Pender 2-2 in last four matches

The Pender Pendragons are 2-2 in their last four matches, losing 3-0 at Scribner-Snyder Monday night, and 3-2 at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Tuesday night, before downing Emerson-Hubbard 2-0 and Neligh-Oakdale 2-1 at the Emerson-Hubbard Triangular Thursday night.

The Trojans won set one 25-19, and sets two and three 25-22.

Pender was led by Hallie Ballinger, who posted 17 kills. Cecilee Jacobsen added 7.

The Pendragons dropped sets one and two to the Bulldogs, 25-18 and 25-16, before winning set three 26-24 and set four 25-21. Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family prevailed in set five, 15-9.

Pender downed the Pirates 25-18 in the first set, and 25-9 in the second set.

The Pendragons defeated the Warriors 25-19 in set one, and 25-20 in set three. Neligh-Oakdale won set two 25-14.

The Scribner-Snyder loss appeared to have motivated and fueled this team. Pender has competed very well since that loss.

The Pendragons (7-8) take part in the Clarkson/Leigh Tournament on Saturday.

This tournament appears like it could be very competitive as there are a number of teams playing well right now.

With that said, I think Pender has just as good a chance as anyone to compete and advance in the winners bracket.

The Pendragons simply have to pick up where they left off against the Pirates and Warriors, and turn their recent success into even more success.

Ballinger and Jacobsen need to have good matches offensively for Pender, and the Pendragons can't afford to beat themselves.

Pender has to execute at a high level, and play well all day long.

The Pendragons have to try and be as consistent as possible, and do everything in their power to come out on top in every match.

Pender has to be focused and motivated to do well.

I think the Pendragons have a good chance to have success all day on Saturday, but it all goes back to coming ready to play and being consistent.

Pender has to serve, pass, hit, and serve receive well.

The Pendragons have to communicate on offense and defense, and be good judgers as to if balls are in or out.

Pender has to play smart, but aggressive Volleyball all day long.

The Pendragons have to give it everything they've got, and push and challenge each other to have success.

Pender has to be mentally and physically tough all day long as well.

Oakland-Craig 2-5 in last seven matches

The Oakland-Craig Knights are 2-5 in their last seven matches, going 2-2 at the Scribner-Snyder Invite on Saturday before losing to Stanton and Tekamah-Herman at their home triangular on Tuesday, and falling at home to Howells-Dodge Thursday night.

Oakland-Craig beat Scribner-Snyder and Winnebago 2-0 on Saturday, but lost 2-0 to Elkhorn Valley and Ponca.

The Knights lost 2-0 to the Tigers and Mustangs, and fell 3-0 to the Jaguars.

Oakland-Craig defeated Scribner-Snyder 25-12 in sets one and two.

The Knights downed Winnebago 25-19 in the first set, and 25-10 in the second set.

Ponca beat Oakland-Craig 25-14 in set one, and 25-23 in set two.

The Falcons took care of the Knights 25-20 in the first set, and 25-21 in the second set.

Tekamah-Herman beat Oakland-Craig 25-8 in set one, and 25-23 in set two.

The Mustangs defeated the Knights 25-15 in the first set, and 25-16 in the second set.

Howells/Dodge defeated Oakland-Craig, 25-19, 25-16, 25-17 Thursday night in volleyball action heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Knights fell to 4-14 on the season.

Head Coach Chelsey Quigley says the two teams meet again tomorrow morning at a day long tourney at Clarkson/Leigh. "I would like to see them again, whether it's now or during conference. Cause I know, my girls, we can play with them. And I completely believe in their ability to do so. I think we have a pretty solid defense, and if we can just put a couple of things together, then I think we can be successful against them."

The two teams will play at 9:00 a.m.

This is going to be another difficult match for Oakland-Craig, in my opinion, but I feel the Knights are better suited to beat the Jaguars this time around than the first time.

I'm not saying Oakland-Craig is going to beat Howells-Dodge, because that would be very tough, but anything can happen.

The Knights have to fix the mistakes they made against the Jaguars Thursday night, and come out and play better Saturday morning.

I think Oakland-Craig has a shot to get off to a hot start and perhaps take a set, or at least make one or more of them close.

This tournament is important for the Knights.

