Winnebago loses to Homer in Sub-Districts

The Winnebago Volleyball Team lost 3-1 to Homer in the C2-7 Sub-District Tournament at Wayne Monday night to end the year.

The Knights took set one 25-12 and set two 25-7 before the Indians won set three 25-17. Homer closed things out in set four with a 25-19 win.

A slow start in the match really hurt Winnebago I thought.

The Indians wrap up the year at 9-20.

Winnebago had a nice win over 14-10 over Omaha Nation this year, probably their biggest win of the season.

The Indians part ways with Alex Neff, Jean Parker-Morris, Kiylista Harden, Kae Earth, and Jada Decora.

These girls will be missed no doubt as they were big contributors to Winnebago Volleyball.

Key returners for next year include Natasha Deal, Phoebe Blackbird, Savannah Fierro, Tia YellowThunder, Kiana Lewis, and Jaiden Payer.

I thought the Indians did some nice things this season that they can build on for next year.

I look for Winnebago to improve and get better this offseason, and do even better next season than they did this year.

The Indians certainly have a lot of work to do this offseason, honing skills on the court and getting bigger and stronger in the weightroom, among other things.

These girls have to be gym rats, and must play and work on the game as much as possible.

I think many of these girls probably play Basketball and maybe do track as well, but committing themselves to Volleyball is important and key as well, in my opinion.

Winnebago has to give max effort this offseason, and really care about and dedicate themselves to improving and getting better.

Getting as much physical exercise as possible and being in as good of shape as possible is important for the Indians too, in my opinion.

I think Winnebago could really benefit from improving in all areas of the game.

I don't know if there's one particular area the Indians need to improve in more than the other.

I look for Winnebago to show growth and development next year with it being Jade Farmer's second season.

I think a good foundation for success was laid this year, and I look for it to only grow and prosper in the future.

I feel the future of Winnebago Volleyball is bright as I feel there is a lot of potential in the returning players and newcomers.

Emerson-Hubbard loses to Winside in Sub-Districts

The Emerson-Hubbard Volleyball Team lost 3-0 to Winside in the D2-4 Sub-District Tournament at Ponca Monday night to end the season.

The Wildcats took set one 25-14, set two 25-15, and set three 25-4.

Taylor Daum posted 20 digs while Stephanie Ferrusca had 18. Madison Gunderson registered 11.

Difficult end to a tough season for the Pirates.

Emerson-Hubbard concludes the 2018 campaign with a 3-26 record.

The highlight of the season had to be the 3-1 win at Omaha Nation to start the season.

Daum led the way with 76 kills on the season. Ferrusca led the way in digs with 286 while Addison Mackling notched 238. Gunderson totaled 216 while Daum posted 203. Ferrusca finished with 124 set assists on the season.

The Pirates say goodbye to Cashlyn Kramer, Ferrusca, and Daum.

These three are big losses and will be sorely missed without a doubt.

Key returners for next season include Gunderson, Mackling, Brynn Schock, Raegan Reifenrath, and Isabella Parker-Diaz.

It appears Emerson-Hubbard returns quite a bit of talent next year despite some key losses.

Hopefully numbers isn't an issue for the Pirates next year as Emerson-Hubbard almost didn't have enough girls to field a team this season.

The Pirates have to work hard this offseason and put a lot of time in the weightroom and on the court.

Playing the game recreationally, through summer leagues, and in open gyms are all important for Emerson-Hubbard, in my opinion.

Agility drills and conditioning as much as possible is important for the Pirates as well.

I think Emerson-Hubbard could really benefit from working on hitting a lot this offseason.

I'm sure a lot of these girls play basketball and maybe do track, but finding time for Volleyball is going to be key, in my opinion.

The returning players and newcomers have to balance their time with school, sports, work, and any other extra curricular activities they might be in.

Staying busy and active is always a good thing, and these Pirates have to do as much as they can in the offseason.

Getting together on their own and playing the game, or playing with friends from nearby schools or even doing Club Volleyball are all ways to get better at the game, in my opinion.

Emerson-Hubbard can turn things around next year it just depends how hard they're willing to work and how much time and effort they're willing to put in.

Pender loses close match to Randolph in Sub-Districts

The Pender Volleyball Team came up a little short in Sub-Districts Monday night, falling 3-2 to Randolph in the D1-6 Tournament at Stanton.

The Cardinals took set one 25-20 before the Pendragons won set two 28-26. Randolph won set three 25-19 before Pender took set four by the same score. The Cardinals prevailed 15-11 in set five.

Ashley Ostrand totaled 15 kills and 24 digs while Britti Beckman had 14 kills. Sadie Lamplot added 7 kills and 17 digs. Kaylin Sandall chipped in 17 digs while Zoey Lehmkuhl had 15 digs and 22 set assists. Rylee Lehmkuhl recorded 12 digs.

Not the postseason result the Pendragons were hoping for I'm sure, but Pender did a really nice job of competing and making things close I thought.

The Pendragons end the year at 7-23.

I thought Pender played good Volleyball at times this year, they just struggled in the middle and latter parts of the season.

The highlight of the year had to be the win over BRLD in the East Husker Conference Tournament.

Lamplot led the team in kills on the season with 179 while Beckman and Ostrand tallied 159 and 150, respectively. Sandall had 239 digs to lead the team in that category while Ostrand and Lamplot registered 233 and 206, respectively. Zoey Lehmkuhl led the way in set assists with 419.

The Pendragons did a lot of nice things this year and should have some things to build on for the future.

Pender says goodbye to Sandall, Beckman, Rylee Lehmkuhl, Carley Hofmeister, Lamplot, and Sarah Krueger.

Key returners for the Pendragons are Zoey Lehmkuhl, Trista Hansen, Ostrand, and Caitlyn Heise.

I feel these four will be very big and integral parts and pieces to Pender's success next season.

The Pendragons graduate quite a few players, and the losses of these seniors will definitely be felt, but there's no doubt Pender can be good next year.

The Pendragons have to put in a lot of work and effort into their workouts and games and scrimmages this offseason, and work hard and play great Volleyball.

I think Pender's returning players and newcomers could really benefit from taking part in as many team camps, summer leagues, and summer camps as possible.

The more lifting, conditioning, game playing, scrimmages, and agility drills and things the Pendragons do between now and August the better.

There's certainly sports like Basketball and Track to focus on this year yet, but devoting proper time to Volleyball and working on their craft is key, important, and critical for Pender as well I feel.

The Pendragons have to do things like team bonding activities and community projects and things of that sort.

Getting out there in the community for fundraisers and things of that sort is all part of developing and maturing as young ladies and players.

Pender has a lot of work to do this offseason, but there's no doubt the Pendragons can get up there in 2019.

Howells-Dodge ends season with Sub-District loss to Nebraska Christian

The Howells-Dodge Volleyball Team saw their season come to an end Monday night when they lost 3-1 to Nebraska Christian in the D1-5 Sub-District Tournament at David City Aquinas.

The Jaguars won the first set 25-23 before the Eagles took sets two and four 25-13 as well as set three 25-14.

Erin Prusa finished with 10 kills while Taya VanLengen notched 16 digs. Jessi Brester added 11 digs while Alyssa Coufal totaled 8 digs and 16 set assists.

Great effort from Howells-Dodge, but they came up just a little bit short.

The Jaguars end the season at 16-15.

Howells-Dodge really struggled towards the end of the season, going just 3-9 in their last 12 matches.

The Jaguars started off real well, but unfortunately kind of tapered off at the end of the regular season.

Prusa was the team leader in kills this season with 251 while VanLengen led the way in digs with 372. Coufal totaled 542 set assists to lead the team.

Howells-Dodge says goodbye to seniors McKenna Klosen, Tonya Brester, Jessi Brester, Hannah Bayer, Prusa, and Grace Dvorak.

These seniors meant a lot to Jaguar Volleyball and will be sorely missed.

Key returners for next year include Coufal, Grace Kreikemeier, Madyson Cech, Brooklyn Macholan, Jayda Bazata, Lexie Brester, and VanLengen.

I think Howells-Dodge can be good next year as they have a lot of talent returning.

The Jaguars have to work hard this offseason and dedicate themselves to the weightroom and playing the game.

