certainly prove that last year was no fluke and that these girls took a loss last year and used it as motivation to improve, which I think we have done, Sterup said."

The Tigers are one match away from getting back to Lincoln with a chance to make a run at a state title.

All that stands between North Bend Central and a trip to state is Wayne.

The Tigers have to come out focused, sharp, energized, prepared, and ready on Saturday.

North Bend Central needs to get a good night's sleep and be pumped and motivated to play great Volleyball when they take up Saturday morning.

The Tigers have to visualize what it was like to be in Lincoln last year, and use that as motivation to play a great match on Saturday and get back to state, as if they don't need any more motivation than they probably already have.

Saturday's match can be heard on 107.9 the Bull with first serve slated for 1:00 p.m.

Stanton wins C2-4 Sub-District

The Stanton Volleyball Team won Sub-District C2-4 at Norfolk Catholic this week, sweeping Lutheran High Northeast 3-0 Monday night, and winning 3-0 over Wisner-Pilger in Tuesday night's Sub-District Final.

The Mustangs downed the Eagles 25-19 in the 1st set, 25-18 in the 2nd set, and 25-14 in the 3rd set.

Jessie Brandl had 16 kills and 11 digs while Bree Burtwhistle posted 11 kills, 13 digs, and 22 set assists. Hannah Heppner added 8 kills while Jaiden Hartl tallied 15 digs. Jasmine Kment recorded 11 digs while Makenna Espinoza compiled 8 digs and 16 set assists.

Stanton dropped the Gators 25-14 in set one, 25-23 in set two, and 25-13 in set three.

Burtwhistle notched 17 kills, 19 digs, and 15 set assists while Brandl registered 13 kills and 16 digs. Allie Spence contributed 8 kills while Hartl posted 9 digs. Espinoza aided in the effort with 7 digs and 18 set assists.

Head Coach Tracy Kuester-Burtwhistle says her team has been able to keep their eye on the prize. "The team is staying focused and continue to push themselves in practice that is showing on the court."

Kuester-Burtwhistle says Brandl and Burtwhistle have been excellent leaders by example and with their play on the court. "Yes, Bug and Jess are our "closers" of the matches. They both have stepped up and play their role on the team and continue to realize the importance of every player on the team."

The Mustangs (28-3) battle Thayer Central (18-15) in the C2-4 Sub-State Match at Cross County Saturday evening at 5:00 p.m.

The Titans downed Freeman 3-2 at the C2-5 Sub-District Tournament at Tri-County Tuesday night.

Kuester-Burtwhistle says her team's approach will not change. "Saturday we are going in with our game plan all year - control what we can control, trust and play fearless."

I look for the Mustangs to play a great match, and maybe even earn a sweep of Thayer Central.

This Stanton team always appears to be so calm, cool, and collected, and that makes them really difficult to beat.

The Mustangs just have to play their game and they should be just fine.

Kuester-Burtwhistle says her team has been working hard to make state tournaments since they were young. "For the Stanton Volleyball program that is our goal every single year to return to State. The players have worked hard since 3rd grade and it demonstrates that hard work does pay off. "

If the Mustangs do indeed return to state, they will be making their 3rd consecutive state tournament appearance with the opportunity to defend their state title.

Everything is laid out nicely for Stanton. The Mustangs just have to go in there and execute their game plan on Saturday.

Stanton shouldn't get away from what they've done to get themselves to this point.

The Mustangs beat a great team in North Bend Central in the regular season, and this team has simply come too far and done too much this season to lose on Saturday.

With that said, everything is on the line in terms of making state. Stanton should win, but the Titans figure give the Mustangs their best shot.

Stanton has to play with tremendous intensity, passion, desire, physical and mental toughness, grit, fire, and tenacity.

The Mustangs have to play fearless, and let it rip.

Stanton has to bring their best effort and play their best match of the season if at all possible on Saturday.

Things should go well for the Mustangs, and Stanton should have a happy, jolly ride home Saturday night.

I look for the Mustangs to make their 3rd straight trip to Lincoln, and be a bunch of happy Mustangs.

BRLD wins C2-2 Sub-District

The BRLD Volleyball Team won the C2-2 Sub-District at Pender this week, defeating Omaha Nation 3-0 Monday night, and Oakland-Craig 3-1 in Tuesday night's Sub-District Final.

