Pender looking for improvement in 2016

Team: Pender

Mascot: Pendragons

Colors: Red and White

Class: D-1

Head Coach: Melissa Hansen (2nd season)

2015 record: 9-22

Returning Starters: 5

Overview:

The Pender Pendragons are hoping to be better in 2016 than they were in 2015.

Pender returns a good amount of talent in returning starters Hallie Ballinger (Middle, Senior, 6'), Cecilee Jacobsen (Middle, Senior, 6'), Haylie Roberts (Outside, Senior, 5'8"), Kamryn Anderson (Setter, Senior, 5"5), and Rylee Lehmkuhl, (Libero Sophomore, 5"5').

Here is the Pendragons' projected starting lineup:

Hallie Ballinger
Cecilee Jacobsen
Kamryn Anderson
Sadie Lamplot
Haylie Roberts
Cierra Kirkland/ Brittni Beckman (Not sure on this spot yet)

Pender will have to replace Justice Sorenson and Sarah Schopke, who graduated last year.

The Pendragons don't have any freshmen on the team so don't expect any newcomers to make an impact on Pender's season this year.

That's good and bad news for the Pendragons, in my opinion. It's okay this year that Pender has to rely on veteran players to step up and get the job done, but it's not good for things a couple years down the road.

Head Coach Melissa Hansen says this season has the potential to be really good. "If we play as a team and work together, we could have a great season."

Teams are generally better in a coach's second season than first. Hansen says her and her team are on the same page. "I know my roles as a head coach and the girls know what I expect."

I think the Pendragons will be better this year than they were last year.

Pender struggled the first half of last year, but played better volleyball the second part of the season. I think there are many positives the Pendragons can take from that stretch of volleyball and apply it to this season.

I don't see why Pender can't win 15-20 matches if everything falls into place. The Pendragons are certainly a capable team with some talented players.

I look for Pender to be very competitive this year, and push most if not all of the teams on their schedule.

I think the Pendragons have the potential to double their win total from last year, at the very least.


Season Outlook:

The schedule has its challenges for Pender, but there appears to be a lot of winnable matches on the schedule for the Pendragons as well.


Pender's toughest matches appear to be against North Bend Central, Stanton, Wisner-Pilger, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Tekamah-Herman, BRLD, Oakland-Craig, West Point-Beemer, and Howells-Dodge.

The Pendragons definitely have their work cut out for them in some matches, but there are other matches that don't appear to be as difficult.

With that said, Pender has to play with the same effort and intensity level against all teams.

The Pendragons have GACC in their sub district, and should Pender play the Bluejays, they're going to need all the firepower they can get.

Other teams in Sub District D1-4 include Emerson-Hubbard, Clarkson/Leigh, and Walthill.

Hansen says her team expects to be better than they have been before.

She also says it was a good offseason. "Went well. Girls worked hard in the offseason. Won a team camp!"

I look for Pender's offseason work to pay off in the long run this year, but the Pendragons will be challenged right off the bat against the likes of GACC and Wisner-Pilger, should they play them in the Northeast Nebraska Classic, and North Bend Central.

If Pender can beat the teams they're supposed to, win the close matches, and spring a couple of upsets, it could end up being a fine season for the Pendragons.

A lot hinges on those close matches though, in my opinion. Win those close matches and it's probably a pretty successful season. Lose them and it could be a somewhat frustrating season.

We will see what Pender can do this year.

2016 Pender Pendragons Volleyball Schedule:

09/01-09/03    (To Be Determined)                       Northeast Nebraska Classic (2/3-Day Tournament)    Wisner/Pender
09/06/16    North Bend Central                             Triangular (host: North Bend Central)   
09/06/16    Emerson-Hubbard                               Triangular (host: North Bend Central)   
09/13/16    @ Logan View        
09/15/16    @ Wakefield            
09/15/16    @ Wakefield            
09/20/16    Stanton                                                Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)   
09/20/16    Wisner-Pilger                                      Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)   
09/26/16    Scribner-Snyder            
09/27/16    @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family            
09/29/16    Emerson-Hubbard                               Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)   
09/29/16    Neligh-Oakdale                                   Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)   
10/01-10/01    (To Be Determined)                       Clarkson/Leigh Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Clarkson
10/04/16    Tekamah-Herman            
10/11/16    @ Homer       
10/13-10/15    (To Be Determined)                      East Husker Conference (2/3-Day Tournament)    Wisner
10/18/16    @ BRLD        
10/20/16    Oakland-Craig            
10/24/16    Clarkson/Leigh        
10/25/16    West Point-Beemer                            Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)   
10/25/16    Howells-Dodge                                  Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer

