Oakland-Craig looking for returners to lead them to good season

Team: Oakland-Craig

Mascot: Knights

Colors: Orange and White

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Chelsey Boden

2018 record: 13-19

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

Oakland-Craig returns quite a few players from last year's team that went 13-19. Head Coach Chelsey Boden.

"We have Josie Richards and Bailey Helzer, Mya Guzinski, and we also have Makenna Pearson, Rheanna Paul, Ashten Rennerfeldt. And then we have Kennedy Benne coming back, who missed the year last year due to a knee injury. So we have quite a few returners this year so it should be exciting."

Boden says the offseason was good as most of the girls were able to make most of their summer camps and leagues this summer.

Seniors lost to graduation last year include Dacey Nelson, Natalia McNeill, Jena Gardeman, and Aileen Quintero.

The Knights lost a couple of key players in Nelson and McNeill, but return a good strong core.

I felt Oakland-Craig played their best Volleyball towards the end of last season, and look for that to carry over into this year.

I look for big things from Bailey Helzer and am excited to see what she can do in her sophomore year.

I also look for Benne to do big and great things after missing all of last season.

I think this year has a chance to be really good for the Knights.

I feel Oakland-Craig can be a top contender in the East Husker Conference given all who they bring back, and can go on to have a mighty fine and nice season.

The Knights have to get the most out of themselves and each other, and play up to their potential all year.

Oakland-Craig has to play hard and smart at all times, and give 100% effort.

The Knights have to want it more than their opponents and must outwork them as well.

Oakland-Craig has to be a good passing, hitting, and serving team, and must limit and minimize unforced errors that would result in the Knights beating themselves.

I think playing at a high level and being consistent are two keys to Oakland-Craig having success this season.

Season Outlook:

Oakland-Craig hopes to be one of the top teams in the East Husker Conference this season. Boden says the conference should be really good again this year.

"We've had a really rock solid conference these last few years. And I think that's still going to be the same. A lot of challengers out there. And I really look forward to seeing how the conference falls this year."

The Knights open up the season at Howells-Dodge on August 29th.

I think that first match is super key and critical for Oakland-Craig.

The Jaguars are in transition a bit with a new Coach and a veteran team like Oakland-Craig has to go in there and find a way to win.

The Knights simply have to tell themselves in that match and in other matches throughout the season that losing is simply not an option.

Oakland-Craig has to come out and play to win each and every time they take to the floor.

The Knights have to play well night in and night out and simply refuse to lose.

Oakland-Craig had a spectacular basketball season last year, and I feel that has a chance to carry over into this Volleyball season.

The Knights have a chance to do a lot of good things I feel, and I think 20+ wins is not out of the realm of possibility.

Oakland-Craig has a lot of veteran experience, and that could serve them very well this year.

It's a season in which a lot of teams in the conference are young so the Knights have to use that to their advantage.

Oakland-Craig has to be ready to play every match and has to have good solid play at the net and in the back row.

The Knights need to have a positive I can do attitude at all times this season, and be willing to learn and grow.

Oakland-Craig has to take care of all the teams they're supposed to beat, and knock off some of the traditional powers on their schedule.

The Knights have a tough schedule, but should be one of those teams no one wants to face.

2019 Oakland-Craig Knights Volleyball Schedule:

08/29/19 @ Howells-Dodge
09/05-09/07 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Classic (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner-Pilger/Pender
09/12/19 @ Wisner-Pilger
09/14-09/14 (To Be Determined) Boone Central Invitational (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Boone Central High School- Albion
09/17/19 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
09/19/19 @ Yutan
09/24/19 North Bend Central
09/26/19 Arlington Triangular (host: Arlington)
09/26/19 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Triangular (host: Arlington)
10/01/19 Tekamah-Herman Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
10/01/19 Stanton Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
10/03/19 @ BRLD
10/05-10/05 (To Be Determined) Clarkson-Leigh Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Clarkson
10/08/19 Douglas County West Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)
10/08/19 West Point-Beemer Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)
10/10/19 Pender
10/15/19 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS) Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
10/15/19 Archbishop Bergan Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
10/17-10/19 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conf. VB Tour. (2/3-Day Tournament) Pender High School
10/22/19 @ Clarkson/Leigh

Stanton looking to continue winning ways this season

Team: Stanton

Mascot: Mustangs

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Tracy Kuester-Burtwhistle (5th season) (126-16 record)

2018 record: 31-2 (beat Superior in 3rd place match at State)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The Stanton Volleyball Team is coming off what was arguably the greatest season and four-year run in school history, going 31-2 and taking 3rd place at the State Tournament.