Oakland-Craig really needs to get their season on track, and perhaps they can do so in this tournament.

I don't know if it's realistic to say the Knights can win this tournament, but again, anything can happen so the possibility cannot be entirely ruled out.

Oakland-Craig has to play well regardless of if they are playing in consolation or in the winners bracket.

The Knights have to come ready to play, and must have a good showing to gain some momentum for next week.

Oakland-Craig has the West Point-Beemer Triangular on Tuesday with the host Cadets and Douglas County West so the Knights need to play well on Saturday to gain some confidence heading into those matches.

Oakland-Craig has to take things one match at a time and not get too ahead of themselves. All the Knights should be worried about at the moment is knocking off Howells-Dodge.

Howells-Dodge 4-0 in last four matches

The Howells-Dodge Jaguars continue their winning ways as they defeated Lutheran High Northeast 3-2 at home last Tuesday night, BRLD and Madison 2-0 at the Wisner-Pilger Double Triangular on Tuesday, and Oakland-Craig 3-0 on the road Thursday night.

The Eagles won the first two sets over the Jaguars, 25-23 and 25-22, before Howells-Dodge stormed back to win sets three, four, and five, 25-19. 25-16, and 15-12.

Kalli Brester put down 19 kills and had 26 digs while Sam Brester registered 16 kills. Erin Prusa and Haley Eikmeier notched 9 and 8 kills, respectively, while Macey Kulhanek and Hailey Coufal recorded 30 and 15 digs, respectively. Tessa Brester added 8 digs and 49 set assists.

The Jaguars downed the Dragons 25-14 in the first set, and 25-8 in the second set.

Kalli Brester posted 8 kills with Sam Brester totaling 7. Kulhanek chipped in 7 digs with Tessa Brester dishing out 20 set assists.

The Jaguars knocked off the Wolverines 25-19 in set one, and 25-20 in set two.

Sam Brester led the way with 11 kills while Kalli Brester notched 7 kills and 8 digs. Kulhanek totaled 11 digs while Tessa Brester registered 22 set assists.

Against the Knights, The Jaguars won the first set 25-19, the second set 25-16, and the third set 25-17.

Kalli Brester totaled 13 kills and 17 digs while Sam Brester posted 8 kills. Kulhanek chipped in 15 digs while Tessa Brester contributed 10 digs and 26 set assists.

Head Coach Neil VanLengen's team is now 13 and 1. "We got a few aces or some bad passes that were able to get us some free balls. And we've got some hitters that can put balls away when we get free balls so that's kind of one of our goals of the season is to serve a little bit tougher."

The two teams will meet again on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the Clarkson/Leigh Tournament.

It's never easy to play and beat the same team twice in a row, but if there's a team that can do it, it's Howells-Dodge.

The Jaguars appear to be a very strong team and a very formidable foe, as well as a team to be reckoned with.

When Howells-Dodge is on, they are on.

The Jaguars are one of the best teams around when they are on, and this team just has so much talent and athleticism it's almost not fair sometimes.

I look for Howells-Dodge to do well on Saturday. I think you will see the Jaguars compete for the championship, and perhaps even win it.

This team has so much firepower, and is tough to beat.

Howells-Dodge is one of the more complete teams in the area and throughout the state for their class, and I look for the Jaguars to prove that once again on Saturday.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Howells-Dodge sweep Oakland-Craig again.

I think the match has a chance to be closer and more competitive, but I look for the Jaguars to find a way to win the match 2-0.

It's important for Howells-Dodge to sweep as many matches as possible to stay fresh all day and not wear out.

The Jaguars have to come ready to play, and must bring it, because you can bet the Knights and anyone else Howells-Dodge plays throughout the day will give the Jaguars' their best shot.

Howells-Dodge has to play their game, and not get flustered or rattled by any team that may surprise them in a set or a match for that matter.

Anything can happen in a set or match, but how well the Jaguars respond to any adversity they face could make or break Howells-Dodge in this tournament.

The Jaguars are due to win another tournament after winning their first one of the season, and coming up short in their second one.