Scribner-Snyder looking for big season

Team: Scribner-Snyder

Mascot: Trojans

Colors: Red and White

Class: D-2

Head Coach: Shelly Schulenberg (52-77 career record)

2015 record: 8-25

Returning Starters: 7

Overview:

The Scribner-Snyder Trojans return a lot of talent off last year's team that struggled to an 8-25 record.

7 starters return for Head Coach Shelly Schulenberg, and they are Savanah Miller (5’8”   OH   Senior), MacKenzy Schreck (5’8”  MH  Senior), Nicole Boyle (5’7”  S   Junior),  Kaylee Boyle  (5’8”   OH   Junior), MicKayla Mandel  (5’8”    RS    Senior), Ronnie Litz (5’8”    MH   Senior), and Daria Risch (5’4”    DS    Senior).

These seven returning starters also make up Scribner-Snyder's starting lineup this year.

The Trojans won five out of their last seven matches to end last season.

Schulenberg says the players used that momentum this summer. "We did have a great ending to our season and that carried over into our summer league and summer team camps. The girls are excited and ready to play and finish each match."

7 of Scribner-Snyder's matches went the distance in 2015, but the Trojans lost 6 of them. Schulenberg says her team wants to get things turned around this season. "We struggled to finish matches last year. We had several games that we should have won. We dominated the 1st set in some of the games and then just didn’t finish losing in 3. The girls are determined to have a successful season and having all the starters back is a good thing. We are still lacking in height but they are determined to have success this year. We are looking for be a force this year."

I think Scribner-Snyder is definitely capable of having a better season this year than they did last year.

Having a lot of starters back really helps, and I think the experience the Trojans return will help them win more matches this season.

I think you'll see this veteran team find ways to be more competitive in matches and push some of the stronger teams on their schedule.

Scribner-Snyder won't be the tallest team on the floor in many cases, but often times smaller teams are quick and athletic.

I think 15-20 wins is definitely attainable for this team. Scribner-Snyder has a good blend of juniors and seniors, and that should help them be more successful this year than they were last year.

I'm really interested to see if the momentum gained at the end of last year carries over to this year.

I think this season has the potential to be pretty good for the Trojans.

Season Outlook:

Scribner-Snyder looks to improve upon last year's 8 wins. Schulenberg says her team has to work together to get back to double digit wins. "With hard work and dedication. If the girls want to win, they will but they have to work as a team and not individuals. If we play taller teams, we will just need to play better defense."

The Trojans won 14 games in 2014.

Schulenberg says the team is excited to work together and see if they can push some of the teams on their schedule. "Success and unity among the players. Challenging our opponents and playing until the end."

Scribner-Snyder has a difficult schedule, facing the likes of Cedar Bluffs, Howells-Dodge, and Oakland-Craig right off the bat.

Other tough matches include BRLD, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Mead, Stanton, West Point-Beemer, Tekamah-Herman, and Wisner-Pilger.

I think the Trojans will win their fair share of matches this year, but exactly how many remains to be seen. Schulenberg hopes her team's hard work leads to great results on the court. "The girls thus far have been working hard during conditioning and have great attitudes. All the girls this year have potential and that is a positive motivator for everyone. We have some younger girls that will push for positions and that is a good thing. The team wants to be able to compete in all of our matches and finish the season with good results and confidence that we can play with any team on our schedule."

Scribner-Snyder is in Sub District D2-2 with Humphrey St. Francis, Mead, and Cornerstone Christian. I really think the Trojans are capable of winning the sub district and getting to a district final.