The Mustangs graduated a ton of talent from that team, including Jaiden Hartl, Jessie Brandl, Makenna Espinoza, Liz Christensen, Bree Burtwhistle, and Reba Waskowiak.

Three of those girls are now playing College Volleyball, and you hope what they taught the then underclassmen now main contributors leads to more success for Stanton this season.

The Mustangs bring back three starters, including Jasmine Kment (5'4, SR L), Kaylee Matthies (5'9, SR MH), and Ellie Locke (5'8, JR RSH).

Head Coach Tracy Kuester-Burtwhistle says she looks forward to what Kment can do this season. "Played as a defensive specialist position for the Mustangs last season and we look forward to the experience and knowledge she gained last year to impact the back court this upcoming 2019 season."

She adds Matthies gained a lot of valuable experience last year. "Returner 1st year starter Kaylee as the season progressed last year really built her confidence as a middle on attacking the ball and blocking.  We look forward to see her potential this season."

Kuester-Burtwhistle says the team expects great things from Locke this year. "Ellie a returning starter last year at RSH had 74 kills, off season she has moved to OH position and we are looking at her as a great contributor when we need something to happen, we could count on her."

Other possible contributors include Emily Colwell (5'6, SR S/RSH), Morgan Remm (5'3, SR S), Marissa Remm (5'4, SR DS), Mylie Otto (5'9, SR MH), Frankie Hansen (5'7, SR RSH), Kinley Pohlman (5'8, SO RSH/OH), Sylvia Cunningham (6'0, SO MH/RSH), and Olivia Cunningham (5'9, FR OH/RSH).

I don't know if Stanton will be as good this year as they have been the last four years, but I fully expect the Mustangs to still be good and competitive.

I think a State berth or at least another postseason run is possible for this squad.

I feel there's quite a bit of talent across the board that can produce quite a few wins for the Mustangs this season.

I don't know if Stanton will be nearly as dynamic or flashy as they have been in the past, but I still expect the Mustangs to be a solid ball club.

I feel this is a team that will only get better as the year goes on.

Season Outlook:

Stanton opens up the season on August 29th at home against West Point-Beemer and Battle Creek in a Triangular.

Of course the Mustangs beat Battle Creek at State last year, and the Braves are kind of a rival you could say.

The Cadets graduated quite a few girls from last year and have a new coach so it will be interesting to see what happens.

I could be there being splits across the board that night just given the nature of all three teams and the season just starting.

Kuester-Burtwhistle has this preseason assessment of her team. "The 2019 Mustang team will be returning 3 starters that will give us some experience to our line up. Our focus this year will be the pass and serve game, which our players do an exceptional job at that. We look forward to be a competitive team in Class C2."

The early part of the schedule appears to be the toughest for Stanton.

I could see the Mustangs struggle early and then pick things up midseason and make a run.

I think it might take Stanton some time to get things figured out, but I fully expect the Mustangs to continue their winning ways of the past.

If Stanton can just get into a Sub-State game then lookout.

It's one game to go to State, and a program the caliber of Stanton can definitely win one game to go to state no matter who it is against or where it is at.

I fully expect this year's Mustang team to not go down without a fight this year.

I think you will see Stanton fight until the very end of matches this year, win or lose.

I feel the Mustangs have a chance to surprise some people this year if you would want to even call it that given all the success they've had.

I feel Stanton will be a contender in the East Husker Conference as well once that tournament rolls around towards the end of the season.

It's never easy replacing the type of talent the Mustangs had in last year's senior class, but I'm willing to bet this year's team will do everything they can to keep Stanton's winning ways going.

