Howells-Dodge starts season 4-1

The Howells-Dodge Volleyball Team is 4-1 on the season so far, losing 3-0 at home to Oakland-Craig Thursday night in the season opener before winning 2-0 over Randolph and Winside, and 2-1 over Hartington-Newcastle at the Winside Quad on Saturday. The Jaguars also won 3-2 at home over Clarkson/Leigh Tuesday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

Howells-Dodge fell 25-19 in set one, 25-16 in set two, and 25-15 in set three to the Knights.

The Jaguars beat the Cardinals 25-16 in set one, and 25-19 in set two.

Cassie Pieper had 14 digs while Lexie Brester totaled 7. Alyssa Coufal added 7 set assists.

Howells-Dodge downed Winside 25-14 in set one and 25-23 in set two.

Hartington-Newcastle won set one 27-25 before the Jaguars took set two 25-16 and set three 25-23.

The Jaguars took set one 25-21 from Clarkson/Leigh before the Patriots took set two 25-22 and set three 30-28. Howells-Dodge rebounded to win set four 25-22 and set five 15-8.

Taya VanLengen had 15 kills and 23 digs while Grace Kreikemeier notched 9 kills and 20 digs. Riley Pokorny added 9 kills and 17 digs while Brooklyn Macholan totaled 8 kills. Coufal recorded 7 kills, 18 digs, and 21 set assists while Brester posted 10 digs and 11 set assists.

Great come from behind win and great start to the season for the Jaguars following the season opening loss to Oakland-Craig.

Howells-Dodge (4-1) is off until Tuesday when they host Emerson-Hubbard and Pender in a Triangular.

The Jaguars should be able to beat both of those teams I would think.

I really feel like Howells-Dodge has a great chance to be 6-1 heading into their own Tournament next Saturday.

If you would of told me the Jaguars would be doing this well at this point in the season I would of questioned you.

I thought with a new coach and breaking some new players in that the season would be a bit slow starting for Howells-Dodge, but that hasn't been the case.

The Jaguars have started the season off fast and quick, and haven't really missed a beat.

We'll see if the long layoff in between games affects Howells-Dodge or not.

I don't think it will as I feel the extra practice time will really help and benefit the Jaguars.

I think Howells-Dodge will be able to use this week to their advantage and rest, prepare, and get ready.

The Jaguars have to practice well and do every drill with confidence in the next week.

I really think Howells-Dodge has an advantage over both of Tuesday's opponents.

The Jaguars are a C-2 team, and are at home.

I think being at home and being the bigger school gives Howells-Dodge the edge, at least mentally.

There's something to be said about playing on your home floor, that's for sure.

So far the Jaguars are playing pretty good Volleyball, and need to keep it up in the early part of the season.

Now is not the time to let up if you are Howells-Dodge.

Be excited and happy with where you are at right now, but remain humble and hungry and want more.

The Jaguars should never be satisfied with where they are at, but instead look to keep getting better and improve.

Clarkson/Leigh falls at Howells-Dodge in season opener

The Clarkson/Leigh Volleyball Team dropped their season opener Tuesday night, falling 3-2 at Howells-Dodge in action heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Jaguars took set one 25-21 before the Patriots took set two 25-22 and set three 30-28. Howells-Dodge rebounded to win set four 25-22 and set five 15-8.

Cassidy Hoffman had 15 kills and 11 digs while Kim Stodola and Kennedy Settje had 9 kills each. Settje added 14 digs while Makenna Held had 12 digs and 35 set assists. Brittany Urbanek and Kayden Schumacher totaled 11 digs apiece.

Great effort from the Patriots. Clarkson/Leigh was up 2-1, but simply couldn't finish the match off and seal the deal.

The Patriots (0-1) host Madison and Stanton (1-1) in a Triangular Thursday night.

I look for Clarkson/Leigh to beat Madison for sure, and possibly the Mustangs.

Stanton has had the Patriots' number though so it doesn't figure to be easy.

The Jaguars are 4-1 so that wasn't a bad loss.

I think if Clarkson/Leigh can figure out how to close out and finish matches they will be just fine.