This appears to be the year for Scribner-Snyder so we will see what they can do. If the Trojans can win a good number of their matches and have a breakout season this year, a foundation could be laid for success for years to come.

This season is all about winning and building a winning foundation for Scribner-Snyder Volleyball.

This is the year to win and get the job done. It's time for the Trojans to rise up and have a successful season.

All the tools are in place for great things to happen, it's simply a matter of going out there and making it happen.

2016 Scribner-Snyder Trojans Volleyball Schedule:


09/06/16    Cedar Bluffs                                 Triangular (host: Howells-Dodge)   
09/06/16    Howells-Dodge                            Triangular (host: Howells-Dodge)   
09/08/16    @ Oakland-Craig            
09/10-09/10    (To Be Determined)                St. Edward Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    St. Edward
09/13/16    @ Clarkson/Leigh        
09/20/16    BRLD       
09/22/16    Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family        
09/24-09/24    (To Be Determined)                 Scribner-Snyder Inv (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Scribner
09/26/16    @ Pender            
09/27/16    @ Winside       
10/04/16    Archbishop Bergan            
10/06/16    Mead   
10/11/16    Stanton                                           Triangular (host: Scribner-Snyder)   
10/11/16    West Point-Beemer                        Triangular (host: Scribner-Snyder)   
10/13-10/15    (To Be Determined)                 East Husker Conference (2/3-Day Tournament)    Wisner
10/18/16    Archbishop Bergan                       Triangular (host: Tekamah-Herman)   
10/18/16    Tekamah-Herman                         Triangular (host: Tekamah-Herman)   
10/20/16    Logan View                                   Triangular (host: Logan View)   
10/20/16    Wisner-Pilger                                Triangular (host: Logan View)   
10/25/16    Omaha Christian Academy           Triangular (host: Weeping Water)   
10/25/16    Weeping Water                              Triangular (host: Weeping Water)

West Point-Beemer looking for success in 2016

Team: West Point-Beemer

Mascot: Cadets

Colors: Red and White

Class: C-1

Head Coach: Monica Wiehn (1st season)

2015 record: 15-14

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The West Point-Beemer Cadets are under new leadership as Monica Wiehn takes over for Bill Frank. Wiehn comes from Ainsworth, where she spent time as an assistant and Head Coach.

Three starters return for Coach Wiehn, and they are Bethany Anderson (Sr., 5'11, MH), Makenna Weddle (Jr., 5'5, OH/S), and Lizbeth Inzunza (Jr., 5'5, Libero).

Here is West Point-Beemer's projected starting lineup:

Bethany Anderson (Sr., 5'11, MH)

Brittney Hinkel (Jr., 5'7, MH)

Lizbeth Inzunza (Jr., 5'5, Libero)

Leigh Jahnke (Jr., 5'5, OH)

Nicole Mitzel (Jr., 5'7, S/H)

Katie Pilakowski (Jr., 5'7, S/H)

Makenna Weddle (Jr., 5'5, OH/S)

Wiehn feels there are a number of newcomers that could make an impact, and they are Katie Pilakowski, Brittney Hinkel, Leigh Jahnke and Nicole Mitzel.

The Cadets will have to overcome the loss of a couple of standout players in Amanda Hansen and Taylor Weddle.

West Point-Beemer has hovered around the .500 mark the last two seasons. Wiehn says her team has to be tough and aggressive to get over the hump this year. "Hard work in practice, communication and enthusiasm. We need to play our side of the court and play aggressive volleyball. Strong net play, aggressive/strategic serving along with mental toughness."

One thing teams can control is their effort, and West Point-Beemer has to play with tremendous pride, passion, and toughness to be good and competitive this year, in my opinion.

I think there's a lot of potential in this team, it's just going to be a matter of how bad they want it and how hard they are willing to work.

It's always hard to know how things are going to go in a coach's first year, but I think the Cadets can win this year and compete in their sub district.

West Point-Beemer has had some success the last couple of years, and would no doubt love to build on the positives that came out of 2014 and 2015.