2019 Stanton Mustangs Volleyball Schedule:

08/29/19 Battle Creek Triangular (host: Stanton)
08/29/19 West Point-Beemer Triangular (host: Stanton)
09/05/19 Madison     Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)
09/05/19 Clarkson/Leigh Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)
09/16/19 North Bend Central Triangular (host: North Bend Central)
09/16/19 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS) Triangular (host: North Bend Central)
09/19/19 Boone Central/Newman Grove Triangular (host: Norfolk Catholic)
09/19/19 Norfolk Catholic Triangular (host: Norfolk Catholic)
09/24/19 Wisner-Pilger Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/24/19 Pender Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
10/01/19 Tekamah-Herman Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
10/01/19 Oakland-Craig Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
10/08/19 Howells-Dodge
10/10/19 @ Pierce
10/15/19 @ Twin River
10/22/19 Lutheran High Northeast

GACC looking to be improved from last year

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Kate Hagemann

2018 record: 12-16

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

GACC looks to improve upon last year's 12-16 record. Head Coach Kate Hagemann says the Bluejays lost a few girls from last year.

"Last year we graduated two seniors. So Ally Plagge was one of our back row players, and Angela Jansen played the right side for us. So beyond those two and then also Brandi Doernemann was one of our varsity players who will not be back this year due to she tore her ACL last year during basketball season."

Hagemann says everyone else returns with a strong group of incoming players.

Key returners include Brooklyn Bailey, Evelyn Wooldrik, Erica Engelmeyer, Hanna Knobbe, Megan Plagge, Meghan Brunsing, Reece Snodgrass, and Sophia Hass.

With lots of returning players I fully expect the Bluejays to do well this year.

I think you will see GACC turn a lot of their close losses last year into wins this year.

I think the Bluejays have a good chance to have a winning record again this year, and perhaps make a Sub-State match and go to the State Tournament.

This is a team and program that expects greatness and expects to win, and these players and athletes always put the time in.

I'm excited to see what a year of growth and maturity from these girls does for this year's team.

GACC was pretty young last year, and now these girls are a year older and a year more mature and seasoned so they should be ready to do great things.

This is a very proud program with very high expectations, and I look for the Bluejays to live up to those expectations this season.

I don't know if GACC will win something like 30 matches like they did 4-5 years ago, but I think the Bluejays can win something like 15-20 matches at minimum this season.

It will be interesting to see what happens this year because I feel GACC has the potential to be very good.

Losing Doernemann definitely hurts, but I feel there is so much talent and athleticism on this team, and think the Bluejays will be just fine.

It should be a very fun season for GACC, and I'm sure they can't wait to get the season started.

Season Outlook:

GACC opens up the season at home on August 29th against David City Aquinas.

"Oh it'll be a great match and a great way to start the year. It's kind of a different schedule for us. We almost always started our year with the Wisner/Pender Northeast Nebraska Classic. But just with the change in the Volleyball schedule this year we moved a couple of duals ahead of that," Hagemann said.

Hagemann says the Bluejays lost in five sets to the Monarchs in David City last year.

She adds consistency is a key again this season just like it was last year.

GACC lost a lot of five set matches last year, and I get the sense that the Bluejays are very hungry, determined, and motivated to turn those close losses into wins this year.

Hagemann retook the program over last year for Paul Steuter, and I feel things will get returned around for GACC this season.

I thought last year's team was very competitive and good, but just couldn't get over the hump in some matches.

I look for those learning experiences to translate into wins and success on the court this year.

The Bluejays are accustomed to playing in the State Tournament, and I think GACC has a shot to get back to Lincoln this year.

The Bluejays have to come strong out of the gates, and play good consistent Volleyball all season long.

I feel that winning the close matches will be the key to GACC's success this year.

The Bluejays will probably beat and possibly sweep all the teams they're supposed to beat, but winning those tough, close matches will make all the difference for GACC I feel.

The schedule looks pretty tough, but I don't think it's any different than any other year for the Bluejays.

GACC just has to focus on themselves more so than what the other team is doing.

The Bluejays can be very good this year, in my opinion, but closing and finishing off matches will be vital to their success I would say.