Basketball and Track are big sports for these girls too, but proper time has to be devoted to Volleyball.

The girls have to continue to grow and mature as young ladies and as student athletes.

Howells-Dodge has to get faster, stronger, and more muscle bound in the offseason.

The more weightlifting and things of that nature the Jaguars do the better they will be next season.

Participation in open gyms, summer camps, and summer leagues will be big too I feel.

The more Howells-Dodge plays the game the better they will be next season.

The Jaguars have to use the disappointing ending to this year's season as motivation and fuel to the fire heading into next year.

I have no doubts Howells-Dodge can be good again in 2019, and perhaps win their Sub-District, a Sub-State match, and get to state.

The Jaguars lose some good players, but plenty of talent returns for Howells-Dodge next season.

BRLD goes 1-2 in last three matches of season

The BRLD Volleyball Team went 1-2 to end their season, falling 3-0 at Oakland-Craig in Thursday night's regular season finale before beating Omaha Nation 3-0 in the C2-5 Sub-District Tournament at Pender Monday night, and then losing 3-0 to Wisner-Pilger in the last match of the season in Sub-District play.

The Knights took set one 25-23 from the Wolverines, and won sets two and three 25-18.

Brandi Simonsen had 22 digs while Kelsey Larsen notched 21. Caragan Tietz added 11 digs and 8 set assists.

The Gators won set one 25-14, set two 25-4, and set three 25-19.

I thought BRLD played great against Omaha Nation, but the struggles against Oakland-Craig and Wisner-Pilger had to be frustrating to end the season.

The Wolverines conclude the 2018 campaign with a 12-18 record.

BRLD picked up some nice wins this season over the likes of GACC, Oakland-Craig, Wakefield-Allen, and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.

The Wolverines say goodbye to seniors Madison Polenske, Simonsen, Kariden Briggs, and Zoe Sjuts.

These four are big losses and will be missed without a doubt.

The future of BRLD Volleyball looks really good and bright though.

Key returners for the Wolverines include Aubrey Berg, Halle Wortman, Larsen, Kinlee Bacon, Tietz, Tyra Bonneau, Alexzi Nottleman, and Tori Ostrand.

I think BRLD has to be very excited about the future given who all returns next season.

The Wolverines were very young this year, and all the experience they gained this year should pay off next year.

BRLD has to have a good Basketball season and spring sports season, but be ready for Volleyball once those two things conclude.

Playing Volleyball as much as possible and being gym rats is important for the Wolverines as well, in my opinion.

These girls have to workout with passion, tenacity, and toughness this offseason.

BRLD has to push themselves and their bodies as much as possible between now and August.

The future looks very promising for the Wolverines, but BRLD has to go out there and work hard and improve and make things happen.

Champions are born and dreams are achieved between December and July, not between August and November.

The Wolverines have to commit themselves to the weightroom along with the gym this offseason.

Taking part in things like open gyms, summer camps, and summer leagues will be very important and critical for BRLD this offseason, in my opinion.

The Wolverines have to play as much ball as they can because the more you play the better you are going to get.

Oakland-Craig wins final regular season contest over BRLD; falls to GACC in Sub-Districts

The Oakland-Craig Volleyball Team swept BRLD 3-0 at home Thursday night to end the regular season before falling 3-0 in the first round of sub-districts to GACC in C2-5 at Pender Monday night.

The Knights took set one 25-23 from the Wolverines, and won sets two and three 25-18.

The Bluejays won set one 25-17, and sets two and three 25-18.

Bailey Helzer and Ashten Rennerfeldt paced the Knights with 7 kills apiece.

Tough ending to the season for Oakland-Craig after catching fire at the end of the regular season.

The Knights end the year at 13-19.

Oakland-Craig went 7-6 in their last 13 matches, and I think that's something they can build on heading into next season.

A lot of the losses incurred by the Knights were close and competitive as well.

Seniors lost to graduation include Dacey Nelson, Jena Gardeman, and Aileen Quintero.

There is a lot of talent returning next year though, including the likes of Helzer, Makenna Pearson, and Kennedy Benne.

Oakland-Craig has a lot of promise and potential in the future they just have to work hard in the offseason and play up to their potential.

I think what the Knights did at the end of this season will definitely carry over into next year.

I look for Oakland-Craig to have a very good offseason, and basketball season this year as well.

The Knights have to be excited for Basketball this year, but get excited for Volleyball next year when the season rolls around.

Oakland-Craig has to have big dreams and aspirations for their season, and go out there and work hard between now and next August.

The Knights have to be gym rats, and must play the sport as much as possible.

Oakland-Craig has to workout and lift as much as possible as well.

The Knights have to get quicker, bigger, and stronger.

Doing agility drills will be big for Oakland-Craig as well, in my opinion.

The Knights have to be active in summer leagues and camps, open gyms, and other team related activities.

Spending time together and hanging out and doing team bonding activities is all a part of it too.

Oakland-Craig has to comeback stronger than ever next year and be ready to go full tilt in 2019.

The Knights need to enjoy their basketball and spring sports seasons, but be working on Volleyball as much as possible in the meantime.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder loses to North Bend Central in Sub-Districts

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Volleyball Team lost 3-0 to North Bend Central in the C1-6 Sub-District Tournament at Oakland-Craig Monday night to end the season.

The Tigers took set one 25-22. set two 25-21, and set three 25-14.

Emily Lewin had 7 kills and 9 digs while Shaylin Daugherty totaled 7 kills. Taylor Ruwe and Ashley Uhing notched 12 digs apiece while Reagan Klein registered 18 set assists.

Tough way for the Raiders to go out, especially after playing well for much of the season.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder ends the year at 14-17.

Big wins for LVSS this year came over Omaha Brownell Talbot and West Point-Beemer.

The Raiders were just 2-9 in their last 11 matches, and I feel that will only fuel and motivate Logan View/Scribner-Snyder next year.

The Raiders should be very proud of the season they had this year though.

Daugherty led the team in kills with 176 while Lewin and Ruwe had 144 and 138, respectively.

Uhing had a team-high 256 digs on the season while Ruwe posted 213.

Klein finished the year with 502 set assists.

Uhing is one senior lost to graduation.

I'm not for sure all who graduates and comes back, but if I remember right a lot of these girls were young.

The future is bright for LVSS next year there's no doubt about it.

The Raiders had a very nice season, and should be very proud of their efforts.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to remain hungry and want more though.

The Raiders can't be satisfied with what they accomplished this year.

LVSS has to get up and get ready to get after things as soon as possible for next Volleyball season.

I know many of these girls play Basketball and other springs sports and stuff as well, but playing Volleyball as much as possible is important for these girls I feel.

These girls should be patted on the back for all they accomplished this year, but be ready to get after things again soon and be well prepared heading into next season.

The Raiders finished the season just a little below .500, and now if they could finish a handful of games above .500 next year I feel that would be great progress.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder improved leaps and bounds from last year to this year, and needs to improve even more this offseason and comeback strong and better than ever in 2019.

Tekamah-Herman goes 1-2 in final three matches of season

The Tekamah-Herman Volleyball Team was 1-2 in their last three matches of the season, losing 3-1 at BRLD last Tuesday night to end the regular season before winning 3-1 over Arlington in the C1-6 Sub-District Tournament at Oakland-Craig Monday night, and losing 3-0 to West Point-Beemer later on in the night.

The Tigers took set one from the Wolverines 25-19 before BRLD won set two 25-23, set three 25-19, and set four 25-16.

Tekamah-Herman won set one over the Eagles 27-25 before winning set two 25-13. The Tigers dropped set three 25-19 before winning set four 25-15.

The Cadets won the first set 25-23, the second set 25-18, and the third set 25-13.

Great effort from Tekamah-Herman in the last part of the season. I felt the Tigers played their best Volleyball at the end of the year.

Tekamah-Herman ends their season at 4-27.

It was a difficult year for the Tigers with a lot of young players and low numbers, but I credit Tekamah-Herman for continuing to fight and never giving up.

The Tigers graduate seniors Maleah Sheets, Anjoleena Hampton, Jordan Wetzel, and Sydnee Brummond.

These four seniors meant a lot to Tekamah-Herman Volleyball over the years, and can take pride in winning their last ever home match.

