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.
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