2019 GACC Bluejays Volleyball Schedule:

Thursday, Aug 22, 2019
Jamboree 6:00PM Away vs. Wisner-Pilger Wisner-Pilger High School
Thursday, Aug 29, 2019
Match 7:30PM Aquinas Catholic Guardian Angels Central Catholic School
Tuesday, Sep 3, 2019
Match 7:30PM Norfolk Catholic Guardian Angels Central Catholic School
Thursday, Sep 5, 2019
Tournament TBD Away vs. TBA Wisner-Pilger High School
Saturday, Sep 7, 2019
Tournament TBD Away vs. TBA,
Wisner-Pilger Wisner-Pilger High School
Tuesday, Sep 10, 2019
Match 7:30PM Away vs. Humphrey Lindsey, NE
Thursday, Sep 12, 2019
Match 7:30PM Boone Central Guardian Angels Central Catholic School
Tuesday, Sep 17, 2019
Match 7:30PM Wayne Guardian Angels Central Catholic School
Thursday, Sep 19, 2019
Match 6:30PM Away vs. O'Neill O'Neill High School
Tuesday, Sep 24, 2019
Match 7:15PM Away vs. Homer Homer High School
Thursday, Sep 26, 2019
Triangular 5:30PM Away vs. Arlington,
Oakland Craig Arlington High School
Tuesday, Oct 1, 2019
Match 7:00PM Away vs. Bishop Neumann Bishop Neumann High School
Thursday, Oct 3, 2019
Match 7:30PM Away vs. Hartington Cedar Catholic Hartington Cedar Catholic High School
Tuesday, Oct 8, 2019
Match 7:30PM Away vs. Battle Creek Battle Creek High School
Thursday, Oct 10, 2019
Triangular 5:00PM Away vs. Wisner-Pilger,
Lutheran High Northeast Wisner-Pilger High School
Tuesday, Oct 15, 2019
Match 7:30PM Pierce Guardian Angels Central Catholic School
Thursday, Oct 17, 2019
Match 7:30PM Crofton Guardian Angels Central Catholic School
Monday, Oct 21, 2019
Conference Tournament TBD Away vs. TBA,
TBA
Tuesday, Oct 22, 2019
Conference Tournament TBD Away vs. TBA,
TBA
Thursday, Oct 24, 2019
Conference Tournament TBD Away vs. TBA,
TBA

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder looking to build off last year's success

Team: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder

Mascot: Raiders

Colors: Blue and Gold

Class: C-1

Head Coach: Brad Schlegel (3rd Season) (19-43 record)

2018 record: 14-17

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

There's reason for optimism for the Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Volleyball Team this year as the Raiders saw vast improvement last year, going 14-17. Head Coach Brad Schlegel says the girls are changing the culture and buying into what they're being taught.

"Something that I tell the girls, and having a good strong season puts us there that you have to play confident, and you can't play being afraid to make mistakes. You have to play telling yourself that the best outcome is going to happen. And I think actually seeing that work a little bit last season has made a lot of the team buy into that mindset, that a lot of it is mind over matter. And it's not just what's happening physically, but it's also what's happening mentally."

The Raiders return four starters from last year, including setter Reagan Klein (5'3, SR), outside hitter Emily Lewin (5'6, SR), Tyler Christanson (5'5, SR S/RS), and outside hitter Dream Daugherty (5'8 SO).

Elizabeth Hull (5'3, SR) is expected to start at Libero for the Raiders.

Others likely to contribute include Fairbury Transfer Adrian Kroeker (6'0, SR MH), Kristal Svehla (6'0, JR MH), Nia Meyer (5'5, JR OH/DS), Stormy Poast (5'2, JR L), and Leah Kiethley (5'3, SO S).

Logan View/Scribner Snyder lost Taylor Ruwe (5'6, SR OH) to an ACL tear in the offseason.

Schlegel says losing Ruwe is a big blow, but the team still has a lot of great players. "Our team returns a lot of experience this year. Losing Taylor this summer, hurts us a lot but we have a lot of upper classmen. We have a lot of solid players but will need everyone reaching their potential to reach our goals."

Schlegel says to get some wins racked up last year and have some success and play in tight and competitive games served as a lot of growth for his team.

I feel anytime you improve your win total by nearly 10 games in a season you're doing something right.

And as well as the Raiders did last year I feel they could of done even better as LVSS was just 2-10 in their last 12 games to finish the season.

I think the way Logan View/Scribner-Snyder finished last season just adds fuel to the fire, and gives them motivation and determination to compete with and beat the tough teams on their schedule.

I feel becoming consistent with their play is the key to another and even better season for the Raiders this year.

LVSS has to start off strong like they did last year and simply finish what they started if this year's start is like last year's.

Season Outlook:

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder begins the season on August 29th with a home Triangular against Boys Town and Omaha Brownell Talbot. Schlegel says both opponents present a different challenge.