The Wolverines knocked off the Chiefs 25-9 in set one, 25-12 in set two, and 25-19 in set three.

Vicki Gatzemeyer had 8 kills while Kelcee Bacon notched 7 digs. Tiahna Bonneau dished out 15 set assists.

BRLD lost the 1st set to the Knights, 25-15, but won the 2nd set 25-14, the 3rd set 25-20, and the 4th set 26-24.

Gatzemeyer registered 17 kills and 11 digs while Halle Wortman totaled 15 kills and 9 digs. Kelsey Larsen recorded 17 blocks while Bacon and Brandi Simonsen registered 15 and 8 digs, respectively. Bonneau dished out 25 set assists while Lauren Ahlers posted 13.

Head Coach Rebecca James says she expected Gatzemeyer and Wortman to do what they did against the Knights. "Our outside hitters are our go to players this season. Vicki is a four year starter for us, so we can count on her to be hitting hard and being very active on the floor. Halle is a sophomore who really came alive this summer during play, and her fire and determination really have made a difference to our team. I wasn't surprised to see them leading us in kills and gaining momentum for our against Oakland-Craig. This is their style, and I cannot wait to see how they will compete against Hartington Cedar Catholic. "

James adding getting past sub-districts is a big deal for this program. "This was an accomplishment that we have been setting our goals toward all year long. We knew that we had a chance to get to district finals, if we continued to work hard each and every practice. This is the first appearance in district finals as BRLD. "

The Wolverines (18-16) take on Hartington Cedar Catholic (31-0) in the C2-1 Sub-State Final at Wayne State College Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

The Trojans swept Ponca 3-0 in the C2-3 Sub-District Final at Wayne High Tuesday night.

James says it will be tough to beat Hartington Cedar Catholic. "It will not be easy to get past the Trojans. They are tall and very athletic. They hit hard and have great blocking ability. It will be a challenge, but we are looking at it as an opportunity."

Not many people are probably giving the Wolverines much of a chance, but anything can happen and BRLD certainly has nothing to lose.

James says she expects her squad to compete at a high level. "We have discussed that upsets happen every year - we have an opportunity to play one of the best teams in C-2. We have nothing to lose. I look for our team to work hard and not give up. We are proud of what we have accomplished, and we look forward to a great game."

The Wolverines have certainly played well at times this year, and will need to play their best match of the year to come out on top I would say.

James says making state would be incredible. "It would be a great big deal. This is only our second year consolidated for sports, so for us to make it to the state tournament, it would be absolutely awesome!"

It may seem like an uphill road and battle for BRLD, but the Wolverines have to go into this match thinking "why not us?"

BRLD is capable of upsetting anyone they play, in my opinion, and the Trojans are no exception.

Hartington Cedar Catholic is a great team, there's no denying that, but the Wolverines are a good, quality team too.

BRLD has worked hard and come a long ways over the course of the season.

The Wolverines have put in the hard work and won the matches necessary to belong in sub-state, n my opinion.

We will find out what BRLD is capable of on Saturday.

It has to be exciting for the Wolverines just to have this opportunity to make state.

BRLD has to make the most of their opportunity, and go out there and compete at the highest level possible.

The Wolverines have to play loose, smart, aggressive, and just have to let it rip. BRLD can't worry about making mistakes, and has to easily let things go whenever they commit an error or make a mistake.

West Point-Beemer beats Fort Calhoun, loses to Arlington in Sub-Districts

The West Point-Beemer Volleyball Team went 1-1 in Sub-Districts, sweeping Fort Calhoun 3-0 in the C1-4 Sub-District Tournament at Fremont High Monday night before losing Tuesday night's Sub-District Final to Arlington, 3-1.

In the Fort Calhoun match, the Cadets won set one 25-21, set two 25-22, and set three 25-19 to win the match 3-0.

Nicole Mitzel led the way with 15 kills for West Point-Beemer while Sidney Swanson totaled 13. Makenna Weddle added 8.

Head Coach Conley Straight on the win. "Probably not our best effort tonight starting out. I think having that one seed for the first time, having that one seed in a long time. Few jitters that we had to work out in that first set kind of carried over to the second set. But finally, third set we found our rhythm and that sort of thing that we like to play with."