Key returners for the Tigers next season include Elena Jetensky, Rylee Lawson, Anna Wakehouse, and Kaitlyn Quick.

I think Tekamah-Herman can build around these four and turn things around next season.

The Tigers have a lot of work to do this offseason if they want to get back to what they were prior to this year.

Tekamah-Herman has to be in the gym playing the game as much as possible this offseason, and has to run and get in the weightroom as much as possible.

I'm not entirely sure who all comes in next year in terms of freshmen and newcomers, but those players have to get involved in the offseason activities as well.

Doing team bonding type of activities is going to be big for this team too I feel.

Playing club Volleyball and taking part in all team camps and summer leagues and things of that sort will be important for this club as well.

The Tigers have to work hard and be intense during offseason workouts and activities.

Getting involved in the communities and having a summer job and things of that sort is important for these girls as well, in my opinion.

Being active and doing things besides sitting around all the time will be good for all.

Tekamah-Herman has to enjoy their offseason work too, and work as hard as they would as if it is the season.

The Tigers need to have a good offseason and come back strong and ready to go in 2019.

West Point-Beemer wins last three regular season matches

The West Point-Beemer Volleyball Team went on the road and swept Boone Central/Newman Grove 3-0 last Tuesday night in action heard on 107.9 the Bull.

Set one was tied at four before the Cadets pulled away for a 25-14 win.

West Point-Beemer held a big lead in set two only to see the Cardinals battle back and make it 20-17 at one point. The Cadets then went up 24-17 before Boone Central/Newman Grove made it 24-22. West Point-Beemer would go on to win the set 25-22.

Set three saw the Cardinals jump out to a 16-12 advantage before the Cadets battled back and won it 25-18.

West Point-Beemer's Sidney Swanson, who was the S&W Welding Player of the game for West Point-Beemer, led all players with 13 kills. Brooke Haase had 5 while Kendra Paasch and Abby Kaup added 4 apiece.

Head Coach Conley Straight. "We had a good night attacking across the front line. Our goal has been to find a balanced attack here early on in the year. A lot of teams have been keying on Sidney and we really didn't have much of an attack other than her, but here these last few matches a lot of other hitters have gotten involved, which has kind of opened up the net for Sidney and that sort of thing. And so we're going to continue to work on that because when teams can't just key on one hitter it really opens it up for all the other hitters as well."

Straight says it was a good win. "Fairly good night for us in the sense kind of all around with that sort of thing. Having a long week last week with EHC Conference on Thursday and Saturday. It's good to get back on the court on Tuesday here tonight to kind of see the things we need to work on since we're kind of winding the season down here and getting close to Sub-District time. So good battle by the girls tonight in most areas of the game and that sort of thing, but definitely things that we can fine tune."

The Cadets then won 2-1 over Howells-Dodge and Pender at the Howells-Dodge Triangular Tuesday night to end the regular season.

The Pendragons won set one 25-22 before West Point-Beemer took set two 25-12 and set three 25-20.

The Cadets won sets one and three over the Jaguars 29-27 while dropping set two 25-23.

Good strong finish to the regular season for West Point-Beemer.

The Cadets (15-14) are the No. 1 seed in the C1-6 Sub-District at Oakland-Craig with action beginning on Monday.

West Point-Beemer is scheduled to face the winner of Tekamah-Herman and Arlington at 7:00 p.m. although the match could start later than that with only an hour's time allotted in between matches on the schedule.

This is all the Cadets can ask for.

West Point-Beemer is the No. 1 seed in a wide open Sub-District.

It's the Cadets' time to go out there and do something and shine.

West Point-Beemer has all they could have ever wanted in front of them in this one.

The Cadets have to go out there and capitalize on the chance and opportunity, and get the job done.

I don't know if you can rule out anyone as a winner in this Sub-District.

West Point-Beemer owns two wins over North Bend Central and Arlington, and one over Tekamah-Herman.

The Cadets lost to Logan View/Scribner-Snyder in the regular season, but I'm sure West Point-Beemer would rather face the Raiders in the Sub-District Final as opposed to the Tigers.

Reasons being North Bend Central won their last three regular season matches and have postseason experience plus LVSS is really struggling right now.

That and it's tough to beat a team three times in a season, and the last match between the Tigers and Cadets went the distance in terms of number of sets.

Anyone can win this Sub-District as it's wide open, but I think it will be West Point-Beemer against North Bend Central in the Sub-District Final based on how all teams are playing right now.

Certainly don't count out Tekamah-Herman or Logan View/Scribner-Snyder though, or even Arlington for that matter.

No match or set even can be taken for granted, especially in this Sub-District.

The Cadets will have earned it if they come out of this Sub-District.

It would be a big deal for West Point-Beemer to win it though as it would ensure them a trip to Sub-State next Saturday.

North Bend Central goes 3-2 in last five regular season matches

The North Bend Central Volleyball Team lost 3-0 at Columbus Lakeview last Thursday night before losing 2-0 to Stanton and beating Logan View/Scribner-Snyder 2-0 at the Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Triangular Tuesday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull, and then beating Madison 2-0 and Shelby-Rising City 2-0 at their home Triangular to close out the regular season Thursday night.

The Tigers lost 25-12 in set one, 25-19 in set two, and 25-15 in set three to the Vikings.

Stanton picked up a 25-21 opening set win and 25-16 second set win against the Tigers.

Lauren Emanuel notched 8 kills.

North Bend Central took set one from the Raiders 25-21 and set two 25-18.

Emanuel posted 8 kills. 

The Tigers topped the Dragons 25-12 in set one and 25-19 in set two.

North Bend Central won sets one and three 25-21 over the Huskies, and lost set two by the same score.

Good strong ending to the regular season for the Tigers, who won their last three matches prior to Sub-Districts.

North Bend Central (13-14) takes on Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (14-16) in the first round of the C1-6 Sub-District Tournament at Oakland-Craig Monday night.

The two teams just met the one time in the regular season.

It's never easy to beat a team in such a short amount of time in between matches, but there's no doubt the Tigers can do it.

North Bend Central has a lot of postseason experience, going to State the last two years, and this is nothing new for them.

The Raiders have had a great season and have won a lot of regular season matches, but Logan View/Scribner-Snyder doesn't have a whole lot of postseason experience.

I give the edge to the Tigers for that reason.

West Point-Beemer and perhaps Tekamah-Herman figure to be tough, but there's no doubt North Bend Central can come out of this Sub-District.

I think the Sub-District final will be West Point-Beemer and North Bend Central based on matchups, but anything can happen.

The Tigers have appeared to righted the ship some and gotten back on a track a little bit.

Perhaps the winning North Bend Central did at the end of the regular season will carry over into the postseason.

I think the Tigers have perhaps come together at the right time, and could end up being the team that wins this Sub-District and makes Sub-State once again.

This team has won a lot of big matches over the years, and this Sub-District is up for grabs as far as I'm concerned.

North Bend Central can't be too confident, but the Tigers have to believe they've got a good shot to win this Sub-District.

It's now or never for North Bend Central, and the Tigers have to go out there and make it happen.

Emanuel has to step up, along with others, and play at a very high level next week.

The Sub-District is North Bend Central's for the taking, and the Tigers have to go out there and win it.

First serve on Monday is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Wisner-Pilger wins final three regular season matches

A career milestone was reached for longtime Wisner-Pilger volleyball coach Jean Groth last Thursday when the Gators hosted Fort Calhoun and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder in a triangular.

The Gators opened the triangular with a 25-8, 25-21 victory over Fort Calhoun. This marked the 800th career win for Groth, who is in her 40th season in charge of the program.

Jordan Wegner had 11 kills while Emily Hatterman recorded 15 set assists.

Wisner-Pilger ended the night with a 25-20, 25-18 win over Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, notching career win 801 for Groth.

Wegner posted 13 kills while Aspin Waterman notched 8. Hatterman added 20 set assists.

The Gators downed Oakland-Craig 3-0 on the road to close out the regular season Tuesday night, winning 25-19 in set one, 25-15 in set two, and 25-21 in set three.

Wegner had 15 kills and 8 digs while Rachel Otten totaled 10 kills. Waterman added 8 kills and 9 digs. Reagan Scholting posted 9 digs while Hatterman registered 30 set assists.

