Pender begins year 3-4

The Pender Volleyball Team is off to a 3-4 start as the Pendragons lost 2-0 to Fremont Bergan and West Point-Beemer at the Northeast Nebraska Volleyball Classic at home last Thursday, beat Tekamah-Herman 2-0 and Wakefield-Allen 2-1, but lost 2-0 to GACC at the Classic on Saturday, and fell 2-0 to Howells-Dodge, but beat rival Emerson-Hubbard 2-0 at the Emerson-Hubbard Triangular Tuesday night.

The Pendragons lost 25-10 in set one to the Knights, and dropped set two 25-6.

The Cadets took set one 28-26 and set two 25-17.

Sadie Lamplot had 7 kills and 7 digs while Zoey Lehmkuhl totaled 10 set assists.

Pender beat the Tigers 25-18 in the first set, and 25-11 in the second set.

Lamplot posted 7 kills. Rylee Lehmkuhl registered 12 digs while Zoey Lehmkuhl added 10 set assists.

The Pendragons lost set one to the Bluejays 25-20, and dropped set two 25-15.

Zoey Lehmkuhl finished with 10 digs while Kaylin Sandall had 7.

The Trojans took set one 25-16 before Pender won set two 25-20 and set three 25-22.

Lamplot had 9 kills and 13 digs while Rylee Lehmkuhl posted 8 digs. Zoey Lehmkuhl put down 18 set assists.

The Jaguars won set one 25-22, and set two 25-13.

The Pendragons downed the Pirates 25-15 in the first set, and 25-16 in the second set.

Lamplot notched 8 kills while Zoey Lehmkuhl notched 13 set assists.

Very good and solid start to the season for Pender. Much better than last year so far I would say.

The Pendragons (3-4) take on Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (5-2) on the road Tuesday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Raiders won 2-0 over Tekamah-Herman and lost 2-0 to Twin River at the Twin River Triangular Tuesday night.

LVSS is a much improved team from last year as is Pender.

This should be a really good battle between two teams on the rise.

I look for the Pendragons to compete well and hard, and have a good showing.

Pender has plenty of practice time to get ready for the Raiders so I think the Pendragons will come out ready to go Tuesday night.

Lamplot has to continue her solid play offensively, and both Lehmkuhl's have to keep performing well on offense and defense.

Pender doesn't have a lot of stats that stand out or wow you, but the Pendragons are an improving team.

Pender is already over halfway home to last year's win total, and we are only 7 games into the season.

I think that says a lot about the hard work and determination these girls have put in and played with.

The Pendragons are committed to changing the culture and outlook of the program, and I feel Pender is on their way to doing that.

There's still a lot of work to be done, but this is a very nice start for the Pendragons, especially considering how last year went.

I think Pender has to feel good and encouraged about where they are at, but has to realize that there is still work left to be done.

I think the Pendragons will play the Raiders tough come Tuesday night.

Pender has to take advantage of the extra practice time and get ready for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.

The Pendragons have to be fired, psyched, and jacked up for Tuesday night's match.

Pender also has to practice with fire and passion leading up to the match.

First serve is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the Bull.

Tekamah-Herman begins season 0-7

The Tekamah-Herman Volleyball Team is 0-7 so far this season.

The Tigers lost 2-0 to Wisner-Pilger and Lutheran High Northeast at the Northeast Nebraska Volleyball Classic at Wisner-Pilger last Thursday before falling 2-0 to GACC and Pender, and 2-1 to Wakefield-Allen at the Tournament on Saturday. Tekamah-Herman then fell 2-1 to Twin River and 2-0 to Logan View/Scribner-Snyder at the Twin River Triangular Tuesday night.

The Gators downed the Tigers 25-15 in set one, and 25-20 in set two.

The Eagles took care of Tekamah-Herman 25-8 in the first set, and 25-14 in the second set.

The Pendragons earned a 25-18 set one win, and grabbed set two 25-11.

The Tigers won set one over the Trojans 25-13 before losing set two 25-16 and set three 25-22.