"Boys Town you never know quite what to expect there, they have a lot of turnover in their roster from year-to-year... you never know what to expect from them. And Brownell Talbot has been on the upswing for the past couple of years as well. So we just want to come out with a good solid effort, and take care of the small things, and then know that success comes when you take care of those small things, and bigger, greater things will happen."

As far as the East Husker Conference goes, Schlegel feels his team could finish in the top 4 of the Conference Tournament.

Everyone seems to think and agree on the conference being super wide open this year.

I tend to agree with that too.

Schlegel hopes his team finishes in the top half of the conference, and feels the top 8 or 9 teams could be on par with one another.

I don't feel like there's that one heavy dominant team this year like we've had with North Bend Central in 2017 and Stanton last year.

I feel like there are a lot of teams who have a chance to make a name for themselves in the conference this year.

It should be a really fun and exciting season, and I'm sure LVSS can't wait to get going.

The last time the Raiders made State was 2004, and it would be a huge deal to make it 15 years later for sure.

Last year kind of seems like it was the first year in a while that the Raiders have experienced a lot of success ever since Jordan Larson graduated.

I feel LVSS can get back to that level at some point in the future.

The Raiders already made a ton of strides and progress last year, and if Logan View/Scribner-Snyder can finish with a winning record above .500 this year that will be a very big deal for this program.

The Raiders have learned how to win and appear to be figuring things out and turning the program into a winner so LVSS has to just simply keep doing what they have been doing, and they will be just fine.

2019 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Raiders Volleyball Schedule:

08/29/19 Boys Town Triangular (host: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS))
08/29/19 Omaha Brownell Talbot Triangular (host: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS))
09/05/19 Douglas County West
09/07-09/07 (To Be Determined) Ft. Calhoun Invitational (4-Team 1-Day Tournament) Fort Calhoun High School
09/10/19 Twin River Triangular (host: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS))
09/10/19 Tekamah-Herman Triangular (host: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS))
09/14-09/14 (To Be Determined) Bishop Neumann Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Bishop Neumann HS
09/16/19 North Bend Central Triangular (host: North Bend Central)
09/16/19 Stanton Triangular (host: North Bend Central)
09/17/19 @ Pender
09/19/19 @ Howells-Dodge
     09/21 (To Be Determined) Logan View Booster Club Invite (4-Team Round Robin) Logan View High School
09/24/19 West Point-Beemer Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)
09/24/19 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)
10/01/19 @ Clarkson/Leigh
10/03/19 Madison
10/08/19 BRLD
10/15/19 Archbishop Bergan Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
10/15/19 Oakland-Craig Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
10/17-10/19 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conf. VB Tour. (2/3-Day Tournament) Pender High School
10/24/19 Wisner-Pilger Triangular (host: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS))
10/24/19 Fort Calhoun Triangular (host: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS))

Clarkson/Leigh hoping to build off of what last year's Senior Class accomplished

Team: Clarkson-Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, and Gray

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Becky Schneider (8th season) (100-123 career record)

2018 record: 24-8 (Lost to Stanton in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

Clarkson/Leigh Volleyball returns just 2 varsity players from last year's team that saw 7 seniors graduate. Head Coach Becky Schneider says this year's team is young, but has a lot of promise.

"The girls that we have are young, they're a little bit inexperienced. The one other returner varsity letterwinner, Cassidy Hoffman (JR, MH), she's doing a great job leading the team, kind of taking control out there in practice and stuff. And the others have some big shoes to fill, but they've been nothing short of all the expectations. They've been pushing themselves, working hard, and I mean they've been pushed the last couple of years, so they're really stepping it up and we're kind of impressed with what we've got going on right now."

Schneider says Ashlynn Novotny is out with an injury at the moment.

Newcomers include Kennedy Settje (SO) and Kayden Schumacher (JR) on the outside.

Senior Kim Stodola will also play middle, and Makenna Held (SO) takes over at setter.

Others on the team include Reagan Settje (SR, RS), Taylor Larson (SR, RS), Alissa Kasik (JR, DS), Brittany Urbanek (SR, DS), and Bailey Lemburg (JR, DS/S).

Beth Wiese, Kaegan Held, Halee Steffensmeier, Hannah Kasik, Paige Moore, Holly Kuhr, and Sara McEvoy all graduated last year.

Schneider has this preseason assessment of her team. "Weakness: We are young, lack depth and lack varsity experience. Strength: This group is very athletic, hard-working and has played together for the last few years. They know the expectations of the season and will do everything in their power to be successful!"