Wisner-Pilger continues their mastery and great late season play.

The Gators (21-10) are the No. 1 seed in the C2-5 Sub-District Tournament at Pender with play starting on Monday.

Wisner-Pilger will play the winner of Omaha Nation and BRLD at 7:30 p.m.

I think this Sub-District is the Gators' to lose.

I feel Wisner-Pilger won't have any trouble against Oakland-Craig, BRLD, or Omaha Nation, but GACC could be a challenge.

The Bluejays beat the Gators in the regular season, and if there's a team that can spoil the party for Wisner-Pilger, I feel it is GACC.

This is the Gators' chance to make a Sub-State match and have a chance to play for the State Tournament.

Everything Wisner-Pilger has ever worked for comes down to Monday and Tuesday.

The Gators have a golden opportunity and chance in front of them, and can't let it pass.

Wisner-Pilger has to seize the moment and time.

It is the Gators' time, and Wisner-Pilger has to go out there and have a great postseason.

The Gators still might be able to make a Sub-State match even if they don't win the Sub-District, but Wisner-Pilger can't rely on that.

Wegner has to step up and have a big postseason for the Gators.

She, Otten, and Waterman need to play well offensively as does Hatterman.

Wisner-Pilger is 10-2 in their last 12 matches, and has to continue to play like they have in those matches next week.

The Gators haven't done a whole lot wrong lately, and need to keep it up.

I think Wisner-Pilger has the best chance they've had in a while to win their Sub-District.

The Gators have to capture the moment and take everything they've ever wanted.

Dreams lie in front of Wisner-Pilger now it's a matter of going out there and making those dreams come true.

GACC goes 3-2 at Mid-State Conference Tournament

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Volleyball Team went 3-2 at the Mid-State Conference Tournament, beating Boone Central/Newman Grove 3-1 before losing 3-0 to Wayne at Pierce on Monday. GACC lost 3-1 to Pierce in a Consolation match on Tuesday before winning 2-0 over Boone Central/Newman Grove and Crofton on Thursday.

In the first matchup between the two teams, the Cardinals won the first set 25-23 before the Bluejays took set two 25-12, set three 25-19, and set four 25-10.

Sophia Hass had 17 kills and 21 digs while Erica Engelmeyer notched 9 kills. Brooklyn Bailey and Evelyn Wooldrik had 8 kills apiece while Hannah Knobbe and Ally Plagge totaled 25 and 18 digs, respectively. Reece Snodgrass notched 8 digs and 48 set assists while Meghan Brunsing tallied 7 digs.

The Blue Devils won set one 25-16, set two 25-19, and set three 25-17.

Hass, Wooldrik, and Bailey totaled 8 kills apiece while Hass had 28 digs. Knobbe and Plagge notched 22 and 14 digs, respectively, while Snodgrass dished out 27 set assists.

GACC lost set one 25-21 to Pierce before taking set two 25-20. GACC then dropped set three 25-21 and set four 25-20.

Hass had 24 kills and 25 digs while Bailey recorded 7 kills. Snodgrass added 21 digs and 33 set assists while Knobbe, Plagge, and Megan Plagge registered 17, 14, and 10 digs, respectively.

The Bluejays beat the Cardinals the second time around 25-19 in set one and 25-18 in set two.

Plagge posted 8 digs while Hass and Knobbe recorded 7 apiece. Snodgrass added 18 set assists.

GACC beat the Warriors 25-19 in set one and 25-21 in set two.

Knobbe notched 15 digs while Ally Plagge totaled 13. Snodgrass chipped in 11 set assists.

Really good play from the Bluejays on Thursday. Maybe that will give GACC the spark they need heading into the postseason.

The Bluejays (11-15) take on Oakland-Craig in the first round of the C2-5 Sub-District Tournament at Pender Monday night.

GACC beat the Knights 2-0 on September 20th at the Oakland-Craig Triangular, the only regular season meeting between the two teams.

This should be an interesting match.

Both teams have gone through their struggles this year, but have played well at times.

I think when it comes down to it though the Bluejays have the edge.

Reason being GACC knows how to win in the postseason and has been there before.

I think the manner in which the Bluejays won on Thursday has given them something to build off of and prepare for for the postseason.

It's a preparation point if anything, and a momentum booster.

Wisner-Pilger has to be the favorite to win the Sub-District at this point, but don't count out GACC.

The Bluejays often find a way, and it wouldn't shock me if GACC found a way again next week.

It's do or die for the Bluejays, who won't qualify for Sub-State unless they win the Sub-District.

GACC is young and I think finally may have figured things out.

Perhaps the Bluejays figured things out the very last chance they had to do so.

We'll know more next week, but I fully expect GACC to be a tough out in the postseason.

It wouldn't surprise me if it was GACC against Wisner-Pilger in the Sub-District Final.

Don't count out BRLD or Oakland-Craig, but the Bluejays against the Gators wouldn't surprise me one bit.

GACC has to play and smart, and must put the pressure on Oakland-Craig.

The Knights have some talent with the likes of Bailey Helzer and Natalia McNeill and others so it certainly won't be easy for the Bluejays to beat Oakland-Craig.

It can definitely happen though, and it wouldn't surprise me if it did.

First serve is set for 6:15 p.m.

Winnebago goes 2-3 at Lewis and Clark Tournament

The Winnebago Football Team went 2-3 at the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament, losing 2-0 to Creighton, Osmond, and Wakefield-Allen at Creighton on Saturday before winning 2-0 over Osmond and Emerson-Hubbard on Monday.

The Indians lost 25-12 and 25-20 to the Bulldogs.

The Tigers beat Winnebago 25-18 in set one and 25-17 in set two the first time the two teams met.

The Trojans defeated the Indians 25-17 in the first set, and 25-22 in the second set.

Natasha Deal had 8 blocks while Kiylista Harden registered 7 digs.

Winnebago downed the Pirates 25-17 in set one and 25-9 in set two.

The Indians beat the Tigers the second time around 25-19 in sets one and two.

Great play by Winnebago on Monday. I thought the Indians performed as well as they have all year on Monday.

Winnebago (9-19) takes on Homer (12-19) in the bunny bracket match of the C2-7 Sub-District at Wayne on Monday.

The Knights lost 2-0 to Creighton and Ponca at the Conference Tournament on Monday.

Homer beat the Indians twice in the regular season.

Winnebago definitely has a challenge on their hands on Monday, but if the Indians play the way they did last time out they can definitely beat the Knights.

It's tough to beat a team three times in a season, and Winnebago hopes the third time is the charm.

The winner gets top seeded Hartington Cedar Catholic in the next match so whoever wins between the Indians and Knights definitely has their work cut out for them.

It's the postseason though, and anything can happen.

Winnebago has to be ready to play a complete match and give Homer all they can ever want and then some.

The Indians have to give an all out effort, and believe they can win.

Winnebago has to do everything in their power to win, and give a great total team effort of 110%.

The Indians have to go out there and give it their all.

Winnebago has to get off to a strong start and play good Volleyball throughout.

The Indians need to serve, block, hit, pass, and serve receive well.

Winnebago has to minimize service errors, and force Homer to earn their points.

This is it for the Indians this season...lose once and the season is over.

Winnebago has to play as if there's no tomorrow because if the Indians lose on Monday the season is over.

I think just winning a sub-district match and getting the opportunity to play the Trojans would be a big deal and step in the right direction for Winnebago.

I look for the Indians to go out there and give a great effort, win or lose.

The Homer match will start at 4:30 p.m.

Emerson-Hubbard goes 2-3 at Lewis and Clark Tournament

The Emerson-Hubbard Volleyball Team went 2-3 at the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament on Saturday and Monday, losing 2-0 to Plainview and Wausa, but beating Walthill 2-0 at Plainview on Saturday before beating Walthill 2-1 and losing 2-0 to Winnebago on Monday.

The Vikings downed the Pirates 25-16 in set one and 25-8 in set two.

Stephanie Ferrusca had 15 digs while Taylor Daum had 9. Addison Mackling and Brynn Schock notched 8 apiece.

Emerson-Hubbard lost set one 25-11 to Plainview, and dropped set two 25-21.