Scribner-Snyder 2-6 in last 8 matches

The Scribner-Snyder Trojans are just 2-6 in their last 8 matches, falling 3-1 at home to BRLD last Tuesday, 3-1 at home to Humphrey/Holy Family last Thursday, and 2-0 to Ponca, Oakland-Craig, and Elkhorn Valley at the Scribner-Snyder Invite on Saturday, before beating Winnebago 2-0, also at the same invite on Saturday.

Scribner-Snyder won 3-0 at Pender Monday night before falling 3-0 at Winside Tuesday night.

BRLD took set one from the Trojans, 25-22, before winning set two 25-23. Scribner-Snyder took set three 25-23 before the Wolverines earned a 25-20 win in set four.

Kaylee Boyle posted 13 kills and 11 digs while Savanah Miller had 9 kills and 15 digs. Nicole Boyle registered 7 kills, 7 digs, and 30 set assists while Mackenzy Schreck posted 15 digs.

Head Coach Shelly Schulenberg calls it a tough loss. "It's kind of a bummer. You never want to lose games where you fight hard to get through, and you lose the two sets, and we came back and took that third set, and they fought all the way through, and yeah it's always just a bummer. Been there done that in my day, and it's no fun in this decade either."

The Bulldogs won the first set 25-12 and the second set 25-15 before the Trojans took the third set 26-24. Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family won the fourth and decisive set 26-24.

Miller finished with 11 kills and 12 digs while Kaylee Boyle notched 9 kills and 19 digs. Nicole Boyle registered 11 blocks, 15 digs, and 25 set assists while Schreck totaled 9 blocks.

The Knights defeated Scribner-Snyder 25-12 in sets one and two.

Nicole Boyle had 9 digs while Kaylee Boyle and Miller dished out 12 and 10 set assists, respectively.

Ponca downed the Trojans 25-9 in set one, and 25-13 in set two.

Scribner-Snyder topped Winnebago 25-14 in the first set, and 25-15 in the second set.

The Trojans won set one 25-19, and sets two and three 25-22 over the Wildcats.

Kaylee Boyle paced Scribner-Snyder with 8 kills. Miller posted 16 blocks while Nicole Boyle recorded 14 digs and 13 set assists. Kaylee Boyle had 8 digs while Emily Lewin notched 7.

Winside beat the Trojans 25-9 in set one, 25-15 in set two, and 25-23 in set three.

Kaylee Boyle posted 9 blocks while Veronica Litz totaled 8. Miller added 7 blocks while Nicole Boyle registered 10 digs and 9 set assists. Lewin recorded 7 digs.

I think Scribner-Snyder has been fighting some injuries to go along with a tough schedule lately. I believe that's what's sort of led to their inconsistency.

The Trojans (6-9) host Fremont Bergan (11-3) Tuesday night.

The Knights swept Omaha Brownell-Talbot 3-0 at home Thursday night.

Fremont Bergan appears to be a tough, legitimate team who has played some good teams and won some big matches.

This is going to be another tough match for Scribner-Snyder, in my opinion.

The Knights are C-2, and I think being the bigger school helps out Fremont Bergan in this case.

It's not to say the Trojans can't win, because they can, but it's going to be really tough.

If anything, this match will help prepare Scribner-Snyder for the rest of the season, and help strengthen them for the postseason.

Not all is bad having to take on the Knights. There are a lot of things the Trojans can learn and take away from this match.

I look for Scribner-Snyder to play Fremont Bergan tough. Whether that's just competing in and losing all three sets, or actually winning a set or two, or winning the match, I don't know, but I fully expect the Trojans to make a match of things with the Knights.

Scribner-Snyder is experienced, and has been there and done that before, so I don't expect the Trojans to be scared of or back down from Fremont Bergan at all.

Scribner-Snyder has to eliminate hitting errors, and have a good hitting percentage.

Defense is of equal importance for the Trojans. Scribner-Snyder has to have good judgement on balls going in or out, and must communicate with one another on serve receives.

The Trojans are going to need to play their best match of the season to knock off the Knights, in my opinion.

Fremont Bergan appears to be the real deal, and Scribner-Snyder can't afford to have an off night or struggle at any point.

A 5-point run here and there from the Knights could make a huge difference in the match. There's really not a whole lot of room for error for the Trojans.

Scribner-Snyder just has to give it their best shot, and see what happens. The Trojans have to expect to win though.