Straight. "When we can have 3 hitters hitting over .200 when we've got both of our outside hitters hitting over .250 that's something to accomplish. With Sidney Swanson hitting .450 for us on attacking percentage, and then Nicole Mitzel hit over .500 tonight. So we definitely were on, and credit to Katie Pilakowski, our setter, mixing it up."

The Eagles won sets one and two 25-19 and 25-21 before West Point-Beemer claimed set three 25-11. The Cadets led 22-20 in set four, but Arlington rattled off 5 straight points for a 25-22 win to close out the match.

Mitzel had 13 kills to lead West Point-Beemer. Weddle totaled 11 while Swanson chipped in 7.

Straight says his girls gave their best effort. "We got down two sets to none, but they fought back hard in that 3rd. And continued to fight until the end. And you can't coach effort. And that's what I always say. Can't coach effort. And I tell you these 6 seniors talk about leadership and effort. They weren't going to go down without a fight."

The Cadets end the year at 19-12.

Straight. "19-12 we can't complain. I think we exceeded all expectations from most people not only in our area, but also our conference. And that's again kudos to those seniors. I can't thank them enough for everything they've done this year cause they made my job fairly easy as a 1st year Head Coach."

Straight praised his seniors for a great season. "The part of coaching that's the hardest is when the season comes to an end. You have your expectations. We're so close to what some of our goals that we wanted to achieve. And you can only tell them that they gave everything. That's the best part. They gave everything. They didn't stop playing."

West Point-Beemer loses Lizbeth Inzunza, Pilakowski, Mitzel, Weddle, Brittney Hinkel, and Leigh Jahnke to graduation.

These are 6 very talented seniors, and they will be missed without a doubt.

Key players back include Ashton Troyer, Brooklyn Weddle, Abby Kaup, Andrea Hoffman, Brooke Haase, and Kendra Paasch.

As much talent as the Cadets lost they bring back plenty of it.

I look for West Point-Beemer to be good again next year, and perhaps have an even better season next year than they did this year.

There's so much for the Cadets to be proud of given what they accomplished this season.

Big wins this season were over Howells-Dodge (twice) Clarkson/Leigh, Battle Creek, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family (twice), Wayne, Scribner-Snyder, BRLD, Tekamah-Herman, and Fort Calhoun.

West Point-Beemer knocked off a lot of good teams this year, and I think the Cadets have so much to be proud of and so much to look forward to.

I think this season is only the start of great things for this West Point-Beemer program, and feel the Cadets have what it takes to become a power in the area for many years to come.

West Point-Beemer had a breakout season this year I would say, and I look for good things and winning to only continue for the Cadets in the future.

Wisner-Pilger tops Battle Creek in Sub-Districts; loses Sub-District Final to Stanton

The Wisner-Pilger Volleyball Team went 1-1 in Sub-Districts, topping Battle Creek 3-2 in the C2-4 Sub-District at Norfolk Catholic Monday night before losing 3-0 to Stanton in the Sub-District Final Tuesday night.

The Gators took set one from the Braves 25-23 before losing set two 25-17, and set three 28-26. Wisner-Pilger earned a 25-22 set four win before winning set five 16-14.

Maci Batenhorst had 24 kills and 12 digs while Jordan Wegner registered 20 kills and 9 digs. Ariel Meyer posted 16 digs and 15 set assists while Karrin Jindra recorded 14 digs. Lauren Jacobsen dished out 38 set assists.

The Mustangs earned a 25-14 1st set win, won the 2nd set 25-23, and claimed the 3rd set 25-13.

Wegner notched 11 kills while Jindra had 12 digs. Meyer, Batenhorst, and Jacobsen contributed 8 digs apiece while Jacobsen compiled 17 set assists.

The Gators just missed out on getting a Sub-State berth. It's too bad cause Wisner-Pilger definitely could of came out on top in a one match take all scenario.

The Gators end the season at 24-9.

It was a successful season for Wisner-Pilger I would say. The Gators had big wins over Wayne, West Point-Beemer, BRLD, Lutheran High Northeast, Howells-Dodge, St. Paul, Wynot, Tekamah-Herman, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, and Battle Creek.