I think the biggest thing for this year's Patriot squad is believing.

Clarkson/Leigh has to believe in themselves and each other, and has to go out there each and every night expecting to win.

This program has done a lot of winning the last couple of years in particular, and this year's team has to take it upon themselves to keep things going.

Last year's senior class set the bar for Patriot Volleyball, and now this year's team has to build upon that.

Clarkson/Leigh can be good too, they just have to work hard, be confident, and play aggressive, but smart Volleyball all season long.

Season Outlook:

Clarkson/Leigh looks to continue the winning ways this season that last year's senior class established.

Schneider says the confidence of this year's team is a work in progress.

"They think that last year's group was really stellar. They don't think that they can be as successful, but we totally see that, and we're trying to get that motivation across to them that they can be just as good if not better. That's kind of what we strive for every year anyway is to be better than the last year."

The Patriots open up the season at Howells-Dodge on September 3rd.

The Jaguars have a lot of girls back, and have a new coach, and that should be a good and interesting match to say the least.

It's a rivalry match, and you know Clarkson/Leigh will be up for that match.

The Patriots appear to me like they lack confidence right now though.

Maybe it's just because how talented last year's senior class was, but the good news about that is this is just the preseason.

Their confidence can grow and be developed as we are only in the first week of practice.

There's a long time between now and the first match, and I think having a while before playing a match is a good thing for this team.

Clarkson/Leigh has to take it upon themselves to honor what last year's senior class did, and come out and make a name for themselves.

The Patriots have to keep it going if at all possible, and continue the winning ways of Clarkson/Leigh Volleyball.

Last year's senior class worked extremely hard over the course of their 4 years at Clarkson/Leigh, and this year's team has to work just as hard if not even harder.

I'm sure some of that work ethic last year's senior class had has rubbed off on this team, and I think it's simply a matter of time before the Patriots figure things out and put things all together prior to the first match.

I feel the Patriots have a fairly tough and challenging schedule this year, but should get the most out of themselves night in and night out.

2019 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Volleyball Schedule:

09/03/19 @ Howells-Dodge
09/05/19 Madison Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)
09/05/19 Stanton Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)
09/10/19 BRLD
09/12/19 Pender
09/19/19 High Plains Community Triangular (host: Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family)
09/19/19 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Triangular (host: Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family)
09/21-09/21 (To Be Determined) Stanton Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Stanton
09/24/19 Twin River
09/28-09/28 (To Be Determined) Hampton Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Hampton
10/01/19 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS)
10/03/19 @ Schuyler
10/05-10/05 (To Be Determined) Clarkson-Leigh Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Clarkson
10/08/19 Shelby/Rising City Triangular (host: Shelby/Rising City)
10/08/19 Lutheran High Northeast Triangular (host: Shelby/Rising City)
10/10/19 @ Humphrey St. Francis
     10/12 (To Be Determined) Wisner-Pilger Varsity VB Classic (4-Team Round Robin)
10/17-10/19 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conf. VB Tour. (2/3-Day Tournament) Pender High School
10/22/19 Oakland-Craig

Howells-Dodge under new leadership with Taryn Janke at the helm

Team: Howells-Dodge

Mascot: Jaguars

Colors: Green, Black, and Silver

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Taryn Janke (1st Season)

2018 record: 16-15

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

Howells-Dodge has a new Coach in Taryn Janke. Janke is from Cedar Bluffs and has been a Jaguar assistant in recent years.

"I'm from originally Cedar Bluffs. I lived in Winside for the longest time so I was driving back and forth. I was an assistant coach for three years, and so this will be my 4th year at Howells-Dodge. And I got the head coach job."

Janke takes over for Neil VanLengen.

Janke says key returners include Taya VanLengen and Alyssa Coufal.

"We have Alyssa Coufal who will be our setter. She's back, a senior this year. And then we also have Grace Kreikemeier and Courtney Bayer. Courtney Bayer's a new benefit for the team coming in as a defensive specialist. And Taya VanLengen as well. She was a Libero, but we kind of moved her to the outside, and she's going to be pretty good for us to help us out."

Newcomers include Jill Grovijohn at outside and right side hitter, Lexi Brester, Jayda Bazata, Audrey Coufal, and others. Brooklyn Macholan returns as a middle hitter as well.