There's a lot for the Cadets to build on, and things to look back on that can make West Point-Beemer a strong and competitive team this season.

The Cadets just have to want it more than their opponent, and must be committed to excellence and building a winning foundation and tradition for years to come.


Season Outlook:

West Point-Beemer appears to have many winnable matches on the schedule this year, but a lot of difficult matchups as well.

The Cadets open up the season on Tuesday, September 6th at home against Wisner-Pilger.

Other tough matches on the schedule include contests against Tekamah-Herman, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, North Bend Central, Arlington, Wayne, Oakland-Craig, Stanton, Boone Central/Newman Grove, and Howells-Dodge.

West Point-Beemer certainly has their work cut out for them, but in order to be the best you have to beat the best, and the Cadets will no doubt have that on their minds as they approach those difficult matches.

Wiehn says this team's attitude and willingness to improve has been really good. "It's a new team with little varsity experience, but they have a lot of enthusiasm and strong work ethic. The girls have spent a lot of the off season in the weight room and conditioning as well as involvement in team/individual camps. Our student athletes have been putting in strong practices working on fundamentals and are eager to try new things in preparation for their first game."

Success always starts in the offseason with the weight room and camps, and West Point-Beemer appears to be doing the right things to become a better than average team.

Wiehn lays out this season's expectations. "It's a tough conference, but we look to be very competitive within each match. The girls have high expectations of themselves and their teammates and are intending on having a winning record."

I look for the Cadets to grow and improve as the season progresses. I think you will see West Point-Beemer playing their best volleyball at the end of the regular season.

The Cadets are in Sub District C1-6 with the likes of North Bend Central, Tekamah-Herman, Logan View, and Winnebago.

North Bend Central figures to be tough, but we'll see where West Point-Beemer stands at the end of the regular season.

2016 West Point-Beemer Cadets Volleyball Schedule:

09/06/16    Wisner-Pilger        
09/08/16    Twin River                                    Triangular (host: Twin River)   
09/08/16    Schuyler                                        Triangular (host: Twin River)   
09/13/16    @ Tekamah-Herman            
09/15/16    Madison       
09/17-09/17    (To Be Determined)                  Stanton Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Stanton
09/20/16    Logan View                                     Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)   
09/20/16    Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family    Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)   
09/22/16    North Bend Central            
09/27/16    Arlington                                          Triangular (host: Wayne)   
09/27/16    Wayne                                               Triangular (host: Wayne)   
09/29/16    @ Norfolk Catholic        
10/04/16    Douglas County West                       Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)   
10/04/16    Oakland-Craig                                   Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)   
10/08-10/08    (To Be Determined)                     Wisner-Pilger Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Wisner
10/11/16    Stanton                                               Triangular (host: Scribner-Snyder)   
10/11/16    Scribner-Snyder                                 Triangular (host: Scribner-Snyder)   
10/13-10/15    (To Be Determined)                      East Husker Conference (2/3-Day Tournament)    Wisner
10/18/16    @ Boone Central/Newman Grove     
10/25/16    Pender                                                Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)   
10/25/16    Howells-Dodge                                  Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)

GACC looking for another stellar season

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: D-1

Head Coach: Kate Hagemann (3rd season)

2015 record: 31-3 (finished 3rd at state)

Returning Starters: 2

Overview:

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays look for another fine season in volleyball as they drop down to Class D-1.

Two starters return for third year Head Coach Kate Hagemann, and they are Maddie Knobbe (6'2 Sr MB) and Kali Stratman  (5'5 Jr S).

According to Hagemann, Knobbe is the only player that has already earned a starting spot.

GACC has plenty of girls to replace, including Leah Bracht, Sarah Arduser, Breanne Kreikemeier, Katie Steuter, Morgan Bracht, Kate Knobbe, and Sara Wordekemper.

The Bluejays were hit hard by graduation, but I would say GACC still has a chance to be really good, especially since they dropped down to D-1.

Hagemann says there's quite a few unproven newcomers on the team. "I believe we have a solid freshmen class, but they have a lot to learn and will need to prove they can compete at the varsity level."