Ferrusca totaled 14 digs while Daum posted 11.

The Pirates downed the Blujays the first time around 25-23 in sets one and two.

Mackling had 8 kills while Schock totaled 9 digs. Daum added 8 while Raegan Reifenrath totaled 7. Ferrusca chipped in 15 set assists.

The Indians downed Emerson-Hubbard 25-9 in set one and 25-17 in set two.

Ferrusca had 9 digs while Schock posted 8.

Walthill won set one over the Pirates 25-18 before Emerson-Hubbard won set two 25-22 and set three 25-17.

Daum posted 13 kills while Ferrusca had 17 digs and 13 set assists. Mackling added 11 digs.

Great job by the Pirates winning a couple of matches in this tournament. Hopefully it results in some momentum for Sub-Districts.

Speaking of Sub-Districts, Emerson-Hubbard (3-25) takes on Winside in the first round of D2-4 at Ponca Monday night.

The Wildcats beat the Pirates 2-0 twice in 4 days in mid-October.

Emerson-Hubbard certainly has their work cut out for them, but it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

The Pirates have to come out and fight and scrap harder than Winside.

Wynot is the top seed in this sub-district and is very good, but Emerson-Hubbard has to feel optimistic after Saturday and Monday.

I think the wins over Walthill show the Pirates' toughness and perseverance and ability to never give up and throw in the towel.

Mackling and Daum had great offensive performances in each match against the Blujays, and it really made a difference for this team, in my opinion.

Emerson-Hubbard needs to get a good performance from those two again Monday night.

It's do or die time for the Pirates...time to either win or go home.

Emerson-Hubbard has to play their hearts out and leave it all out on the floor.

The Pirates have to play with emotion and must hit the ball with authority and purpose.

Playing smart is going to be important for Emerson-Hubbard as well, in my opinion.

The Pirates have to minimize mistakes and make the Wildcats earn their points.

Emerson-Hubbard has to play their hearts out and play with and for each other.

The Pirates need to have good practices before Monday rolls around, and really believe that they can do this.

Anyone can beat anyone at any given time, and Emerson-Hubbard has to give Winside all they can ever want or handle and then some.

The match is scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m.

The winner gets either Wynot or the Bloomfield/Santee winner in Tuesday's Sub-District Final at 7:00 p.m.

Pender drops final three regular season contests

The Pender Volleyball Team lost 3-1 at home to Clarkson/Leigh Monday night before losing 2-0 to  Howells-Dodge and 2-1 to West Point-Beemer at the Howells-Dodge Triangular Tuesday night to close out the regular season.

The Pendragons defeated the Patriots 25-23 in set one before losing set two 25-11, set three 25-16, and set four 25-18.

Brittni Beckman had 7 kills while Kaylin Sandall totaled 12 digs. Zoey Lehmkuhl posted 9 digs and 20 set assists while Ashley Ostrand and Sadie Lamplot recorded 8 digs apiece. Rylee Lehmkuhl added 7.

Pender lost set one 25-15 and set two 25-23 to the Jaguars.

Zoey Lehmkuhl notched 14 set assists.

The Pendragons took set one from the Cadets 25-22 before West Point-Beemer won set two 25-12 and set three 25-20.

Beckman and Ostrand had 9 kills apiece while Ostrand had 14 digs. Sandall and Lamplot totaled 13 digs each while Zoey Lehmkuhl dished out 24 set assists.

Good effort from Pender in each match they just came up a tad bit short each time.

The Pendragons (7-22) take on Randolph (11-16) in the first round of Sub-Districts in the D1-6 Sub-District at Stanton Monday night.

The Cardinals lost 2-0 to Laurel-Concord-Coleridge and Plainview at the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament Monday night to end the regular season.

I feel Pender has a legit shot to win this match.

The Pendragons play a very tough schedule in a very good conference.

Randolph has played a tough schedule too though so they are certainly going to be tough.

Both teams have kind of struggled at the end of the regular season so it will be interesting to see who can get off to a fast start and play at a high level throughout.

If Pender can get off to the kind of start they did against West Point-Beemer and Clarkson/Leigh then they can definitely win.

You're talking about two great opponents that the Pendragons took a set from.

I would venture to say the Patriots and Cadets are better than the Cardinals.

Pender can't get off to the type of start they did against Howells-Dodge though.

The Pendragons have to start the way they did against the Cadets and Patriots, and finish the way they did against the Jaguars.

Pender has to come out and play their best match of the year Monday night.

It's Sub-Districts, and anything can happen, and the Pendragons have to believe that they can win the whole ball of wax in this Sub-District.

Anyone can be beaten on any given night, and that goes for Randolph Monday night.

Pender has to come out emotionally uplifted and ready to go full tilt the entire match.

The Pendragons have to play their tails off Monday night, and leave it all out on the floor.

Pender has to play with the blood, sweat, and tears of a champion, and come out and play great Volleyball Monday night.

Match time is scheduled for 6:15 p.m.

Howells-Dodge goes 1-2 in last three regular season matches

The Howells-Dodge Volleyball Team lost 3-1 at Tekamah-Herman last Thursday night before beating Pender 2-0, and losing 2-1 to West Point-Beemer at their home Triangular Tuesday night.

The teams changed leads several times in the opening set, with the Tigers eventually winning 25-21.

The story was similar in the second set, with Tekamah-Herman winning 25-20.

The Jaguars seemed to rebound in the third set, downing the Tigers 25-13.

The Tigers wouldn’t be denied on Parents Night, however, as they built and early lead in the fourth set, and went on to win 25-19.

Head Coach Neil VanLengen says Tekamah Herman deserved the win. "The team that played harder won the game, there's just no doubt about that. We made a few silly mistakes and couldn't overcome them, but yeah when a team plays that hard and won't let the ball hit the floor, that can happen man, they got after it, there's no doubt about it."

Erin Prusa had 12 kills while Jessi Brester posted 9 kills and 9 digs. Taya VanLengen notched 16 digs while Alyssa Coufal recorded 11 digs and 25 set assists.

The Jaguars beat the Pendragons 25-15 in set one and 25-23 in set two.

Prusa had 8 kills while VanLengen registered 12 digs. Coufal tallied 23 set assists.

Howells-Dodge lost sets one and three to the Cadets 29-27 while taking set two 25-23.

Prusa had 20 kills while Brester notched 7 kills and 12 digs. VanLengen added 23 digs while McKenna Klosen had 7. Coufal dished out 28 set assists.

I thought the Jaguars responded well following the loss to the Tigers.

Howells-Dodge (16-14) takes on Nebraska Christian in the D1-5 Sub-District Tournament at David City Aquinas on Monday.

The Eagles are a very good team, and the Jaguars definitely have their work cut out for them.

The Jaguars have to play well and pick up their play.

I thought Howells-Dodge played well Tuesday night, and the Jaguars need to play like that again Monday night.

Anyone can beat anyone this time of year, and Howells-Dodge has to believe they are destined to beat Nebraska Christian.

It's a very tough Sub-District, but Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family has been scuffling some lately.

The Jaguars have to be confident and feel optimistic about their chances of winning.

I think Howells-Dodge has what it takes to come out of this sub-district, but the Jaguars have their work cut out for them.

It looks like Howells-Dodge will need to win the Sub-District to make a Sub-State match.

Certainly not easy, but possible for the Jaguars.

Howells-Dodge has to forget about their struggles in the regular season if they haven't already, and build off what they did Tuesday night.

Prusa, Brester, VanLengen, and Coufal need to play well for this team.

I have been impressed with Brester stepping up offensively and defensively as of late, and she needs to keep that up.

The Jaguars are a good team, and I feel like Howells-Dodge has some good Volleyball ahead and in front of them.

The Jaguars have to get fired up and riled up and ready to take aim at the Eagles.

Howells-Dodge has to play as if there's no tomorrow because if the Jaguars lose there won't be.

Howells-Dodge has to play a good game at a high level to able to come away with the win over Nebraska Christian.

First serve is set for 6:30 p.m.

Clarkson/Leigh beats Pender in regular season finale

The Clarkson/Leigh Volleyball Team won 3-1 at Pender Monday night to close out the regular season.