Tekamah-Herman won the first set over the Titans 28-26 before dropping the second set 25-18 and the third set 25-20.

The Raiders took set one 25-14 and set two 25-23.

I feel like the Tigers have been competitive at times, but have really struggled at others.

Tekamah-Herman (0-7) takes part in the Boone Central Invite on Saturday.

Teams the Tigers played last year include the host Cardinals, Crofton, and Ord.

All those teams are in that tournament again this year so it will be interesting to see who Tekamah-Herman plays.

I think the Tigers have a chance to be very competitive as long as they can gain some consistency.

If Tekamah-Herman is on top of their game in all sets and matches who knows how the day could go for them.

If the Tigers are off and struggle though it could be a long day for them.

Tekamah-Herman has to come out fired up, motivated, and ready to play.

The Tigers have to be positive and upbeat, and feel good about their chances of winning.

I feel Tekamah-Herman is a better team than their record indicates, and perhaps that will show this weekend.

The Tigers are young, and I think inconsistency has played a big part in Tekamah-Herman's season so far, but perhaps the Tigers will find some consistency this weekend and have success.

Tekamah-Herman has to go out there and fight as hard as they can and continue to grow and improve.

I feel there have been a lot of moral victories, lessons, and teaching points for the Tigers so far, and perhaps Tekamah-Herman can turn all that into some actual wins.

There's a lot of youth on this squad, but I look for the freshmen to keep maturing, growing, and improving as the season progresses.

Numbers are low for the Tigers as well, but I still look for players to step up and contribute throughout the course of the season.

Tekamah-Herman is going through some difficult times right now, but I feel these tough times will only make the Tigers better down the line.

I don't see any reason why Tekamah-Herman can't pick up at least a couple of wins this weekend.

The Tigers have to stay the course and must keep progressing as players and students.

Tekamah-Herman has to have good practices to conclude the week and must come out ready to play and be sharp on Saturday.

GACC off to 3-3 start

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Volleyball Team is 3-3 so far this season as the Bluejays lost 2-0 to Wayne and BRLD at the Northeast Nebraska Volleyball Classic at Pender Thursday night, beat Tekamah-Herman, Wakefield/Allen, and Pender 2-0 at the Classic on Saturday, and lost 3-0 at home to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Tuesday night.

GACC lost 25-18 in set one and 25-21 in set two to the Wolverines.

Sophia Hass had 8 kills and 18 digs while Hanna Knobbe posted 15 digs. Reece Snodgrass totaled 7 digs while Meghan Brunsing notched 10 set assists.

The Blue Devils beat the Bluejays 25-19 in set one and 25-17 in set three while GACC took set two 25-23.

Hass totaled 11 kills and 13 digs while Angela Jansen and Evelyn Wooldrik notched 9 and 8 blocks, respectively. Knobbe registered 31 digs while Ally Plagge had 16. Snodgrass added 12 digs while Brunsing registered 10 set assists.

The Bluejays topped the Trojans 25-18 in sets one and two.

Hass recorded 9 kills and 12 digs while Brooklyn Bailey registered 8 kills. Jansen had 7 blocks while Knobbe and Snodgrass tallied 16 and 7 digs, respectively. Brunsing and Snodgrass compiled 10 and 8 set assists, respectively.

GACC downed the Pendragons 25-20 in set one and 25-15 in set two.

Hass posted 9 kills and 7 digs while Knobbe and Plagge contributed 17 and 11 digs, respectively. Snodgrass contributed 8 digs and 8 set assists while Brunsing had 7 digs.

The Bluejays topped the Tigers 25-6 in the first set, and 25-19 in the second set.

Snodgrass posted 9 digs and 9 set assists while Knobbe totaled 9 digs. Plagge and Brunsing had 8 digs apiece while Hass chipped in 7.

The Bulldogs beat GACC 25-12 in set one, 25-20 in set two, and 25-13 in set three.

Hass posted 7 kills and 12 digs while Knobbe and Bailey had 24 and 19 digs, respectively. Snodgrass compiled 12 digs and 12 set assists.