McKenna Klosen, Tonya Brester, Jessi Brester, Hannah Bayer, Erin Prusa, and Grace Dvorak all graduated last year.

Coach Janke certainly has a lot of talented girls to work with, and even though numbers are kind of low I fully expect the Jaguars to have success.

Janke has worked with these girls the past few years and that should really help.

I think the transition from Coach VanLengen to Coach Janke will be a smooth one.

If Howells-Dodge can play up to their potential night in and night out I think great things can happen for this team.

The Jaguars lost Madyson Cech to a torn ACL so they will definitely miss her height as they will be a pretty small team, but Howells-Dodge just simply has to have different girls step up on a nightly and game-by-game basis.

If anything the Jaguars have to rally around the injury of Cech and go on to have the type of season they are capable of having.

Howells-Dodge has to work hard and come to practice with a positive and I can do attitude each time out.

If the Jaguars do that then they can do anything they put their minds to.

Season Outlook:

Howells-Dodge gets their season started on August 29th against Oakland-Craig at home.

Janke says the team is working on being a more cohesive unit.

"For us it's a lot about team bonding. We are working a lot on communication, which is one as a team we agreed that needed to get better. Just communicating with each other and not getting frustrated and having a positive attitude. And I think as far as that's gone we've done a pretty good job of overcoming that."

Team bonding activities off the court are important as well I feel.

Having a game night or a team dinner at players' homes if the team doesn't do that already are both good team bonding activities, in my opinion.

The Jaguars have a lot of work to do this season, but there's no doubt Howells-Dodge can be successful if they work hard and learn each and every time out.

I feel the schedule sets up very nicely for the Jaguars.

The toughest part of the schedule is towards the end of the season, but by that time Howells-Dodge should be playing their best Volleyball.

I think it will be important for the Jaguars to stay healthy, although that goes for any team really.

But especially Howells-Dodge because they are low on numbers compared to years past.

The Jaguars have to be hungry and have to play with a winning mentality every time they take to the floor.

Howells-Dodge has to put fear into their opponents and be the type of team no one wants to play.

The Jaguars have to bring it night in and night out and not have any off nights if at all possible.

Howells-Dodge has to bring the lunch pail to the gym for every practice or match, and be serious, yet have fun at the same time.

The Jaguars have to play smart, but aggressive Volleyball, and pick and choose their spots to attack or set something up for the next play.

Howells-Dodge has to get fired up each time they play the game, and come to practice and matches excited, motivated, and highly energetic.

2019 Howells-Dodge Jaguars Volleyball Schedule:

08/29/19 Oakland-Craig
     08/31 (To Be Determined) Winside Quad (4-Team Round Robin) Winside
09/03/19 Clarkson/Leigh
09/10/19 Pender Triangular (host: Howells-Dodge)
09/10/19 Emerson-Hubbard Triangular (host: Howells-Dodge)
     09/14 (To Be Determined) Howells-Dodge Tournament (4-Team Round Robin) Howells-Dodge
09/17/19 @ Wakefield-Allen
09/19/19 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS)
09/24/19 @ Lutheran High Northeast
09/26/19 Pender Triangular (host: Cedar Bluffs)
09/26/19 Cedar Bluffs Triangular (host: Cedar Bluffs)
10/01/19 Wisner-Pilger Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
10/01/19 BRLD Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
10/05-10/05 (To Be Determined) Clarkson-Leigh Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Clarkson
10/08/19 @ Stanton
     10/12 (To Be Determined) Humphrey-LHF Round Robin (4-Team Round Robin) Humphrey
10/17-10/19 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conf. VB Tour. (2/3-Day Tournament) Pender High School
10/22/19 North Bend Central
10/24/19 Tekamah-Herman

West Point-Beemer looking for Black to lead team to successful season

Team: West Point-Beemer

Mascot: Cadets

Colors: Red and White

Class: C-1

Head Coach: Scott Black (1st season)

2018 record: 17-15 (lost to Wahoo at Sub-State)

Returning Starters: 2


Overview:

West Point-Beemer has a new Volleyball Coach in Scott Black. Black comes to West Point from Iowa, where he spent nearly a decade as Head Coach of a Sioux City area high school.

"I have coached at Sergeant Bluff-Luton, 9 years experience as a Head Volleyball Coach. I've also coached JV and Freshman as well as AAU and USA Volleyball, so I've worked with all grade levels at Sergeant Bluff over 9 seasons. We amassed 180 career victories, and look to continue that at West Point."