That's a laundry list of wins over quality ball clubs, and Wisner-Pilger has an awful lot to be proud of.

Wegner led the team in kills on the season with 350. She also led the way in blocks with 66 while Batenhorst registered 252 digs to lead the team in that category. Jacobsen was the team leader in set assists with 540 while Meyer had 210.

The Gators lose Ashton Meyer, Batenhorst, Jacobsen, Ariel Meyer, and Cassidy Dixon.

That's a lot of talent lost and these seniors will be sorely missed without a doubt, but the good news is Wegner returns.

Other returners include Jindra, Aspin Waterman, Emily Hatterman, Rachel Otten, Ashley Brahmer, and Erin McGuire.

Wisner-Pilger should have a good strong core and nucleus back next year, and should go on to have another fine season.

Lots of talent was lost off of this year's team, but the Gators seem to reload and put a quality product on the floor every year.

I look for Wisner-Pilger to have another big year next year with their team leader Wegner having another big season.

She is a great player, and I look for her to have an outstanding senior campaign next season.

Wegner is definitely a player to build your program around, and is a huge asset to this Gators' team.

She and the rest of the players need to have a good, strong offseason, and need to work together as much as possible.

The players have to look at every weightlifting session, open gym, team camp, summer camp, summer league match, and club match as an opportunity to grow and get better.

Each and every one of these players has to have a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn.

Oakland-Craig goes 2-1 in Sub-Districts

The Oakalnd-Craig Volleyball Team beat Homer and upset Wakefield 3-1 in the C2-2 Sub-District Tournament at Pender Monday night before losing 3-1 to BRLD in the Sub-District Final Tuesday night.

Homer took set one 25-19 before Oakland-Craig won set two 25-22, set three 25-19, and set four 25-23.

The Trojans won the 1st set 25-22 only to see the Knights take the 2nd 25-22, the 3rd 25-23, and the 4th 25-10.

Oakland-Craig won set one over the Wolverines, 25-15, before BRLD took set two 25-14, set three 25-20, and set four 26-24.

The Knights sure made a good run at it. Oakland-Craig gave it their best shot, and has nothing to hang their heads or be disappointed about.

The Knights end the season at 9-25.

It was a season full of injuries and setbacks for Oakland-Craig, but I think the one thing you can say about this team is that they never gave up or quit.

I think the little run the Knights made in the postseason is a testament to these girls and their will and ability to keep fighting and playing hard no matter what.

Oakland-Craig had a nice midseason win over BRLD at the Clarkson/Leigh Tournament for what I would call their biggest win of the year.

The Knights graduate some talent, including Beth Moseman, Natalia McNeill, and Ellie Weitzenkamp.

Oakland-Craig has some talent returning though in Dacey Nelson, Kennedy Benne, and Mya Guzinski.

I look for these three players to have big and dynamic seasons on the court next year.

I think this postseason run the Knights made will carry over into the offseason and next year.

I look for Oakland-Craig to build and feed off what they did in sub-districts.

I think the Knights will have a big offseason leading to a big season next year.

I feel next season has a chance to be a good bounce back year for Oakland-Craig, and think the Knights can have a season they're accustomed to having.

Lots of dedication, blood, sweat, and tears has to be put into Oakland-Craig's workouts this offseason, but if the Knights put in the work necessary to be a quality team then it should pay off next season.

These young girls that got valuable varsity experience this year will be a year older and more mature next season, and should have a better idea of what to expect heading into next season.

I really think next year has a chance to be an all around better season for Oakland-Craig.

The Knights were banged up and went through some growing pains this year, but I look for that to change next year.

Scribner-Snyder beats Winside in Sub-Districts, loses Sub-District Final to Humphrey St. Francis

The Scribner-Snyder Trojans played their final Volleyball Matches ever Monday and Tuesday nights, beating Winside 3-0 in the D2-3 Sub-District at Wisner-Pilger Monday night, before falling 3-1 to Humphrey St. Francis Tuesday night.

The Trojans defeated the Wildcats 25-17 in set one, 25-21 in set two, and 25-19 in set three.

Kaylee Boyle had 8 kills while Emily Lewin and Kaylin Niewohner totaled 18 and 7 digs, respectively. Nicole Boyle posted 15 set assists while Micah Risch had 7.