Somewhat of a slow start to the season for the Bluejays. GACC has looked good at times and during certain sets of matches like the middle sets of the Wayne and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family matches, but with like most young teams is lacking consistency so far.

The Bluejays (3-3) take on Boone Central/Newman Grove (0-1) on the road Thursday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Cardinals were swept 3-0 at O'Neill Thursday night.

This figures to be a pretty good and intriguing match.

It honestly would not surprise me if things went the distance so don't be shocked if this match goes five sets.

I look for GACC to find a way to pull things out and win, but the Bluejays have to figure out a way to become consistent.

Hass has been a great contributor for GACC as has Snodgrass and others.

The Bluejays are young, but talented, and it's a process of continuing to mold talent and experience together.

You always worry about Boone Central/Newman Grove being the fresher team with more time off, but GACC is the team that is more in game shape and should be ready to go.

I know the Bluejays have played a lot of matches thus far, but GACC has to get geared up for this one and give it all they got.

The Bluejays can rest after Thursday night so GACC has to go out there and give an all out effort.

I look for the Bluejays to pick up another W against the Cardinals.

It's important for GACC to start off strong and jump on Boone Central/Newman Grove early though.

The Bluejays have to take advantage of the Cardinals' lack of matches played and take advantage of a slow start from BC/NG should the Cardinals get off to one.

GACC has to come out with all pistons firing and must take it to BC/NG for the entire length of the match.

The Bluejays have to keep growing and improving with every point and set, and must be relentless with their attacking and blocking.

GACC has to win battles at the net, and dive after loose balls on the floor and have good judgement as to if balls are out or in.

First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the Bull.

Emerson-Hubbard 1-4 on young season

The Emerson-Hubbard Pirates are 1-4 so far this year, beating Omaha Nation 3-1 on the road in last Tuesday night's season opener, losing 2-1 to Homer and 2-0 to Ponca at the Homer Triangular on Thursday, and falling 2-0 to Pender and Howells-Dodge at their home Triangular Tuesday night.

The Pirates won set one over the Chiefs 25-21, took set two 25-18, and then lost set three 26-24 before winning set four 25-22.

Isabella Parker-Diaz totaled 20 digs while Cashlyn Kramer recorded 12. Addison Mackling added 9 while Stephanie Ferrusca registered 8 digs and 10 set assists. Brynn Shock compiled 8 digs.

Emerson-Hubbard lost 25-5 in sets one and two to the the Indians.

The Pirates won set one over the Knights 25-18 before Homer took set two 25-18 and set three 25-16.

Kramer led the way with 26 digs while Madison Gunderson totaled 16. Ferrusca notched 10 while Mackling registered 9.

Emerson-Hubbard lost set one to the Jaguars 25-17, and set two 25-18.

The Pirates lost 25-16 in set one and 25-15 in set two to the Pendragons.

Great effort from Emerson-Hubbard in the Omaha Nation and Homer matches, and even the Howells-Dodge match. The losses to Ponca and Pender were tough to swallow though no doubt.

The Pirates (1-4) host Randolph (2-5) and Osmond (2-1) in a Thursday Triangular.

The Cardinals lost 3-1 at home to Ponca Tuesday night while the Tigers won 3-1 at Bloomfield Tuesday night.

Both teams are going to be tough and figure to present a challenge for Emerson-Hubbard.

The Pirates have to bring their A game and challenge and play both teams as tough as possible.

I think playing some tough competition so far will allow Emerson-Hubbard to be competitive Tuesday night.

The Pirates have been up and down so far so it's a matter of playing consistently good Volleyball if you are Emerson-Hubbard.

The Pirates have to come out inspired and must let things rip against both teams.

Emerson-Hubbard has to play a ton of pride and passion, and must play their hearts out.

The Pirates have to defend their home court, and have the mentality that no one is going to beat them on it.

Emerson-Hubbard is no doubt disappointed in how they lost in Tuesday night's home matches, but it's a new night and a fresh set of matches, and I look for the Pirates to put those struggles behind them and play good, strong fundamental Volleyball Thursday night.

