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.