Winnebago 1-5 in last six matches

The Winnebago Indians went 0-4 at the Scribner-Snyder Invite on Saturday, and went 1-1 at the Omaha Nation Triangular on Tuesday.

Winnebago lost 2-0 to Oakland-Craig, Ponca, Elkhorn Valley, and the host Trojans on Saturday, before beating the host Chiefs and losing 2-1 to Walthill on Tuesday.

The Knights defeated the Indians 25-19 in set one, and 25-10 in set two.

Winnebago dropped set one to Scribner-Snyder, 25-14, and lost set two 25-15.

The Falcons downed the Indians 25-14 in the first set, and 25-10 in the second set.

Ponca beat Winnebago 25-9 in the opening set, and 25-6 in the second set.

Allie Frenchman had 9 digs for Winnebago.

The Indians took care of Omaha Nation in set one, 26-24, and set two, 25-16.

Winnebago took set one from the Blujays, 25-21, before Walthill won set two 25-16, and set three 25-14.

I think the Indians have been very competitive lately in many ways. Winnebago's progress may not be showing up in terms of wins and losses, but I feel this team is getting better.

The Indians (4-15) taken on Allen (3-13) and Whiting, IA (6-5) in their home triangular on Tuesday.

The Eagles went 0-3 at the Ponca Invite on Tuesday, although they beat Winnebago 2-0 at the Ponca Triangular on September 13th.

Allen isn't a bad team, but I feel the Indians have gotten better since their loss to the Eagles.

I think Winnebago has a shot to beat Allen, and sweep the triangular with a win over Whiting, IA.

Perhaps all Winnebago's hard work, blood, sweat, and tears will finally pay off and show in these matches.

I'm willing to bet the Indians have done everything in their power to be successful this year, and they appear to be well on their way to making good things happen.

A triangular sweep would be such a huge lift for this team. Winnebago has yet to sweep a triangular this year, and doing so would be a big deal.

The Indians won their own tourney a couple weeks back, and I think Winnebago has a chance to do well at home again.

The Indians will have had an entire week to prepare for both teams so that should help Winnebago out quite a bit.

The Indians just have to finish matches. They took the first set from Walthill, but couldn't close out the Blujays.

Winnebago has to put teams away when they have the chance.

The rest of the Indians' schedule doesn't appear to be terribly difficult outside the Lewis and Clark Tournament so I look for Winnebago to make some headway prior to that tournament starting.

The Indians have four home matches left, and if they could go 4-0 in those matches, it would be a huge lift and a big deal.

Clarkson/Leigh 3-1 in last four matches

Success has come Clarkson/Leigh's way as of late as the Patriots went 2-1 at the Hampton Tournament on Saturday before beating Logan View 3-0 on the road Tuesday night.

Clarkson/Leigh beat Deshler and Burwell 2-1 on Saturday before losing 2-0 to the host Hawks.

The Dragons took set one from the Patriots, 25-23, before Clarkson/Leigh won sets two and three, 25-11, and 25-20.

Hannah Kasik posted 13 kills while Halee Steffensmeier totaled 17 digs. Kaegan Held notched 28 set assists.

Hampton downed the Patriots 25-16 in set one, and 25-19 in set two.

Shelby Paprocki registered 8 kills while Held recorded 13 set assists.

Clarkson/Leigh took sets one and three 25-22, and 25-21, from the Longhorns, while Burwell won set two 27-25.

Paprocki finished with 13 kills and 10 digs while Steffensmeier posted 8 digs. Held dished out 29 set assists.

Against the Raiders, the Patriots won the first set 27-25, the second set 25-15, and the third set 25-17.

Paprocki led Clarkson/Leigh with 10 kills and 11 digs while Sydney Folken had 7 kills. Held chipped in 22 set assists.

Head Coach Rebecca Schneider says unforced errors on both sides made for a close match. "Yeah I got to give Logan View credit. They really challenged us. We had a lot of unforced errors that we didn't take care of the ball very well. So that's why the score ended the way it did. I'm glad we came out on top though."

Schneider says she's dealing with a young team. "We had 3 returning starters. I lost seven seniors from last year so we had to fill in with more sophomores because obviously yeah just two seniors and one junior who missed out half the season last year because of an accident. And they've really stepped up, and they really mesh well together."