Emerson-Hubbard has to be ready to go in this Triangular because you know both Randolph and Osmond will want it just as bad as the Pirates.

Emerson-Hubbard has to be relentless, and must exert every ounce of energy in their bodies.

The Pirates can rest for the weekend after these matches so Emerson-Hubbard should hold nothing back Thursday night.

The Pirates have to go out there and take the fight to both teams, and do everything in their power to win.

Emerson-Hubbard has to start sets off strong and play at a high level throughout both matches.

The Pirates can't afford to fall behind by very much or dig themselves some deep holes if they want to be able to come away with victories.

Emerson-Hubbard has to give things their best shot and see what hard work, determination, sacrifice, tenacity, toughness, grit, and will will yield them.

BRLD starts year 2-5

The BRLD Volleyball Team is off to a 2-5 start this season, losing 3-0 at home to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in last Tuesday night's season opener, falling 2-0 to Wayne, but beating GACC 2-0 at the Northeast Nebraska Volleyball Classic at Pender on Thursday, beating Oakland-Craig 2-1, but losing 2-0 to West Point-Beemer and Wisner-Pilger at the Classic on Saturday, before losing 3-1 at home to Clarkson/Leigh this past Tuesday night.

The Bulldogs took sets one and three from the Wolverines 25-18, and set two 25-14.

Kelsey Larsen had 10 blocks and 9 digs while Brandi Simonsen posted 27 digs. Aubrey Berg and Halle Wortman added 14 and 13, respectively, while Alexzi Nottleman recorded 7.

BRLD defeated the Bluejays 25-18 in set one, and 25-21 in set two.

Caragan Tietz had 7 blocks, 9 digs, and 7 set assists while Simonsen, Berg, and Larsen registered 20, 10, and 9 digs, respectively.

The Blue Devils won the first set 25-14, and the second set 25-13.

Simonsen led the way with 16 digs while Larsen had 10.

The Wolverines won set one over the Knights 25-22 before losing set two 25-16 and winning set three 25-17.

Wortman totaled 7 kills and 8 digs while Simonsen and Larsen posted 20 and 19 digs, respectively. Tietz added 11 digs and 10 set assists.

BRLD lost to West Point-Beemer 25-18 in set one and 25-15 in set two.

Tori Ostrand led the way with 10 blocks while Simonsen notched 15 digs. Larsen and Berg compiled 10 digs each while Wortman tallied 7. Tietz put down 7 set assists.

The Wolverines lost 25-21 in set one and 25-16 in set two to the Gators.

Tietz posted 9 blocks and 7 digs while Larsen had 8 blocks. Simonsen totaled 23 digs while Kinlee Bacon registered 12. Berg and Wortman added 8 apiece.

BRLD lost sets one and two 25-20 to the Patriots before claiming set three 25-19 only to lose set four 25-10.

Wortman had a team-high 9 kills while Tietz added 7 kills, 11 blocks, and 12 set assists. Larsen tallied 18 blocks and 20 digs while Ostrand, Nottleman, and Tyra Bonneau posted 17, 11, and 8 blocks, respectively. Berg and Simonsen contributed 18 digs each while Bacon recorded 8 set assists.

Slow start to the season for the Wolverines, but I don't think it's too surprising given how young BRLD is.

The Wolverines (2-5) take part in the Wakefield Invitational beginning on Thursday.

First up for BRLD is Hartington Cedar Catholic (6-2).

The Trojans knocked off Crofton 3-0 at home Tuesday night.

Cedar Catholic lost a couple of matches over the weekend to Stanton and Columbus Scotus so I fully expect the Trojans to come out pumped and fired up despite Tuesday night's win.

This will be a good test for the Wolverines I feel as it is a rematch of last year's sub-state match at Wayne State.

The dynamic of BRLD's team this year has changed, but you can bet the Wolverines would love to get payback.

This tournament runs through Saturday, and I'm sure BRLD would love to find success in it.

I feel like the Wolverines are still trying to find their way a little bit and have faced some tough competition so far.