Black takes over for Conley Straight, who accepted a position with McCook.

Black inherits a team that went 17-15 last year, and returns some key players from that team.

"We return Sidney Swanson, a junior outside hitter. Had over 300 kills last year. As well as Brooklyn Weddle, she played Libero last year. We're going to look at some different options for her. And Rachel Groth and Rachel's sister Katie will likely play middle. And then Jadyn Meiergerd as an outside hitter, and Katie Rainforth as our setter."

Black says top newcomers include Diana Cervantes at Libero and sophomore Emily Oligmueller at Outside Hitter.

The Cadets graduated Ashton Troyer, Andrea Hoffman, Abby Kaup, Rebecca Weddell, Brooke Haase, Kendra Paasch, and Sierra Kile.

Black is assisted by Emily Filsinger and Taylor Shepard.

"I am really blessed. Taylor Shepard of course is West Point's Head Girls Basketball Coach. And she brings a really good connection with the girls. And then we have Emily Filsinger...Emily was a College Volleyball Player at Hastings College. And so her knowledge of the game. And I would say that both of my assistant coaches have been very positive and very helpful during this transition."

The Cadets begin the year at the Stanton Triangular on August 29th against Battle Creek and the host Mustangs.

Black says the team will likely run a perimeter defense and a 6-2 or 5-1 system.

I feel West Point-Beemer has a chance to do a lot of winning this season, especially given Black's background.

He is a proven winner, having won 180 games at Sergeant Bluff-Luton, and I think he will fit in very well and do just fine at West Point-Beemer.

The Cadets did lose a lot of talent, but I feel there is a lot returning and a lot to work with.

Season Outlook:

I feel when looking at West Point-Beemer's schedule that there are a lot of traditional powers on it that lost a lot of players to graduation last year.

I feel the Cadets have a chance to win a lot of matches this year, and do even better than they did last year.

I thought Coach Straight did a nice job building this program into a contender, and now I think Coach Black can take things to the next level.

When talking about the East Husker Conference, I feel North Bend Central and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder will both be very good.

I think teams like Clarkson/Leigh and Stanton have a lot of question marks being as they both lost a load of talented seniors.

BRLD should be solid, and I think Wisner-Pilger should be a top contender as well.

The conference is pretty wide open I feel though so it will be interesting to see what happens in the conference race.

I don't think there's any doubt the Cadets want to get back to Sub-State and make state.

This is a team and a program that can and wants to play for championships, state berths, and ultimately state titles, there's no doubt about that.

And I feel Coach Black is the coach to take this program to State.

There's a lot of work to be done between now and November, but if these girls work hard and put the time in during the course of the season they should be a successful group.

I would imagine there will be some adjusting and getting used to things so don't be surprised if the Cadets start off a little slow, but I think you will see West Point-Beemer hit their stride and make a run starting midseason.

The sky is the limit for the Cadets as far as I'm concerned, and these girls have to dream big and be ready to accomplish big things.

Playing hard, smart, fundamental Volleyball is key in my mind.

Not beating themselves and making more plays and working harder than their opponents could make all the difference for West Point-Beemer this year I feel.

2019 West Point-Beemer Cadets Volleyball Schedule:

08/29/19 Battle Creek Triangular (host: Stanton)
08/29/19 Stanton Triangular (host: Stanton)
09/03/19 Boone Central/Newman Grove
09/05-09/07 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Volleyball Classic (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner-Pilger/Pender
09/10/19 @ Wisner-Pilger
09/12/19 Schuyler Triangular (host: Twin River)
09/12/19 Twin River Triangular (host: Twin River)
09/17/19 Tekamah-Herman
09/19/19 @ Madison
09/24/19 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS) Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)
09/24/19 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)
09/26/19 @ North Bend Central
09/28-09/28 (To Be Determined) Elkhorn Valley Volleyball Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Elkhorn Valley
10/01/19 Arlington Triangular (host: Wayne)
10/01/19 Wayne Triangular (host: Wayne)
10/03/19 Norfolk Catholic -
10/08/19 Douglas County West Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)
10/08/19 Oakland-Craig Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)
10/17-10/19 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conf. VB Tour. (2/3-Day Tournament) Pender High School
10/21/19 @ South Sioux City
10/21/19 @ South Sioux City