GACC looking to build off last year's winning season

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-2

Conference: Mid-State

Head Coach: Kate Hagemann

2019 record: 13-12

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The GACC Volleyball Teams look to build off last year's winning season when they went 13-12.

Returners and key contributors/players include:

Evelyn Wooldrik SR MB 5’10

Erica Engelmeyer JR OH 5’8

Sophia Hass JR OH 5’8

Kassidy Kaup JR OH 5’11

Megan Plagge JR S 5’7

Taylor Timmerman JR MB 5’8

Greta Wooldrik SO MB  5’8

Reese Throener SO OH  5'8 is another player that I feel could make an impact for the Bluejays.

Head Coach Kate Hagemann says it was business as usual in the offseason."The offseason was not much different for GACC. We were able to do our regular lifting and conditioning routine. We usually do basketball in June and volleyball in July. When the NSAA opened up July to camps and open gyms we were able to get in our normal schedule of camps. We felt very lucky with the amount of work we were able to get done in the summer. "

I'm really excited to see what Hass can do this year.

I feel the Bluejays are in the process of getting back to their elite ways, and last year was definitely a positive step in the right direction.

Of course whether or not things stay on track and the season gets completed all depends on the pandemic.

It could alter, affect, interrupt, or shut things down at any moment so GACC has to be ready to adjust to whatever is thrown their way, but let's hope things go as smooth and as normal as possible.

I really hope there is no disruption to the season this year.

It would quite simply be awesome and amazing if we could get through this entire season without anything being altered or cancelled.

That may not happen, but we can always hope that's how things go and turnout.

Overview:

GACC Volleyball looks to continue to make strides towards getting back to the elite level they've been at in the past.

When asked about the NSAA's Decision to move forward with fall sports, Coach Hagemann said GACC is very thankful to have the opportunity to play. "The coaches and players are excited with the NSAA's decision to move forward with fall sports. All extracurriculars are an important part of our students' education and well being. We know that the NSAA has the best interest of students in mind when making their decisions. We also know that it can change at any moment. Nothing is promised this year so we need to make the best of every situation."

The Bluejays have to show how grateful and thankful they are on the court this year as not everyone around the country is this lucky and fortunate.

Hagemann says the kids are chomping at the bit to get back out there and play. "The student athletes are excited and ready to get the opportunity to compete. Missing spring sports was hard on many of them, but it has been good to be able to get work in this summer and get the seasons rolling this fall. The student athletes know it is important to continue to follow the expectations in order to be able to get to compete this year. We are looking forward to competing!"

Hopefully the pandemic doesn't hinder GACC's season and ability to play the sport of Volleyball.

I really feel like the early part of the Bluejays' schedule allows them to be successful.

We'll see what happens later on down the line if we get that far.

GACC opens up the season at David City Aquinas on August 27th.

2020 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays Volleyball Schedule:

08/27/20 @ Aquinas Catholic

09/10/20 @ Boone Central

09/17/20 O'Neill

09/24/20 Arlington Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholic)

09/24/20 Oakland-Craig Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholic)

09/29/20 Bishop Neumann

10/01/20 Hartington Cedar Catholic

10/06/20 Battle Creek

10/08/20 Lutheran High Northeast Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholic)

10/08/20 Wisner-Pilger Triangular (host: Guardian Angels Central Catholic)

10/13/20 @ Pierce

Clarkson/Leigh looking for another successful season

Team: Clarkson-Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, and Gray

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker 

Head Coach: Becky Schneider (9th season) (116-139 career record)

2019 record: 16-16 (Lost to Lutheran High Northeast in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 6

Overview:

The Clarkson/Leigh Volleyball Team looks to build upon last year and make it even better with the return of 6 starters from last year's 16-16 squad.

Back for 9th year Head Coach Becky Schneider is Cassidy Hoffman (6'0, SR MH), Kayden Schumacher (5'8, SR OH), Alissa Kasik (5'5, SR DS), Bailey Lemburg (5'5, SR DS), Kennedy Settje (5'9, JR OH), and Makenna Held (5'9, JR S).

The Patriots certainly bring back a lot of talented and experienced upperclassmen.

Other letterwinners/newcomers include Chloe Hanel (6'0, FR MH), Korbee Went (5'9, SO OH/RS), Tanyn Larson (5'8, FR OH), Sammy McEvoy (6'1, SO MH/RS), and Melissa Bunner (5'9 JR MH/RS).

These are some players who could certainly step up and contribute this year.