The Pendragons won set one 25-23 before the Patriots took set two 25-11, set three 25-16, and set four 25-18.

Ashlynn Novotny had 22 kills while Hannah Kasik totaled 11 kills and 11 digs. Cassidy Hoffman totaled 10 kills while Beth Wiese had 8. Halee Steffensmeier recorded 10 digs while Kaegan Held notched 49 set assists.

Slow start for Clarkson/Leigh, but I thought the Patriots did a nice job responding to being down, and played lights out Volleyball after set one.

Clarkson/Leigh (23-7) takes on Battle Creek in the first round of Sub-Districts on Monday at Wisner-Pilger in C2-6 action.

The Patriots beat the Braves 2-1 in the regular season at the Stanton Invite on September 15th.

Clarkson/Leigh knows they can beat Battle Creek as they've done it once already.

Every match is big, especially if the Patriots should need a wildcard to make sub-state.

Clarkson/Leigh has to gear themselves up for another postseason run.

This group of seniors have come a long ways and been through a lot since their freshman year, and now things are starting to wind down.

The Patriots have to play together and be all for one another this postseason.

Clarkson/Leigh has to be on top of their game Monday night, and must take the fight to Battle Creek.

The Patriots have to get ready to play the best Volleyball they've played all season.

Battle Creek, Stanton, and Norfolk Catholic are really good, and this Sub-District is loaded.

Clarkson/Leigh has to fight and play as hard as they can, and not be scared of or intimidated by the Braves.

The Patriots beat Battle Creek once, and they can do it again there's no doubt about that.

Clarkson/Leigh has to get fired up, and believe that they can win this Sub-District.

Anyone can be beat this time of year, and the Patriots were the last team standing before State last year, and have to revert back to last year's run for inspiration this year.

State is definitely doable for Clarkson/Leigh, but the Patriots have to come and play with tremendous pride and passion Monday night and Tuesday if they make it that far.

I think the Sub-District being in Wisner as opposed to Norfolk Catholic benefits Clarkson/Leigh against Battle Creek.

I'm willing to bet the Patriots know Wisner-Pilger's gym better than Norfolk Catholic's.

First serve is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

The winner gets either Stanton or the Norfolk Catholic/Madison winner in the Sub-District Final on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder goes 1-3 in final four regular season matches

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Volleyball Team went 1-3 in their last four regular season matches, sweeping Fort Calhoun 2-0, but losing 2-0 to Wisner-Pilger at the Wisner-Pilger Triangular last Thursday, before losing 2-0 to Stanton and North Bend Central at their home triangular Tuesday night.

The Raiders took set one from the Pioneers 25-9, and won set two 25-17.

Shaylin Daugherty had 7 kills.

The Gators topped Logan View/Scribner-Snyder 25-20 in the first set, and 25-18 in the second set.

Taylor Ruwe posted 7 kills while Kaylin Niewohner notched 7 digs. Reagan Klein posted 10 set assists.

The Mustangs defeated the Raiders 25-10 in set one and 25-12 in set two.

Ruwe had 8 digs while Klein totaled 9 set assists.

North Bend Central took set one 25-21 and set two 25-18.

Tough way for LVSS to end the regular season after playing well for much of the season.

The Raiders (14-16) take on North Bend Central in the first round of Sub-Districts at Oakland-Craig Monday night in the 2 and 3 seed game in C1-6.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder lost to Oakland-Craig and then beat them in back-to-back matches, and that's something the Raiders will try and do again...beat the Tigers after losing to them in the last match they played.

It's a whole new season now, and LVSS has to put the struggles at the end of the regular season behind them and just play ball.

What hurts the Raiders, in my opinion, is how much postseason experience North Bend Central has.

The Tigers have been at state the last two years, and a lot of their players have experienced state or at least seen it from the bench or stands.

I think out of all teams Logan View/Scribner-Snyder could of drawn for Sub-Districts, North Bend Central is the toughest matchup.

The Tigers have been up and down this season though so anything can happen.

This Sub-District is anyone's to win, and the Raiders have just as good a chance to win it as anyone else in the Sub-District, in my opinion.

I wouldn't rule out any of the teams in this Sub-District winning it, especially the top 3.

It's anyone's ball game, and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to regroup and get ready for what could be a trip to Sub-State next Saturday.

The Raiders have to think and dream big, and feel confident and good about their chances of coming out of the Sub-District.

Sure LVSS is stumbling into the postseason, but it's a new season, and everyone is 0-0 right now.

Anything can happen this time of year, and the Raiders have to feel like they have a chance to win this Sub-District and make Sub-State.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder needs to have good practices prior to Monday, and be sharp and on point.

The Raiders have to come out and play as if there's no tomorrow because if they lose to the Tigers then the season is over.

First serve is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. 

Oakland-Craig swept by Wisner-Pilger

The Oakland-Craig Volleyball Team was swept 3-0 at home by Wisner-Pilger Tuesday night.

The Knights lost set one 25-19, set two 25-15, and set three 25-21.

Not the way Oakland-Craig would of liked this match to have gone I'm sure, but credit the Gators, they are as hot as anyone right now.

The Knights (12-18) host BRLD (11-16) in the regular season finale Thursday night.

The Wolverines won 3-1 at home over Tekamah-Herman Tuesday night.

Oakland-Craig topped BRLD 2-0 in the East Husker Conference Tournament recently while BRLD won the Northeast Nebraska Volleyball Classic Match on September 1st between the two teams, 2-1.

This should be a really good match once again Thursday night.

Tuesday night didn't pan out the way the Knights would of liked, but luckily for them they have another chance at redemption.

This is the last home match of the season for Oakland-Craig, and a chance for the seniors to go out winners on their home floor.

This is also the last match before Sub-Districts, which it looks like the Knights will play GACC in the first round of Sub-Districts next week.

Oakland-Craig can focus on the Bluejays or whoever they play after Thursday night's match.

For the time being and for the moment though the Knights should only be worried about the Wolverines.

Usually I would say something like oh this match doesn't count towards postseason seeding, it's not a big deal, but since it's BRLD it is a big deal.

The Wolverines are a rival, and Oakland-Craig really needs this one to give themselves a momentum boost heading into the postseason.

The Knights played real well for a stretch and then cooled off so Oakland-Craig has to find and rediscover that hot play.

This figures to be a very good and entertaining match.

I think BRLD is playing better now than they were in the conference tournament, and don't feel the Knights are playing as well right now as they were then so we'll see what happens Thursday night.

Regardless it should be a great match that comes down to the wire.

I give Oakland-Craig the edge since they are at home, but you never know how things are going to turn out.

The Knights can't let up at anytime or take their foot off the accelerator at any point in the match. Oakland-Craig has to keep their foot on the throttle throughout.

BRLD notches win over Tekamah-Herman

The BRLD Volleyball Team topped Tekamah-Herman 3-1 at home Tuesday night.

The Wolverines lost set one 25-19, but won set two 25-23, set three 25-19, and set four 25-16.

Solid win for BRLD, especially considering the momentum the Tigers were riding coming into the match.

The Wolverines (11-16) travel to Oakland to take on Oakland-Craig (12-18) Thursday night.

The Knights lost 3-0 at Wisner-Pilger Tuesday night.

BRLD beat Oakland-Craig 2-1 on September 1st at the Northeast Nebraska Volleyball Classic before the Knights got the Wolverines 2-0 at the East Husker Conference Tournament recently.

The rubber match should be very good.

The match won't count towards sub-district seeing as it does not appear the two teams will meet in the opening match of sub-districts.

This one still matters to BRLD and their players, coaches, parents, and fans though.

This is a rivalry match, and you can bet both teams will really get after things.

I'm sure these seniors would love to beat Oakland-Craig in the Knights' final home game of the season.

BRLD would no doubt love to spoil the last home match of the season for Oakland-Craig, and gain positive momentum heading into the postseason.

Wisner-Pilger is probably the favorite to win the sub-district right now, but don't count out the Wolverines.

BRLD is young, but the Wolverines made a Sub-State match last year so you never know how things are going to turn out this year.

A win over the Knights Thursday night would be a good boost of momentum heading into the postseason.

BRLD will already know their postseason matchup when they take the floor Thursday night so that should allow the Wolverines to just go out there and play.