BRLD figures to be challenged greatly by Cedar Catholic, and by everyone else in this tournament, but I look for the Wolverines to compete and have a good showing.

BRLD's defensive numbers have been very good so far, but the Wolverines need players to step up and produce offensively.

Not a lot of stats when it comes to kills so definitely something for BRLD to improve on for sure.

If the Wolverines could get their offense on par with their defense they could be a very good team.

BRLD will definitely need to produce offensively if they hope to knock off the Trojans.

Cedar Catholic is a very good team, and producing on defense alone may not be enough to get the job done against them.

The Wolverines just have to go out there with the idea and mentality that they have nothing to lose.

BRLD isn't expected to win this match. All the pressure is on the Trojans as far as I'm concerned.

The Wolverines just have to go out there and play their game and play loose.

BRLD can't be nervous or scared of Cedar Catholic. The Wolverines have to take the fight to the Trojans from the start.

West Point-Beemer starts season 4-3

The West Point-Beemer Volleyball Team is 4-3 so far this season, losing 3-0 at Stanton in last Tuesday night's season opener, beating Pender 2-0, but losing 2-0 to Fremont Bergan on Thursday at the Northeast Nebraska Volleyball Classic at Pender, beating BRLD and Oakland-Craig 2-0, but losing 2-0 to Wisner-Pilger at the Classic on Saturday, and sweeping the Gators 3-0 at home Tuesday night.

The Cadets lost set one to the Mustangs 25-17, set two 25-14, and set three 25-15.

Brooke Haase had 7 kills for West Point-Beemer while Brooklyn Weddle and Sidney Swanson posted 11 digs apiece. Sierra Kile added 9 digs and 19 set assists.

The Cadets fell 25-13 in set one to Bergan, and dropped set two 25-20.

Swanson posted a team-high 9 kills and 7 digs while Kile notched 12 digs and 14 set assists. Weddle chipped in 9 digs while Andrea Hoffman compiled 7.

West Point-Beemer won set one over the Pendragons, 28-26, and took set two 25-17.

Kile led the way with 15 set assists.

In the first meeting between the two schools, the Cadets lost 25-19 in set one and 25-14 in set two to the Gators.

Swanson had 15 digs while Kile totaled 9 digs and 24 set assists. Weddle chipped in 9 digs while Ashton Troyer had 7.

West Point-Beemer beat the Wolverines 25-18 in the first set, and 25-15 in the second set.

Swanson posted 9 kills and 9 digs while Weddle had 8 digs. Kile registered 7 digs and 22 set assists.

The Cadets downed Oakland-Craig 25-16 in set one, and 25-18 in set two.

Weddle had 17 digs while Swanson recorded 12. Kile added 22 set assists.

In round 2 against the Gators, the Cadets took set one 25-20, set two 25-22, and set three 25-15.

Kendra Paasch had a match-high 14 kills while Swanson posted 12 kills and 10 digs. Haase and Abby Kaup totaled 8 kills each while Weddle and Troyer notched 18 and 10 digs, respectively. Kile contributed 13 digs and 47 set assists.

Head Coach Conley Straight. "We were a completely different team tonight against Wisner. We didn't give them our best shot on Saturday in Wisner. We thought we didn't play our type of Volleyball. And girls definitely came out wanting this one from the beginning."

Straight's team only has one returning starter but he says they're playing as a team. "It's definitely trust between the girls. And I told them from the beginning it's going to be a team effort this year. We can't ride Sidney the whole way through otherwise her arm's going to fall off on us and that sort of thing. And this group is tight. They've gotten the chemistry going already. Now it's battle of can we keep that chemistry continuing? Because when we play at our best Volleyball as a team it shows that our results can be positive."

This was a huge win for the Cadets. I feel the Wisner-Pilger win has a chance to get West Point-Beemer's season on the fast track for success.

The Cadets (4-3) host Twin River (4-2) and Schuyler (1-2) in a Thursday Triangular.