Coach Schneider says the offseason required some extra steps given the pandemic. "Our offseason looked a little different this summer due to the pandemic. Our focus wasn't solely on getting bigger, faster, and stronger, we had to also focus on the health and well-being of our athletes! We had to take temps, wash hands, sanitize everything and practice as much social distancing as possible! The other thing that was different was the fact that we limited on our summer matches. Our summer league and a few camps that we had on the schedule were cancelled which totally bummed us out, but we understood why. But even with all the extra precautions and cancellations, we were just really excited that we were able to actually have weight training and open gyms! "

Whether or not the season is played in full this year or not depends on the pandemic.

The Patriots may have to adjust to some things they're not used to if they haven't already.

Let's simply hope that everyone stays healthy and well, and that no one gets sick.

Season Outlook:

Clarkson/Leigh looks to build upon last year's 16-16 record, and get back to the form they were at 2-3 years ago.

Schneider gives this preseason assessment of her team. "We return a lot of our varsity starters, who have really stepped up this summer and have shown a lot of growth and leadership. We do, however, lack depth in varsity experience, but with that being said, we do have an outstanding group of girls who are willing to do what it takes and step up to the challenge in order to fill that depth!"

There certainly seems to be a really good mix of older, experienced players to go along with the incoming young talent.

That definitely sounds like a winning combination to me.

Schneider says the team is thrilled to have the opportunity to play, and hopes the pandemic doesn't cause any issues. "We are ecstatic with NSAA's decision to move forward with fall sports! We are keeping our fingers crossed and saying some prayers that we are able to have a complete season without any interruptions, especially now with the fact that we've had a week of practice. Our girls have worked hard and are hungry for some competitive matches! "

She adds her team is ready to go. "Our girls are chomping at the bit! We have a pretty well-rounded group that love competing and that's all they really want to do!"

I look for Clarkson/Leigh to compete very well and hard this year and have a successful season assuming there aren't any interruptions.

The Patriots open up the season on September 1st when they host Highway 91 rival Howells-Dodge.

2020 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Volleyball Schedule:

09/01/20 Howells-Dodge

09/03/20 Madison Triangular (host: Stanton)

09/03/20 Stanton Triangular (host: Stanton)

09/08/20 @ BRLD

09/10/20 @ Pender

09/17/20 High Plains Community Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)

09/17/20 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)

09/19-09/19 (To Be Determined) Stanton tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Stanton

09/22/20 @ Twin River

09/26-09/26 (To Be Determined) Hampton (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Hampton

09/29/20 Archbishop Bergan

10/01/20 Schuyler

10/03-10/03 (To Be Determined) Clarkson-Leigh Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Clarkson

10/06/20 Shelby/Rising City Triangular (host: Lutheran High Northeast)

10/06/20 Lutheran High Northeast Triangular (host: Lutheran High Northeast)

10/08/20 Humphrey St. Francis

10/10-10/10 (To Be Determined) Wisner-Pilger Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Wisner

10/15-10/17 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) TBA

10/20/20 @ Oakland-Craig

Howells-Dodge hoping talent and experience leads them to big season

Team: Howells-Dodge

Mascot: Jaguars

Colors: Green, Black, and Silver

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker 

Head Coach: Taryn Janke (2nd Season)

2019 record: 18-13 (Lost to Stanton in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Howells-Dodge Volleyball Team returns a lot of talent and experience as they boast the likes of Cassie Pieper (DS 5’4’ 12), Grace Baumert (OH 6’1 10), who is a new transfer and had 326 kills as a freshman, Brooklyn Macholan (MH/RS 5’8" 11), Riley Pokorny (OH 5’8” 12), Jayda Bazada (DS 5’4” 12), Janessa Schmidt (MH 5’9”12), Carly Bayer (MH 5’11" 10), Ellie Baumert (S 6’2” 11), a new transfer and Texas Tech recruit who has 1,419 assists, and Lexie Brester (S/RS 5’7” 12).

What sticks out to me are the new Baumert transfers. They should make a HUGE impact on this team to go along with their experience.

Of course everything depends on the coronavirus pandemic.

Janke says it set her team back, but they've since gotten back into the swing of things. "It was rough not being about to finish out spring competitions but once we got to start back up in July we did not waste any time. We accomplished a lot in a short amount of time and used the camps we were able to attend to our advantage to work out the kinks. Everyone was feeling confident going into the start of Fall season."

Hopefully the pandemic doesn't shut down or affect the season in any way.

Let's hope we get a full season of Volleyball in the State of Nebraska.