GACC certainly hopes to simply reload, and continue their winning ways this season. Hagemann hopes this young team puts themselves in a position to be successful, especially at the end of the season. "Our goal is to always be playing our best volleyball at the end of the year. Our team will look a lot different this year after graduating 7 seniors who all contributed last year. I think we have enough talent on the team to be a good team, but it will depend on how hard the girls want to work to achieve our goals."

It will be interesting to see if the Bluejays can save their best for last, and make a run at the state tournament. I would say there's a good chance they can. Hagemann says her team is simply focused on themselves. "We don't spend much time on thinking about if we are a team to beat. We have a lot of work to do and a lot to learn. We will be young, but if we can learn to be consistent we could be a tough team. I am excited because I think the room for growth and improvement on this team is huge. Whether we can accomplish that is still to be determined. I am not as familiar with D-1 teams yet, but right now we are focused on what is going on on our side of the net."

GACC has had a great deal of success under Hagemann and before so I don't think there's any doubt the Bluejays will continue to improve as the season goes along and be a better team at the end of the season than they are at the beginning.

I don't know if GACC will be as dominant as they have been the last couple of years, but I still fully expect the Bluejays to be a conference and state tournament contender.

Teams like GACC always find a way to figure things out, and I'm sure it will be no different with this team. It might take a little time for new players to get used to varsity volleyball and know their roles, but once those two things happen don't be surprised if the Bluejays get on a roll.

Season Outlook:

Yes GACC is a D-1 team this year, but the Bluejays still play almost all C-1 and C-2 schools.

GACC plays tough teams like Wayne, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Boone Central/Newman Grove, Arlington, Oakland-Craig, Bishop Neumann, Hartington Cedar Catholic, Wisner-Pilger, Crofton, and Pierce.

The schedule appears to be what could be considered murderers row. And if there's ever a year where the Bluejays might lose more matches than usual, this is it.

Hagemann says her squad is not a state championship team at the moment, and explains what it's going to take to be one. "It takes a lot of hard work, commitment, selflessness, talent, and a little luck to win a title. We don't focus on the outcome. We are focused on the process to get there. Right now we are not a state championship level team. The challenge will be can we be in November."

The run towards a state title will begin in late October or early November when GACC begins sub-district play.

The Bluejays are in the D1-4 Sub District with Pender, Clarkson/Leigh, Emerson-Hubbard, and Walthill.

There's a long way until the postseason, and GACC just has to take things one match at a time and improve throughout the regular season. As Hagemann says, they always want to be playing their best volleyball at the end of the season.

Hagemann says she is ready to see what this team can become. "I am excited about this year. We have a lot of young kids in the gym. With that there is a lot of teaching and coaching that gets to occur. Like I said before this year has a enormous chance for improvement over the course of the year. It will be exciting to see where we are in November. We have the potential to be tough, but it is still to be determined if we can reach our potential."

The Bluejays open up the year next Thursday in the Northeast Nebraska Shootout, playing the likes of Wisner-Pilger and Pender.

2016 GACC Bluejays Volleyball Schedule:

09/01-09/03    (To Be Determined)        Northeast Nebraska Classic (2/3-Day Tournament)    Wisner/Pender
09/06/16    Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family            
09/08/16    @ Boone Central/Newman Grove            
09/13/16    @ Wayne       
09/15/16    O'Neill       
09/20/16    Homer       
09/22/16    Arlington        Triangular (host: Arlington)   
09/22/16    Oakland-Craig                Triangular (host: Arlington)   
09/27/16    Bishop Neumann        
09/29/16    Hartington Cedar Catholic        
10/04/16    Battle Creek   
10/06/16    Lutheran High Northeast Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)   
10/06/16    Wisner-Pilger               Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)   
10/11/16    @ Pierce            
10/13/16    @ Crofton        
10/17/16    @ Aquinas Catholic            
10/18/16    @ Norfolk Catholic            
10/24-10/27    (To Be Determined)        Mid State Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament)    Battle Creek/Pierce
10/24-10/27    (To Be Determined)        Mid State Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament)    Battle Creek/Pierce

Stanton finishes as State Runner-Up

The Stanton Mustangs made a deep run in the State Tournament this past weekend, advancing all the way to the state title match before losing 3-0 to Hastings St. Cecilia.