The Flyers won set one 25-13, and took sets three and four 25-16 and 25-12 after Scribner-Snyder claimed set two 25-22.

Kaylee Boyle and Kristal Svehla notched 11 kills apiece while Nicole Boyle registered 10 kills, 7 digs, and 23 set assists. Kaylee Boyle chipped in 10 digs while Risch recorded 10 set assists.

I thought the Trojans really played well and stepped up their game in Sub-Districts. Scribner-Snyder definitely represented themselves well in their final matches of the season.

The Trojans end the year at 14-15.

I thought Scribner-Snyder had a nice season.

The Trojans' biggest wins came over Cedar Bluffs, Winside (twice), and Omaha Christian Academy.

Scribner-Snyder won their final two regular season matches at home, which was a fitting way for this program to go out.

Kaylee Boyle led the team in kills this season with 240 while Nicole Boyle had 62 blocks. Kaylee Boyle had a team-high 251 digs on the year while Nicole Boyle posted 203. Nicole Boyle dished out 324 set assists this season.

The Trojans say goodbye to two seniors in Kaylee and Nicole Boyle.

Both these girls had outstanding careers for Scribner-Snyder, and their contributions were a big reason why the Trojans were as successful as they were these last four years I would say.

Players who figure to make an impact for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder next season include Niewohner, Lewin, Risch, Rachel Lodl, Svehla, and Faith Riggle.

I think the Raiders will have a good strong core nucleus coming in from Scribner-Snyder, and will be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

It's a sad time for Scribner-Snyder athletics, but I think the co-op between Logan View and Scribner-Snyder will go well. After all, these two schools are already co-oping in Boys and Girls Basketball.

I think that co-op has been positive, and has benefited Logan View quite a bit, especially in Basketball and Softball.

I think Logan View/Scribner-Snyder's Volleyball team will be stout and solid next season, and be ready to compete with some of the best in the conference and area.

These girls from Scribner-Snyder did a lot of nice things this season, and their final season as the Scribner-Snyder Trojans is one that will always be remembered I'm sure.

It will take a while for these girls to come to grips with the new co-op if they haven't already, but I'm sure things will be fine in the long run.

Based on numbers for Football and what I'm seeing on the Varsity Volleyball Roster, this co-op is much needed from a numbers standpoint for Scribner-Snyder.

The Scribner-Snyder Trojans are no more after this school year, but the Volleyball team represented Scribner-Snyder very well in the program's final season I thought.

Clarkson/Leigh wins D1-4 Sub-District

The Clarkson/Leigh Volleyball Team won Sub-District D1-4 Monday night, downing Pender and GACC 3-0.

The Patriots topped the Pendragons 25-16 in set one, 25-15 in set two, and 25-8 in set three.

Ashlynn Novotny had 9 kills while Halee Steffensmeier and Holly Kuhr chipped in 14 and 10 digs, respectively. Brittney Urbanek and Sara McEvoy totaled 8 apiece. Kaegan Held registered 21 set assists.

Clarkson/Leigh beat the Bluejays 25-16 in the 1st set, 29-27 in the 2nd set, and 25-15 in the 3rd set.

Novotny led the way with 13 kills while Sydney Folken added 9. McEvoy posted 8 digs while Held notched 7 digs and 29 set assists.

Head Coach Becky Schneider says her team prepared themselves for this moment. "Going into Monday, the girls were ready! They have been playing at the top of their game and they know what it takes to finish big matches. Also, motivation and determination also factor in! These girls know what they have and believe in each other and themselves!"

Schneider adds a lot of hard work and prep went into beating Pender and GACC. "We had a week to prepare for subs. We had beat Pender at home the Monday before to finish out our regular season so we knew how to prepare for them. We watched some film on GACC and talked about different ways to attack and some strategies we thought would work. After beating Pender, the adrenaline was running and we just knew we could get out there and take care of GACC as well."

The Patriots (24-9) take on Nebraska City Lourdes (15-18) in the D1-2 District Final at Wahoo Thursday night.

The Knights upset Cedar Bluffs 3-2 Tuesday night in the D1-3 Sub-District Final at Raymond Central.

Nebraska City Lourdes cannot be taken lightly or for granted. Clarkson/Leigh has to come focused and ready to play.