If we do, I feel this Howells-Dodge team can and will be very good.

Perhaps even getting back to the State Form they were at 4-5 years ago.

There has to be a lot of excitement around the program given the returning starters and newcomers that's for sure.

Season Outlook:

The Howells-Dodge Volleyball Team looks to have a big and nice season this fall if the coronavirus pandemic doesn't shut things down.

Janke says there's much anticipation for this season to begin. "We are all very excited. This is going to be a great season for the girls (hoping we make it through) and I can't wait for our community and other teams to see how well we have adjusted around everything that is going on. We haven't let it bring us down one bit. I know the girls are anxious to start their season."

Janke adds the pandemic has brought the best out in the girls, many of whom are looking for great things in their senior season. "Being cooped up definitely made them come into summer wanting to work hard. I think with having 8 seniors and knowing they have to take everything day by day, knowing there is a possibility for it to be their last, pushes them to put it all on the court and make their team better. We had a great first week of practice and none of us want to stop there."

The Jaguars certainly appear to have all the tools and pieces in place to make a great run this season.

Let's simply hope Howells-Dodge gets that opportunity.

The Jaguars take on Oakland-Craig on the road on Thursday, August 27th in their season opener.

2020 Howells-Dodge Jaguars Volleyball Schedule:

08/27/20 @ Oakland-Craig

     08/29 (To Be Determined) Howells-Dodge Round Robin (4-Team Round Robin) Dodge

09/01/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh

09/08/20 Tri County Northeast Triangular (host: Pender)

09/08/20 Pender Triangular (host: Pender)

     09/12 (To Be Determined) Howells-Dodge Tournament (4-Team Round Robin) Howells

09/15/20 Wakefield

09/17/20 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS)

09/22/20 Lutheran High Northeast

09/24/20 Cedar Bluffs Triangular (host: Pender)

09/24/20 Pender Triangular (host: Pender)

09/29/20 Madison Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)

09/29/20 BRLD Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)

10/03-10/03 (To Be Determined) Clarkson-Leigh Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Clarkson

10/06/20 Stanton

     10/10 (To Be Determined) Humphrey-Lindsay Holy Family Quad (4-Team Round Robin) Humphrey

10/15-10/17 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) TBA

10/20/20 @ North Bend Central

10/22/20 @ Tekamah-Herman

Wisner-Pilger loses to Superior in first round of State

The Wisner-Pilger Volleyball Team lost 3-1 to Superior in the first round of the Class C2 State Tournament at Lincoln Southwest Thursday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Gators lost set one 26-24 before winning set two 25-21 only to drop set three 25-18 and set four 25-17.

Lily Otten led Wisner-Pilger with 10 kills and two solo blocks, while Karrin Jindra and Rachel Otten each had nine kills. Aspin Waterman added seven. Rachel Otten added three solo blocks, Jindra had 14 digs and Emily Buhrman had 12 digs.

Aid Meyer recorded a double-double with 25 set assists and 12 digs.

Head Coach Jean Groth says her team stepped up to the challenge. "As you saw... the Meyer sisters brought a level of attack that was not matched by anyone on our schedule this year. I felt like the Gators did an excellent job of pressing the ball control of Superior. Knowing that any 'in-system" ball was coming back to us in full force. The team battled throughout the entire match and I was very proud of their performance."

Wisner-Pilger’s season ends at 22-12.

Groth says making state was an amazing feeling. "Representing their school at the State VB Tourney was a great accomplishment for this team. They were filled with pride, and deservingly so."

Rachel Otten led the team with 247 kills on the season while Jindra totaled 330 digs and Buhrman 309.

Meyer led the team in set assists with 463 for the year.

Groth says this year's senior class was special. "We have all heard many times, there is no "I" in TEAM. But there was an "I" in this team... and it was Individualism.  We had 6 seniors this season, and they each had an "individual talent" that made our team successful. They all offered that individual talent to the betterment of the team. Graduation will leave holes, and those holes will need to be filled.  There are Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshman ready to grab that challenge."

Key returners include Meyer, Buhrman, Reagan Scholting, Tymarie Ott, and Lily Otten.

There's a lot of girls returning for the Gators next season, and Wisner-Pilger should have a chance to be good once again.

This year's senior class includes Rachel Otten, Ashley Brahmer, Aspin Waterman, Jindra, and Erin McGuire.

This year's senior class will really be remembered and sorely missed for sure.

It was a very special season for the Gators, and Wisner-Pilger should be very proud of themselves.