Sometimes it takes a new and young team a little bit to figure out how to win.

The Patriots were so close Tuesday night, and now they can go into Thursday night's matches hungry, motivated, confident, loose, and relaxed.

Clarkson/Leigh knows they can compete with the best of them, now they just need to go out there and find a way to get the job done.

The Patriots still have a lot of talent, and improving each and every day will only help them as they go along.

The loss to the Jaguars is a tough one as Clarkson/Leigh had Howells-Dodge right where they wanted them.

But you know what, that match is in the past and nothing can be done about it now.

The biggest thing for the Patriots is to bounce back and believe they can win both matches Thursday night.

Beating Stanton would be a really big deal for Clarkson/Leigh, there's no doubt about it.

The Mustangs are a lot like the Patriots in that they still have talent, and are a solid, quality ball club.

Stanton will come ready to play, that much you can pretty much guarantee.

So Clarkson/Leigh has to match the Mustangs' intensity, and be ready to come play a complete match from start to finish.

At no point in the match can the Patriots think or feel they have lost or are defeated.

If Clarkson/Leigh is dealt a certain blow or gets down early, they have to fight back instead of thinking that the match is over.

This is a program and a team that has done really well over the past 2-3 years, and a Triangular sweep Thursday night would get them back on the right track no doubt.

GACC starts season 1-1

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Volleyball Team started the season on Thursday with a 3-1 home win over David City Aquinas before falling 3-0 at home to Norfolk Catholic Tuesday night.

The Monarchs won set one 25-22 before the Bluejays took set two 25-16, set three 25-22, and set four 25-14.

Sophia Hass had 11 kills and 8 digs while Brooklyn Bailey registered 7 kills. Taylor Timmerman added 11 digs while Hanna Knobbe posted 24 set assists.

The Knights took set one 25-17, set two 25-22, and set three 25-23.

Hass had 13 kills and 10 digs while Bailey recorded 9 digs. Knobbe registered 28 set assists.

Not a bad start to the season for the Bluejays. Even in the loss the last two sets were really close.

GACC (1-1) takes on Lutheran High Northeast (2-0) and BRLD (2-0) at the Northeast Nebraska Classic Thursday night.

The Bluejays certainly have their work cut out for them against both teams, but both matches can be wins.

GACC has to come out and play extremely hard and find a way to persevere.

Both opponents appear to be legit and the real deal so beating them doesn't figure to be an easy or small task.

The Bluejays don't have a lot of practice time for either opponent either so GACC has to come out and win these matches on pure grit.

The Bluejays have to be consistent with their offensive attack.

GACC has to hit, pass, block, serve, and serve receive well in order to come out on top.

Limiting service errors and winning the hustle plays and 50/50 balls are all important I would say.

The Bluejays have to come out and play with the heart of a champion, and must want it more than both opponents.

GACC's backs are against the wall a little bit you could say so the Bluejays have to come out and play aggressive and with a little bit of a chip on their shoulder.

GACC has to play hard at all times and must respect both their opponents, which I know they already do.

The Bluejays also have to come out and play with a will and drive to be successful and win.

GACC has to refuse to lose, and must find ways to take and make strides this weekend.

The Bluejays have to find that will and drive to win.

GACC has to use their tradition and winning ways of the past as confidence boosters and mentality type things in both of these matches.

The Bluejays are a tradition rich program, and simply expect to do well and compete at a high level each and every time out.

And that doesn't change Thursday night. GACC expects to do well and win, and play championship Volleyball, there's no doubt about it.

BRLD off to 2-0 start

The BRLD Volleyball Team is 2-0 so far this season, defeating Tekamah-Herman 3-0 on the road Thursday night before winning 3-2 at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Tuesday night.

The Wolverines won set one over the Tigers, 25-22, before taking set two 25-10 and set three 25-16.

Caragan Tietz had 9 kills and 8 blocks while Megan Beutler added 8 blocks. Aubrey Berg had 8 digs while Kinlee Bacon totaled 26 set assists.

BRLD won set one over the Bulldogs, 25-22. HLHF took set two 25-16 before the Wolverines claimed set three 25-17. The Bulldogs won set four 25-15 before BRLD won set five 19-17.