BRLD doesn't have to worry about winning to jump Oakland-Craig in power points, that will already be decided before Thursday's match.

The Wolverines can just focus on playing and preparing for the postseason.

BRLD has to go out there and play with school pride and must play with fire, passion, tenacity, toughness, grit, and emotion.

There has to be passion and emotion behind their hits. The Wolverines have to give it all they've got.

Stanton sweeps Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Triangular

The Stanton Volleyball Team swept the Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Triangular Tuesday night on 107.9 the Bull, sweeping Logan View/Scribner-Snyder and North Bend Central 2-0.

The Mustangs defeated the Raiders 25-10 in set one and 25-12 in set two.

Bree Burtwhistle had 10 kills, 7 digs, and 10 set assists while Jessie Brandl and Jaiden Hartl totaled 9 digs apiece. Makenna Espinoza chipped in 8 digs and 11 set assists.

Stanton followed that up with a 25-21 opening set win and 25-16 second set win against the Tigers.

Burtwhistle posted 11 kills and 14 set assists while Brandl notched 8 kills and 7 digs. Hartl had 11 digs while Espinoza registered 12 set assists.

Two more big wins for the Mustangs. Things were closer with the Tigers than Stanton would of liked I'm sure, but it was still a dominant win for the Mustangs.

Stanton improves to 25-1 with the wins and hosts Twin River (17-11) in the regular season finale Thursday night.

The Titans lost 3-1 at Wisner-Pilger last Tuesday night.

What great careers these seniors have had for the Mustangs.

It's sad that it's the last ever home match these girls will play on their home floor, but Stanton has to go out there and make some wonderful memories.

So many great and wonderful memories have already been made, but the Mustangs need to have a night to remember Thursday night.

I'm sure this will be a very emotional night for the players, coaches, parents, and fans.

This is the last time this great class of Volleyball players will suit up for a Volleyball match on their home floor.

All the hard work Stanton has put in this season and growing up can be captured in a single memory Thursday night.

It's crazy that it's all coming to an end for this Senior Class in Volleyball, but what a tremendous ride and run it has been.

The Mustangs own two wins over the Titans already, and I look for Stanton to pick up win number three on the season over Twin River.

Sub-District pairings come out earlier in the day on Thursday, but the Mustangs have to try and stay in the moment and relish and enjoy their last match at home Thursday night.

There's so much more to accomplish in the postseason, but all that can be focused on after Thursday night.

These girls are someone's daughters, and I'm sure everyone's parents are very proud of what they've accomplished.

Stanton should be awfully proud of what they've accomplished in this sport over the last four years, and in life in general.

These girls are not only good Volleyball players, but I would venture to guess they're also outstanding students and people.

The journey is not yet complete, but another chapter will be written Thursday night, and these seniors have to go out there and do what they have the last four years, which is dominate.

Tekamah-Herman upsets Howells-Dodge

There was a new resident in Upset City when Tekamah-Herman hosted Howells-Dodge in high school volleyball on Parents Night Thursday, in action heard on 107.9 The Bull.

The Tigers earned their third win of the season, upsetting the then 15-12 Jaguars 3-1.

The teams changed leads several times in the opening set, with the Tigers eventually winning 25-21.

The story was similar in the second set, with Tekamah-Herman winning 25-20.

The Jaguars seemed to rebound in the third set, downing the Tigers 25-13.

The Tigers wouldn’t be denied on Parents Night, however, as they built and early lead in the fourth set, and went on to win 25-19, claiming the match 3-1.

“We have worked on finishing all year long. And actually, yesterday’s practice was a rough practice, and it was because we were working on finishing and we weren’t getting the job done,” Tigers head coach Becky Rennerfeldt said. “…I honestly think that our record this year is deceiving. You know, we only have two wins, but we have competed all season long with the majority of teams that we’ve played, but we just were never able to just get the job done, and tonight we did, and it was so much fun and the girls deserve this win.”




The Tigers are now 3-25 on the season and wrap up the regular season at BRLD (10-16) Tuesday night.

The Wolverines won 3-2 at home over Pender last Tuesday.

BRLD beat Tekamah-Herman 2-0 back on September 15th at the Tekamah-Herman Invite.

I think this match has a chance to be close and competitive like some of the Tigers' matches have gone this year.

Tekamah-Herman played amazing and awesome Volleyball against Howells-Dodge Thursday night, and I look for the Tigers to carry that play over to Tuesday night.

Perhaps Tekamah-Herman gained some confidence and momentum following Thursday night's match.

I'm not sure exactly what the Tigers did, but Tekamah-Herman played great Volleyball Thursday night and really took it to the Jaguars.

Perhaps this will start a run and perhaps the Tigers have started to figure some things out.

I give Tekamah-Herman a lot of credit for continuing to fight and battle.

This is a young team with limited numbers, and the Tigers have continued to fight, scrap, and claw, and their hard work finally paid off.

I look for Tekamah-Herman's performance Thursday night to carry over into and lead to good things Tuesday night.

I fully expect the Tigers to give the Wolverines all they want and then some.

Tekamah-Herman may be 3-25, but I wouldn't want to face this team right now.

The Tigers are a scary, scrappy team that can come out of nowhere and bite you, in my opinion.

Tekamah-Herman has kept quite a few matches close this year, and have played some quality teams tough, and even beat a quality team in Howells-Dodge.

The Tigers finally got over the hump and downed a good team.

Perhaps that will spark and inspire more good play Tuesday night and in Sub-Districts next week.

Sub-District pairings come out on Thursday.

Emerson-Hubbard 0-4 in last four matches

The Emerson-Hubbard Volleyball Team went 0-2 at the Hartington Newcastle Invite on Saturday, losing 2-1 to Laurel-Concord-Coleridge and 2-0 to Winside before losing 2-0 to Winside and Hartington-Newcastle at the Hartington-Newcastle Triangular Tuesday night.

The Pirates took set one from the Bears 25-18 before losing set two 25-14 and set three 25-11.

Addison Mackling had 21 digs while Taylor Daum notched 18. Stephanie Ferrusca added 14 while Brynn Shock totaled 12. Raegan Reifenrath tallied 10 while Madison Gunderson chipped in 9.

Winside defeated Emerson-Hubbard 25-8 in set one and 25-10 in set two the first time around.

Shock had 10 digs while Daum recorded 8.

Hartington-Newcastle upended the Pirates 25-13 in set one and 25-14 in set two.

Ferrusca totaled 13 digs while Shock and Daum registered 10 and 8, respectively.

Winside beat Emerson-Hubbard 25-9 in set one and 25-15 in set two in the second meeting between the two teams.

Ferrusca and Daum led the way with 8 digs apiece while Gunderson added 7.

I thought the Pirates did a nice job competing and battling hard against the Bears.

Emerson-Hubbard (1-22) opens up Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament Play on Saturday against Wausa (8-15) at Plainview.

The Vikings lost 2-0 to Crofton at the Knox County Tournament in Niobrara on Tuesday.

It's pool play on Saturday so the Pirates also play Plainview and Walthill later in the day.

I think Emerson-Hubbard can be competitive against all three of these teams.

The Pirates lost 2-0 to the Blujays earlier in the season, but I think Emerson-Hubbard can do better against them this time around.

The Pirates haven't seen Wausa or Plainview this year so that could either work for or against them.

The winner of this pool gets top seeded Wynot at 5:00 p.m. on Monday at Plainview.

Emerson-Hubbard has a lot of work to do if it is to be them that takes on the Blue Devils, but if Emerson-Hubbard plays the way they did defensively against Laurel-Concord-Coleridge then anything can happen.

The Pirates just have to find a way to step things up offensively to get things turned around.

Emerson-Hubbard needs some girls to develop into lethal offensive weapons.

The Pirates have to go out there and give things their best shot, and play good Volleyball on Saturday.

Emerson-Hubbard has to give an all out tremendous effort and play up to their potential on Saturday.

The Pirates have to play with heart, passion, desire, toughness, tenacity, fire, and grit.

Emerson-Hubbard has to put their past struggles behind them and just start over on Saturday.

It's the last chance for the Pirates to get back on track prior to the postseason so Emerson-Hubbard has to make the most of these matches.