Stanton defeated Crofton 3-2 on Thursday at Lincoln Southwest, and Shelby/Rising City 3-2 on Friday in the semifinals at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The Mustangs took on the Hawkettes on Saturday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Stanton took set one from the Warriors 26-24. Crofton won set two 25-20 before the Mustangs won set three 25-20. The Warriors took set four 25-19 before Stanton earned a 15-12 win in set five.

Chantelle Christensen had a game-high 18 kills while Jessie Brandl recorded 11 kills and 25 digs. Hiliary Huss finished with 9 kills, 17 digs, and 20 set assists. Bree Burtwhistle added 8 kills, 12 digs, and 26 set assists while MacKenzie Brandl notched 25 digs.

The Huskies took set one from Stanton 25-22. The Mustangs won set two 25-23 and set three 26-24. Shelby/Rising City won set four 25-21, but Stanton won the fifth and decisive set 15-13.

Huss finished with 22 kills, 16 digs, and 25 set assists. Jessie Brandl had 15 kills and 15 digs while Burtwhistle recorded 10 kills, 14 digs, and 31 set assists. Christensen added 8 kills while MacKenzie Brandl and Leah Arens totaled 37 and 10 digs, respectively.

Hastings St. Cecilia won sets one and three 25-13, and won the middle set 25-21.

Jessie Brandl and Huss notched 7 kills apiece while MacKenzie Brandl totaled 17 digs. Jessie Brandl recorded 10 digs while Burwhistle registered 9 digs and 9 set assists. Huss had 13 set assists.

The Mustangs had a very good showing for it being the first time they had ever made the state tournament in school history.

Stanton no doubt would have loved to have won the state championship, but just getting there was quite the accomplishment.

The Mustangs finish the 2015 campaign with a 33-4 record.

It was a fantastic season for Stanton, who pretty much ran the table from the start to the finish of the season.

Sure the Mustangs were challenged at times and took their lumps, but overall Stanton was dominant throughout the course of the season.

Each and every one of these players and coaches should be proud of what they accomplished this season. They made history.

Huss led the team in kills with 334 while Jessie Brandl was the team leader in ace serves with 54. Christensen had a team-high 78 blocks while MacKenzie Brandl finished with 794 digs. Burtwhistle led the way in set assists with 490.

The Mustangs lose Madison Kleinschmidt, Huss, Arens, Christensen, Ali Wade, and Alex Oestreich to graduation.

These six seniors were great contributors to this year's team and past teams, and certainly made their mark on this program.

They certainly set a foundation for success, and played one of the best teams if not the best team in school history.

MacKenzie Brandl, Burtwhistle, and Jessie Brandl figure to be the top returners for Stanton next season.

There's a lot of production to replace, but I look for new players to emerge and leave their mark on this program in 2016.

I suspect the Mustangs will be a force to be reckoned with once again next season.

Guardian Angels Central Catholic finishes third at state

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays finished third at the state tournament this past weekend, sweeping Arcadia-Loup City 3-0 in the first round at Lincoln Southwest on Thursday, losing 3-1 to Hastings St. Cecilia in the semifinals at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday, and beating Shelby/Rising City 3-0 on Saturday in the third place game.

GACC defeated the Rebels 25-17 in set one, 25-8 in set two, and 25-10 in set three.

Maddie Knobbe finished with 13 kills to lead the team while Breanne Kreikeimeier and Katie Steuter registered 8 kills apiece. Morgan Bracht totaled 7 kills and 17 digs. Steuter led the way with 25 digs while Kreikemeier and Kate Knobbe added 11 and 10, respectively. Kali Stratman recorded 7 digs and 16 set assists while Sara Wordekemper dished out 14 set assists.