What a great way for the Wolverines to start the season. A nice dominant season opening win before winning a hard fought match in the second match of the season.

BRLD (2-0) battles GACC (1-1) at the Northeast Nebraska Classic Thursday night.

The Bluejays lost 3-0 at home to Norfolk Catholic Tuesday night.

I feel this match is a great and tremendous opportunity for the Wolverines to pick up a win.

GACC is a perennial power, and to knock them off would really be saying something.

It won't be easy though as you know you will get a great and tremendous effort from the Bluejays.

BRLD has to play hard at all times.

If the Wolverines do what they did against Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family I like their chances.

BRLD has a lot of momentum on their side right now, and are playing well in the early part of the season.

The Wolverines have to win the battle at the net and attack Thursday night.

Beutler has to be a force at the net for BRLD.

The Wolverines have to want it more than the Bluejays.

You need to be able to see fire and passion in BRLD's eyes Thursday night.

The Wolverines have to want it so bad that there's no way they're going to be denied.

BRLD has to refuse to lose, and not accept losing as an option.

Winning has to be the only thing on the Wolverines' minds Thursday night.

BRLD is not going to be there to pick up a moral victory, they want to actually win.

The Wolverines picked up a huge win on the road Tuesday night, and must simply keep things going and rolling Thursday night.

BRLD is playing well and clicking on all cylinders right now, and that has to continue for them to continue to win and be successful.

The Wolverines have to come out high flying and ready to play well and hard Thursday night.

BRLD has to smack GACC in the mouth, and set the tone early for the style of Volleyball they're going to play and what is going to be played in the match itself.

Winnebago wins season opener over Emerson-Hubbard

The Winnebago Volleyball Team opened up the season with a 3-1 home win over Emerson-Hubbard Tuesday night.

The Indians won set one 25-15 before the Pirates claimed set two 26-24. Winnebago won set three 25-22, and set four 25-18.

Solid start to the season for the Indians. Anytime you start the season with a win you are doing something right.

Winnebago (1-0) takes part in the Fort Calhoun Invitational on Saturday.

Other teams in the tournament include the host Pioneers, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, and David City.

I'm not sure who the Indians play first, but regardless of who Winnebago plays both days, they need to play at a high level.

The Indians did well Tuesday night I thought, and need to continue to play that way to be successful.

Winnebago struggled in this tournament last year, and needs to find a way to do better in it this year.

Not having a match on Thursday and having some good quality practice time should really help one would think.

The Indians can go back and watch film from Tuesday and see what they did wrong and correct it.

It's all about continual growth and improvement if you are Winnebago, and that's what the Indians need to see and get on Saturday.

Winnebago has to go into Fort Calhoun ready to compete and win.

The Indians can't go in there just thinking they will or hoping to do well.

Winnebago has to expect to win and be successful.

The Indians have to play their game and execute on both sides of the net.

Winnebago has to eliminate or at least minimize unforced errors, and not beat themselves.

The Indians have to make both opponents this weekend earn their points.

Winnebago also has to be tough both physically and mentally.

The Indians have to be solid on both sides of the net, and must get after loose balls....the 50/50 and hustle plays if you may.

Winnebago has to make those plays, and overcome any talent disadvantage they may be facing.

Playing with heart can make up for any talent disadvantage a team or player might be facing.

So the Indians have to play with tremendous heart, and take the fight to both teams on Saturday.

Ideally, Winnebago comes away with an Invitational Championship on Saturday. After all, championships are what you play for.

West Point-Beemer starts season 0-3

The West Point-Beemer Volleyball Team is 0-3 so far this year, falling 2-0 to Battle Creek and Stanton at the Stanton Triangular on Thursday, and then losing 3-1 at home to Boone Central/Newman Grove Tuesday night.

The Cadets lost 25-14 in set one and 25-16 in set two to the Bravettes.

Sidney Swanson had 7 digs while Katie Rainforth notched 8 set assists.

The Mustangs downed West Point-Beemer 25-19 in set one, and 25-22 in set two.

Diana Cervantes posted 13 digs.

