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.