Schneider says her team simply has to do what they've been doing. "It’s going to take us to continue playing at the level we have been playing. We will just need to stay aggressive and make sure we are all talking and moving out on the court! We also need to continue to limit our unforced errors and take care of the ball!"

This is the biggest match of these girls' lives without a doubt.

Everything is on the line Thursday night.

This is a good, favorable matchup for the Patriots I feel, but Clarkson/Leigh has to go out there and make it happen.

This would be the first state appearance in Clarkson/Leigh history, and it would be a really big deal for the Patriots to make it.

Schneider says it would mean the world to make it to Lincoln. "There are no words to describe how big of a deal it would be to make it to state! It would be absolutely amazing and definitely mean everything to this program! We’ve been trying to build our volleyball program for over 5 years now. Making it to state would definitely be a staple of how far we have come and where we want to be. All the time, investment and hard work that everybody puts into this program is paying off! We want to be the team that other teams dread to play!"

This is Clarkson/Leigh's time and one shining moment to reach state.

The Patriots have to seize the moment and opportunity, and go out there and make it happen.

Clarkson/Leigh has to make sure not to psych themselves out too much though.

The Patriots have to stay level headed and focused on the task at hand, as hard as that can be.

Excitement has to be at an all-time high for this Clarkson/Leigh team, as it should be, but business is not taken care of yet.

I think there's a good chance it will be and feel the Patriots have a great shot to make state, but Clarkson/Leigh still has to go out there and play the match.

First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. The match can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

GACC tops Walthill, loses to Clarkson/Leigh in Sub-Districts

The GACC Volleyball Team beat Walthill 3-0 before losing 3-0 to Clarkson/Leigh in the D1-4 Sub-District Tournament at Oakland-Craig Monday night.

The Bluejays downed the Blujays 25-7 in set one, 25-15 in set two, and 25-14 in set three.

Riley Throener totaled 12 kills while Bobbie Ortmeier registered 9.

The Patriots beat Clarkson/Leigh 25-16 in the 1st set, 29-27 in the 2nd set, and 25-15 in the 3rd set.

Throener led the way with 13 kills while Ortmeier and Ally Plagge registered 7 apiece. Kali Stratman dished out 27 set assists.

Tough way to go out for the Bluejays. It just wasn't GACC's season.

The Bluejays end the year at 10-17.

GACC went 6-3 in their first five and last four matches of the season combined, compared to just 4-14 in all other matches this season.

So it could be said the Bluejays started and finished the season strong, but the overall play for GACC cost them any chance of doing anything in the postseason this year I would say.

Throener led the team in kills with 211 while Ortmeier finished with 70 blocks. Plagge notched 280 digs while Plagge had 214. Stratman dished out 486 set assists.

The Bluejays say goodbye to Throener, Allie Knobbe, Ortmeier, and Stratman.

These girls are big, huge, key losses, and GACC will miss them without a doubt.

Key returners for the Bluejays next year include Angela Jansen, Plagge, Brooklyn Bailey, and Meghan Brunsing.

I look for these 4 to continue to step up and help lead GACC to success next season.

The Bluejays have a lot of hard work to put in in the offseason, and have a lot of Volleyball that needs to be played.

GACC has to get after things this offseason, and participate in as many weightlifting and agility and conditioning sessions, open gyms, team camps, summer camps, and summer leagues as possible.

The Bluejays also have to play Club Volleyball if they don't already.

I know GACC has Basketball, Track, and other sports to worry about, but if the Bluejays put the proper time and dedication into the game of Volleyball, they can be successful at the sport next year.

There's a lot of pride and tradition in this Central Catholic Program, and there's no doubt the Bluejays can do better next year than they did this year.

GACC isn't used to having seasons like this one, and so you can bet the Bluejays will be back and ready to have a bounce back season in 2018.

I look for GACC to be gym rats and play a lot of Volleyball from now until the start of practice in August.

Whenever these girls aren't playing basketball or running track or participating in whatever other sports they take part in, they should play Volleyball.

I look for the Bluejays to be back in 2018.

Pender loses to Clarkson/Leigh in Sub-Districts

The Pender Volleyball Team lost 3-0 to Clarkson/Leigh in the D1-4 Sub-District Tournament at Oakland-Craig Monday night.