The Cadets one set one 25-18 over the Cardinals before BC/NG took set two 25-22, and sets three and four 25-17.

Swanson had 12 kills, 11 digs, and 12 set assists while Brooklyn Weddle registered 8 kills. Jadyn Meiergerd chipped in 11 digs while Rachel Groth had 8. Rainforth recorded 7 digs and 19 set assists.

Very slow start to the season for the Cadets. Hopefully West Point-Beemer is able to pick things up soon.

The Cadets (0-3) take on Wisner-Pilger (1-0) and others in the Northeast Nebraska Classic Thursday through Saturday.

The Gators swept Schuyler 3-0 at home Thursday night.

Definitely not the type of start to the season West Point-Beemer was hoping for or envisioning that's for sure.

It's early though, and the good news is the Cadets have lots of time to get things all squared away and figured out.

I thought West Point-Beemer had good stats against the Cardinals, but the Cadets were simply outmanned in that one it appears.

I thought the match against the Mustangs was respectable, but West Point-Beemer really struggled against the Bravettes.

I do think the Cadets improved from Thursday to Tuesday though as they did take the first set against Boone Central/Newman Grove.

For West Point-Beemer it's all about learning how to close matches and finding ways to win.

The Cadets need to work on responding to adversity, and overcoming tough set losses during matches.

Wisner-Pilger is no joke as they are the real deal so West Point-Beemer has to come ready to play and be ready to go Thursday night.

Things are off to a slow start for the Cadets, but I have no doubt they can right the ship and get things turned around.

West Point-Beemer has had nice seasons the past couple of years, and it's just simply taking time for everyone to adapt and find their way this year.

The Cadets have a new coach, system, and many new faces, and so early struggles aren't surprising given those three things.

West Point-Beemer has to continue to get better though and figure things out.

Those three things are excuses at the end of the day.

The Cadets have to be better than they have been, and I have full confidence that they will be as it's just simply a matter of time.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder starts season 2-0

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Volleyball Team is 2-0 on the young season, defeating Boys Town and Omaha Brownell Talbot 2-0 at their home Triangular on Thursday to open the season.

LVSS beat Brownell Talbot 25-19 in set one and 25-23 in set two.

Dream Daugherty had 8 kills and 14 digs while Reagan Klein had 7 digs and 17 set assists. Emily Lewin and Elizabeth Hull added 7 digs apiece.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder won set one over the Cowboys, 25-9, and took set two 25-12.

Klein led the way with 14 set assists.

Two very good and solid matches for LVSS to open up the season. The Raiders were pretty impressive I would say.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (2-0) hosts DC West (1-0) Thursday night.

The Falcons won 3-0 at home over Conestoga in their opener on Thursday of last week.

The Raiders lost 3-0 at DC West last season, but I feel LVSS is a better team through two matches than they were last year.

I think Logan View/Scribner-Snyder is stronger, more prepared, and more confident heading into this match than they were last year.

I think the way LVSS swept Brownell Talbot and Boys Town last week gives them a lot of confidence heading into this one.

Something has to give though as neither team has dropped a set so far this season.

The Raiders have to come out fired up and ready to smash the ball across the net all night long.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to come out and take it to DC West Thursday night, and show the Falcons that they are for real and the real deal.

Make no mistake about it though, DC West is a very good and solid club.

It's going to take a big and fantastic effort from the Raiders in order for them to win.

The Falcons aren't just going to come into Logan View High School and rollover for LVSS.

The Raiders are going to have to come out and earn their points and everything they get in this one.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder needs Daugherty and others to step up.

The Raiders had good offensive balance against Boys Town I thought, and that needs to continue on Thursday.

LVSS also has the Fort Calhoun Invitational on Saturday so lots of matches coming up this week that the Raiders have had an entire week to prepare for.

I fully expect that Logan View/Scribner-Snyder will come out prepared and ready to go Thursday night and Saturday.

I feel this week is a big opportunity for the Raiders to win more matches and continue to get their name out there as a solid and elite squad.

Beating the Falcons would be incredible, but even if LVSS just takes a set or two from DC West I feel that would be progress, and a positive step or positive steps in the right direction for this team.