The Titans swept Logan View/Scribner-Snyder and Tekamah-Herman in a home Triangular on Tuesday while the Warriors lost 3-0 at Lexington on Friday.

I look for West Point-Beemer to have no trouble with Schuyler, but the match against Twin River figures to be tough.

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if that match goes the distance.

The Titans are a good team, but the Cadets seem to have things going right now, and really played well Tuesday night.

Now it's simply a matter of West Point-Beemer refocusing and getting ready for this Triangular.

The win over the Gators was great, but now it's time to refocus and get ready for Twin River and Schuyler.

The Cadets have to continue to get great production from all the girls that have contributed so far, especially the production they got against Wisner-Pilger.

The Gators easily won the first time around, and West Point-Beemer did a complete 360 and turned the tables against the Cadets.

West Point-Beemer is going to be extremely difficult to beat if they keep playing like that.

The Cadets played amazing Volleyball, and I look for them to continue their winning ways Thursday night.

I really think West Point-Beemer will be 6-3 after Thursday night and perhaps 8-3 heading into the Stanton Tournament next weekend, but there's business to take care of first before that happens.

The Cadets just have to take things in stride and one match at a time, and keep their eye on the prize.

West Point-Beemer has proven to be a good Volleyball Team so far and showed signs of greatness with Tuesday night's win.

Now the question is can the Cadets keep it up and sustain the high level of play they showed against the Gators?

I definitely think they can, but the Titans will be a tough test on Thursday, and West Point-Beemer has to be ready to roll in both matches.

North Bend Central off to 2-3 start

The North Bend Central Volleyball Team is 2-3 so far on the young season as the Tigers won 2-0 over Oakland-Craig and Wakefield/Allen at the Northeast Nebraska Volleyball Classic at Wisner-Pilger Thursday night before losing 2-0 to Wayne, Lutheran High Northeast, and and Fremont Bergan at the Classic on Saturday.

The Tigers clobbered the Trojans 25-18 in set one and 28-26 in set two.

North Bend Central topped Oakland-Craig 25-21 in set one, and 25-23 in set two.

The Blue Devils won set one 25-13, and set two 25-6.

The Eagles claimed the first set 25-21 and the second set 26-24.

Bergan beat the Tigers 25-16 in set one and 25-15 in set two.

Very solid and good start to the season for North Bend Central on day one. The second day of games proved to be very challenging though.

Head Coach Amy Sterup."We had our ups and downs like any normal team that's young and inexperienced, and I have no doubt once we get more experience we'll be on a more even keel. We just got to learn to play hard the whole way through, and with confidence."

The Tigers (2-3) take on Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family (2-0) on the road Thursday night.

The Bulldogs won 3-0 at BRLD last Tuesday night to open up the season and also beat GACC Tuesday night.

Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family is very tough, led by Taya Beller.

North Bend Central needs Lauren Emanuel and Megan Ortmeier to have big matches.

This will be the first road test for this young Tigers' squad.

North Bend Central has to come into this match confident and unphased.

The Tigers can't be scared of or intimidated by the Bulldogs.

North Bend Central has to come ready to play, and be ready to bring and give their all for the entire length of the match.

The Tigers were very competitive in the LHNE loss, and I think the Bulldogs are comparable to the Eagles.

I think North Bend Central is going to go in there and compete hard and come away with a result that is satisfying.

The Tigers may not win, but I feel one way or another there are going to be positives for North Bend Central to take away from the match.

Just like in a win, there's always things to take away and build on from losses, and so I look for the Tigers to find things to take away from the match, win or lose.

This is a big week for North Bend Central with a Triangular against David City Aquinas and Wayne later in the week.

Tough teams and competition this week for the Tigers for sure, but I only feel it's going to make North Bend Central tougher and stronger down the road.

The Tigers have to keep fighting, clawing, and scratching for every point.

I would imagine North Bend Central is quite young this year so the Tigers have to keep gaining experience in order to improve and become the great team I know they are capable of becoming.

Winning and good things don't happen overnight, and North Bend Central is in the process of building something great and memorable, something similar to what the Tigers have had in the past for sure.