The Pendragons lost set one 25-16, set two 25-15, and set three 25-8.

I thought Pender competed well in the first two sets, but let things get away from them in the 3rd set.

The Pendragons end the season at 5-25.

It was a difficult season in many ways for Pender, but that doesn't mean things can't improve and things don't look bright in the future.

The Pendragons say goodbye to seniors Kaylin Sandall, Tymaree Krusemark, Brittni Beckman, Jenna Kubik, and Sadie Lamplot.

This is some good talent lost, and their contributions will be sorely missed. Pender won't have an easy time replacing these girls I would say.

Key returners for next year include Rylee Lehmkuhl, Zoey Lehmkuhl, and Katie Schumacher.

The Pendragons should be better next year despite losing a lot of talent.

Pender has to work hard in the offseason to build their program for the future.

Girls have to be on board with lifting weights, doing agility drills and conditioning, and participating in team camps, open gyms, and summer and club leagues as much as possible.

I know these girls have basketball and track to focus on too, but there's definitely a lot of room for growth and improvement at the game of Volleyball for this team.

The Pendragons have to be dedicated to the game throughout the course of the offseason, and be ready to go next season.

Pender is definitely capable of having a successful season in 2018, but it's going to take a lot of hard work, skill honing, and improvement from now until August for the Pendragons to make it happen.

These girls can definitely do it though, they just have to wake up everyday excited and ready to take on the challenge of each and every new day.

Pender has to use all the resources given to them, and go out there and want it badly.

The Pendragons have to dream what it would be like to make state and win a state title and be successful during their offseason workouts.

Champions are made from December to July, and Pender has to have an impressive offseason...one that gives them the confidence to turn all their hard work into great results on the court next fall.

The Pendragons are definitely capable of making all their dreams come true next year, they just have to be dedicated to working out hard and often this offseason.

I really think Pender will have a better season next year than they did this year.

Emerson-Hubbard beats St. Edward, loses to Humphrey St. Francis in Sub-Districts

The Emerson-Hubbard Volleyball Team won 3-0 over St. Edward in the D2-3 Sub-District Play-in-Match at Wisner-Pilger Monday night before losing 3-0 to Humphrey St. Francis.

The Pirates defeated the Beavers 25-19 in set one, and 26-24 in sets two and three.

Emerson-Hubbard lost set one 25-7, set two 25-6, and set three 25-8 to the Flyers.

I thought the Pirates did a great job competing against and beating St. Edward, but simply didn't have it against Humphrey St. Francis.

Emerson-Hubbard ends the season at 5-23.

The Pirates lost to some really good teams this year and competed well at times this season, but also lost some matches that make you scratch your head.

Emerson-Hubbard finished with the exact same record as last year so it's hard to say progress was made, and I don't think this year was any different than last for the Pirates.

Emerson-Hubbard loses 4 seniors in Hope Gubbels, Paige Kinnaman, Taylor Lamp, and Brook Ahlers.

These girls meant a lot to Pirate Volleyball and will be missed without a doubt.

Key returners for next year include Megan Gunderson, Courtney Bokemper, Taylor Daum, Addison Mackling, and Isabella Parker-Diaz.

Emerson-Hubbard needs to have a huge, big, and great offseason to get better and improve before the start of next season.

The Pirates have to be excited and pumped up during offseason workouts, and have to be ready to tear things up.

Emerson-Hubbard has to be intense, and locked and loaded during weightlifting and open gym sessions, plus during agility drills and sessions as well.

The Pirates must be committed and dedicating to working hard and improving in the offseason, and have to challenge themselves everyday physically to get themselves in better shape for next year.

Eating and dieting properly is important for these girls too.

Emerson-Hubbard has to take care of their bodies like any other good, quality athletes would, and train hard everyday if possible.

Participating in team camps, open gyms, summer leagues, and even club Volleyball is very important for these girls I would say.

I know they have sports like Basketball and Track to worry about too, but the Pirates could really benefit from getting better at the game of Volleyball.

Emerson-Hubbard has to push and challenge themselves throughout the course of the offseason, and prepare themselves for an improved season in 2018.

Champions are made from December through July, and the Pirates have to work as hard as possible during that time.