The Bluejays took set one from the Hawkettes 25-15, but lost the next three sets 25-21, 25-23, and 25-14.

Steuter finished with 14 kills and 28 digs while Kreikemeier and Maddie Knobbe notched 11 apiece. Bracht led the way with 35 digs while Kreikemeier and Kate Knobbe totaled 20 and 19, respectively. Sarah Arduser added 17 digs while Stratman notched 16 digs and 14 set assists. Wordekemper led the way in set assists with 24.

GACC defeated the Huskies 25-21 in set one, 26-24 in set two, and 25-20 in set three.

Maddie Knobbe registered 11 kills while Kreikemeier totaled 8 kills, 7 blocks, and 9 digs. Bracht posted 7 kills and 17 digs while Steuter came in with 21 digs. Kate Knobbe and Stratman notched 12 digs apiece. Stratman added 19 set assists.

The Bluejays didn't reach their goal of winning the state championship, but GACC still had a good state tournament and showed they were one of the top teams in the state.

The Bluejays end the year 31-3.

It was a great run for GACC, who dominated throughout much of the season.

I think the Bluejays pretty much maximized their potential, and played as well as they could have throughout the season.

It takes a lot of hard work and determination to do what GACC did, yet the Bluejays were there ready to play hard night in and night out.

GACC ran the table, and earned the best seed possible at the state tournament.

Maddie Knobbe led the Bluejays in kills this season with 372. Kreikemeier finished with a team leading 67 ace serves. Maddie Kobbe also led GACC in blocks with 159. Steuter was the digs leader with 593. Stratman had 515 set assists to lead the team.

GACC graduates quite a bit of talent, including Wordekemper, Kreikemeier, Steuter, Kate Knobbe, Arduser, and Leah Bracht.

These six seniors meant a lot to Bluejay volleyball this season and in seasons past, and their contributions should not soon be forgotten.

Maddie Knobbe and Stratman are the only two players with a lot of varsity experience returning for GACC next season.

There's a lot of hard work and player development to be done in the offseason, but look for the Bluejays to be good again next year.

GACC has a winning tradition in sports, and that doesn't change next season. I still expect the Bluejays to have a fine season and be in contention for a state title again.

Howells-Dodge loses in the first round of state to Johnson-Brock

The Howells-Dodge Jaguars saw their season come to an end at the State Tournament on Thursday, losing 3-1 to Johnson-Brock at Lincoln Southeast.

The Eagles won set one 25-12 before Howells-Dodge earned a 25-20 set two win. Johnson-Brock took set three 25-19, and won set four 25-21.

The Jaguars played tough, but not well enough to beat the eventual state champion Eagles.

Howells-Dodge still had a great year though as the Jaguars finish the campaign with a 23-10 record.

The Jaguars had nice wins over North Bend Central, Oakland-Craig (twice), Cedar Bluffs, Elgin Public/Pope John, Tekamah-Herman, Hartington-Newcastle, and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.

Howells-Dodge certainly played a challenging schedule, and I think that helped the Jaguars prepare for the postseason and make their run.

Sure Howells-Dodge had their struggles this year, but the Jaguars stepped up and performed at a high level when it meant the most.

I'm sure Howells-Dodge wishes they could have done better at the state tournament, but Johnson-Brock was simply a team on a mission. The Eagles were not going to be denied.

The Jaguars say goodbye to seniors Mallory Rolf, Caitlin Klosen, Shelby Hegemann, Vanessa Hegemann, Kara Brichacek, and Kelly Cech.

These six seniors meant a lot to Howells-Dodge volleyball this season and in seasons past, and to end their careers at the state tournament, there's no better way to go out.

While the Jaguars lose a good amount of talent, they return a lot of talent as well.

Figuring to lead Howells-Dodge in 2016 will be Macey Kulhanek, Tessa Brester, Hailey Coufal, Kalli Brester, and Sam Brester.

There are certainly other players who could step up and contribute for the Jaguars in 2016, but these five players are the main ones returning.

I definitely feel like Howells-Dodge is capable of making the state tournament again in 2016.