The Patriots (8-6) host the Clarkson/Leigh Invite on Saturday.

Other teams in this tournament include BRLD (11-10) and Oakland-Craig (4-13).

The Wolverines have played great volleyball lately, but the Knights have really struggled.

If Clarkson/Leigh faces Oakland-Craig, they should win. BRLD would be a much tougher matchup although I feel the Patriots would still be capable of beating the Wolverines.

This is a big tournament for Clarkson/Leigh. It's a chance for the Patriots to do well at home, and give this young team a boost of confidence heading into next week.

Clarkson/Leigh has a lot of matches next week so it's important for the Patriots to play well Saturday to give themselves confidence heading into next week's stretch of matches.

Clarkson/Leigh has to be mentally and physically tough on Saturday just like they were against Logan View.

The Patriots have to battle, scrap, and claw for every point, and eliminate or at least minimize unforced errors.

Clarkson/Leigh has to be raring to go from the get go, and must be ready to go full tilt with every team they play.

It's going to be a long day for the Patriots win or lose, so Clarkson/Leigh might as well seize the opportunity and moment, and have success.

It would be such a big deal to these players, coaches, fans, and communities for the Patriots to do well in this tournament.

I really think Clarkson/Leigh has a chance to make a statement in this tournament, and continue to build upon their recent hot play.

The Patriots have won three out of their last four, and I look for Clarkson/Leigh to keep the ball rolling on Saturday.

BRLD 4-1 in last five matches

The Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur Wolverines have continued their great play as of late, downing Scribner-Snyder 3-1 on the road last Tuesday night, Emerson-Hubbard and Winnebago 2-0 at their own triangular last Thursday night, before beating Wisner-Pilger 2-1 and losing 2-0 to Howells-Dodge at the Wisner-Pilger Double Triangular this past Tuesday night.

BRLD took set one from the Trojans, 25-22, before winning set two 25-23. Scribner-Snyder took set three 25-23 before the Wolverines earned a 25-20 win in set four.

Head Coach Rebecca James says she expected a good fight. "Their girls just don't give up. And their setter is pretty talented too cause she can dump the ball and she can also turn and hit. So yeah I felt like we were going to be evenly matched, and we always put up a pretty competitive game with Scribner, so yeah I was pleased with how we played."

BRLD knocked off the Pirates 25-15 in the first set, and 25-16 in the second set.

The Wolverines downed the Indians 25-3 in set one, and 25-8 in set two.

BRLD earned a 25-23 set one win over the Gators before Wisner-Pilger took set two 25-15. The Wolverines won set three 25-18.

BRLD lost set one to the Jaguars, 25-19, and dropped set two 25-20.

I think the Wolverines are playing impressive Volleyball right now. BRLD has been real good in their wins, and solid even in defeat.

The Wolverines (11-10) take part in the Clarkson/Leigh Tournament on Saturday.

Other teams in the tournament include the host Patriots and Oakland-Craig.

I think BRLD has a chance to do well in this tournament, and perhaps challenge for the championship.

The Wolverines are 7-3 in their last 10 matches, and have really come on as of late.

It has been an impressive thing to see from BRLD.

I look for the Wolverines to ride the wave of momentum they've created, and win even more on Saturday.

I think you will see BRLD compete well in every set they're in, and win their fair share of sets and matches.

I think it's going to be a good day for the Wolverines of BRLD.

The Wolverines have to be upbeat, loose, and thinking positive.

BRLD has to believe in themselves and be confident, but not be too overconfident.

The Wolverines have to stay disciplined and must be focused against every team they take the floor against.

BRLD has to do everything in their power to keep playing the way they have been lately, and win.

I don't think there's any doubt the Wolverines have a chance to do really well in this tournament, and perhaps even avenge an early season loss to Clarkson/Leigh should the two teams meet.

BRLD has to come out guns ablazin, and keep the momentum rolling all day.

The Wolverines have to pick up right where they left off last time, and play well all day long.

BRLD is due to breakout and win a tournament sometime given the way they've been playing lately, and I don't think there's a better time than now to earn your first tournament win of the year.

The Wolverines have to go out there and get it.