The Pirates have to use these matches to figure things out and improve and hone their game.

Emerson-Hubbard has to do everything they can to win, but be gracious in defeat as well should they lose any of these matches.

The Pirates have to play for school pride if anything.

Emerson-Hubbard has to do everything in their power and what they can to be successful on Saturday.

The Wausa match will start after the first match of the day at 2:00 p.m.

Winnebago goes 0-2 at Homer Triangular

The Winnebago Volleyball Team went 0-2 at the Homer Triangular Thursday night, falling 2-0 to Wakefield-Allen and the host Knights.

The Indians lost 25-19 in sets one and two to Homer.

Winnebago fell 25-16 in the first and second sets against the Trojans.

Another night of struggles for the Indians although I thought Winnebago was fairly competitive in both matches.

The Indians (7-16) take on Wakefield-Allen (10-12) at the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament in Creighton on Saturday.

The Trojans lost 2-1 to Homer in their other match on Thursday.

Winnebago will also play Creighton and Osmond in Pool Play on Saturday.

The winner of the pool gets to play 2nd seeded Hartington-Newcastle on Monday at 5:00 p.m. at Ponca.

Osmond only has 3 wins on the season while the Bulldogs are .500.

I think the Indians have a good chance to pick up at least one win on Saturday, and compete well in their other two matches.

I think it's nice that Winnebago will get to play at least 3 games in this Tournament.

It's nice for the lower teams to get a good amount of Volleyball and matches in.

The Indians have to go out there and battle hard and give it their all on Saturday.

Winnebago has to come out intense, focused, and ready to go.

The Indians have to put down the hammer on the ball and hit it with some mustard and authority.

Winnebago has to give it their all and all they got, and enjoy all the Volleyball matches they are playing on Saturday.

The Indians have to be focused mentally and must be ready to play physically.

Winnebago has to get a good night's sleep, and wake up fresh and ready to go.

Action doesn't start until the afternoon so the Indians should be well rested and prepared.

Winnebago has to prepare themselves for the grind of a long day, and must come out and play smart and efficient Volleyball.

Anything can happen on any given day, and the Indians have to be optimistic and ready to take their game to another level.

I would say Wakefield-Allen and Creighton have the best chance to win this pool, but perhaps Winnebago will take it.

The first match of the day against the Trojans will be the second match of the day, which will start right after the first match at 2:00 p.m. 

Stanton wins East Husker Conference Tournament; sweeps Lutheran High Northeast

Stanton won the 2018 East Husker Conference Volleyball Tournament Championship, defeating Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family 3-1 at North Bend Central on Saturday. Scores of the match favored the Mustangs 20-25, 25-11, 25-16 and 25-23.

The Mustangs topped Twin River 2-0 earlier in the day and beat West Point-Beemer 2-0 at home last Thursday night in their first game of the tournament.

Stanton then went on to sweep Lutheran High Northeast 3-0 on the road Tuesday night.

The Mustangs downed the Cadets 25-16 in set one and 25-19 in set two.

Jessie Brandl had 12 kills while Bree Burtwhistle notched 8 kills, 8 digs, and 15 set assists. Jaiden Hartl added 11 digs while Makenna Espinoza totaled 14 set assists.

Stanton drilled the Titans 25-7 in set one and won set two 25-17.

Burtwhistle posted 11 kills, 7 digs, and 12 set assists while Hartl had 9 digs and Espinoza 13 set assists.

Against the Bulldogs, Brandl posted 19 kills and 20 digs while Burtwhistle compiled 14 kills, 10 digs, and 29 set assists. Reba Waskowiak added 11 kills while Hartl had 25 digs. Espinoza registered 9 digs and 21 set assists. Jasmine Kment recorded 8 digs.

The Mustangs defeated the Eagles 25-23 in the first set, 25-12 in the second set, and 25-16 in the third set.

Brandl posted 18 kills and 21 digs while Burtwhistle managed 13 kills, 12 digs, and 12 set assists. Hartl chipped in 17 digs while Espinoza dished out 19 set assists.

Stanton continues to play great and amaze. The Mustangs are quite the team.

Stanton (23-1) takes on Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (14-14) and North Bend Central (10-13) at the Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Triangular Tuesday night.

The Raiders beat Fort Calhoun 2-0, but lost 2-0 to Wisner-Pilger at the Wisner-Pilger Triangular Thursday night.

The Tigers lost 3-0 at Columbus Lakeview Thursday night.

Both teams are capable of playing well, and have done some nice things this year, but I don't think either North Bend Central or Logan View/Scribner-Snyder are equipped to knock off the mighty Mustangs.

Stanton is playing great Volleyball right now, and seems to play their best Volleyball after the first set of a match, or at least that was the case against the Bulldogs and Eagles.

The Mustangs are accomplishing great and amazing things this year, and two more wins Tuesday night would feel great no doubt.

Stanton has to really enjoy these matches and enjoy the time with their teammates.

The season is winding down, and the Mustangs have to sit back and take this all in.

Some of these girls will go on to play College Volleyball, but there's nothing quite like High School Volleyball and High School Sports and Athletics in General.

Stanton is having such a memorable season and doing great things, and have made their mark in Volleyball in the State and in School History.

The Mustangs have to continue the hot play and must enjoy the ride.

Stanton has been nearly untouchable this year, and is having about as good a season as a team can have.

The Mustangs have to keep their foot on the throttle and have to keep achieving great and big things.

Brandl and Burtwhistle have to keep performing great like they have all season and I expect them to continue to do so.

Hartl and Espinoza have to keep up their prowess as well.

Stanton has to keep their eye on the prize, and must continue to push forward and play great Volleyball.

As long as the Mustangs maximize their potential and play hard at all times I don't know if anyone can beat them the rest of the way.

Oakland-Craig goes 3-1 at East Husker Conference Tournament; swept by Clarkson/Leigh

The Oakland-Craig Volleyball Team went 3-1 at the East Husker Conference Tournament last week before falling 3-0 at home to Clarkson/Leigh Tuesday night.

At conference, the Knights lost 2-1 to Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, but beat Madison 2-0 at Clarkson/Leigh last Thursday night before winning 2-0 over North Bend Central and BRLD at North Bend Central on Saturday.

Oakland-Craig took set one from the Raiders 25-8 before LVSS took set two 25-20 and set three 30-28.

The Knights topped the Dragons 25-15 in set one and 25-19 in set two.

The Knights beat the Wolverines 25-13 in set one and 25-18 in set two.

Oakland-Craig downed the Tigers 25-19 in sets one and two.

The Patriots defeated the Knights 25-10 in set one, 25-23 in set two, and 27-25 in set three.

I thought Oakland-Craig played really well in the Conference Tournament, and respectable against Clarkson/Leigh.

The Knights (12-17) host Wisner-Pilger (20-10) Tuesday night.

The Gators swept Fort Calhoun and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder 2-0 at Thursday night's home Triangular.

Wisner-Pilger is as hot as anyone right now, and it figures to be tough to beat them given how they're playing right now.

Gators Head Coach Jean Groth just picked up her 800th career win too.

Certainly a very challenging match for Oakland-Craig, but a preview of what could be to come in the postseason.

Right now I would say Wisner-Pilger has the best chance of anyone in the Sub-District to win it and get to a Sub-State match.

But if the Knights could knock off the Gators then I think Oakland-Craig would feel they're right there too if they don't feel that already.

It's a big week next week for the Knights with this match with Wisner-Pilger and a home match against BRLD next Thursday.

It's also the last time these Seniors will play matches on their home floor.

Hopefully Oakland-Craig has Dacey Nelson back because they really need her in the lineup.

Natalia McNeill and Bailey Helzer are great players too, but Nelson really makes this team great as well.

The Knights are playing as good of Volleyball as they have all season long.

Oakland-Craig has to be optimistic and feel like they can win and compete well both Tuesday and next Thursday night.

The Knights need to have some good practices before these matches, and get ready for the final stretch run.

There's still lots that Oakland-Craig can accomplish, and the Knights have to remain hungry and determined.

Oakland-Craig has to get themselves geared up for the final week of the regular season, which feels weird that it's already here.

It feels like the season just started, but here we are almost to the end of the season already.