Groth looks for this State Tournament berth to carry over some momentum into next year. "Any time your team can experience success at the end of your season, I believe it leaves a fire smoldering for the beginning of the next year."

The Gators will be breaking in many new players and will have some new faces on the floor.

Wisner-Pilger will be young next year, but making state this year should help the Gators next season, especially early on.

This year's senior class has set the bar for future success.

The returning players and newcomers now know what it takes to be successful and get to state.

Wisner-Pilger has to take what they learned from this year and apply it to their offseason workouts and conditioning.

The Gators have to really get after it and take part in as many team and summer camps and summer leagues and open gyms as possible, and have a burning passion in doing so.

Wisner-Pilger knocks off Mead in Sub-State to advance to State

The Wisner-Pilger Volleyball team defeated Mead in four sets on Saturday in David City, winning the C2-6 District Championship and earning a trip to the state tournament in action heard on 107.9 The Bull.

Going into the match, Mead was 23-1 overall and Wisner-Pilger was 21-11.

The Gators won the opening set 25-20.

The second set was a back-and-forth battle, with the Raiders picking up a 26-24 victory.

Wisner-Pilger was hot in the third set, downing Mead 25-18.

Set four was also back-and-forth as Wisner-Pilger overcame an early deficit to defeat Mead 25-23, claiming the match 3-1 and winning the C2-6 District Title.

Rachel Otten had 16 kills while Aspin Waterman totaled 12 kills and 7 digs. Karrin Jindra added 10 kills and 18 digs while Adi Meyer had 8 digs and 27 set assists.

Head Coach Jean Groth says serving and serve receive played a huge factor in the match. "The team served very aggressive. Mead had difficulty passing and that prevented them from getting into their offense. Our receive was strong... we had concern about their jump servers, but our receive was strong and our hitters hit .350."

The Gators improve to 22-11 on the season. They will be the #7 seed in the Class C2 State Tournament this week in Lincoln. They will play #2 Superior in the first round Thursday evening at 5:30. The match will be broadcast on 107.9 The Bull.

Groth says her team is battle tested, and that has paid off for them as they are at state. "It’s rewarding. It’s a recognition of their full body of work this season. The Gators have forged through a very difficult schedule. 10 teams that are at state were on our schedule or at our tourneys this season. 7 out of the team’s 11 losses were to state tournament teams. The Gators are ready for the challenge the state tourney offers!"

The Wildcats have a 6'2 girl who has committed to Nebraska. Groth says her team just has to be themselves and play the game in order to win. "There are 2 Meyer sisters that are excellent attackers. We just have to play our game (aggressiveness and low error) and know they are going to get some amazing swings. We just need to focus on what we can control."

Superior has State experience, and the Gators not having any could be an issue for and hurt Wisner-Pilger.

I think Gators can compete and hang in there and pull the upset, but the Wildcats are a very good team.

Groth says everyone is thrilled to be at State. "The school, the parents and family, and the community have been very supportive of the team. Their excitement for their Gators is “through the roof.”

I think Wisner-Pilger is very happy to be at State, but the team can't get caught up in the awe of being there, they have to play to win.

The Gators beat a very good Mead team to qualify for State, and Wisner-Pilger has to do what they did on Saturday on Thursday as well.

The Gators have played very tough competition all year long, and are prepared for a team like Superior I feel.

Everyone at State and in the field is good though so Wisner-Pilger has to be on top of their game.

The winner gets either GICC or Summerland in the Semifinals on Friday at 3:00 p.m. at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Thursday night's match will be held at Lincoln Southwest High School.

I hope you can all tune in to the Bull to listen to Wisner-Pilger State Volleyball!!!

It's the Gators' first State Tournament appearance since 2010 and their 16th appearance overall.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder loses Sub-State match to St. Paul

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Volleyball Team was swept 3-0 by St. Paul in the C1-1 District Final at Columbus High on Saturday.

The Raiders lost set one 25-14 and sets two and three 25-15.

Emily Lewin had 11 kills while Elizabeth Hull and Dream Daugherty totaled 9 and 8 digs, respectively. Reagan Klein added 17 set assists.

The Wildcats simply overwhelmed LVSS it appears.

The Raiders end the year at 17-15.

It was a good season for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, in my opinion.

The Raiders finished with a winning record in quite some time, and that's a huge deal and accomplishment for this program.

LVSS got to a Sub-State Match, and that's a big deal.

Now the Raiders have to take steps forward in the future and build off this and do even better in the years to come.

Lewin led the team with 300 kills this season while Daugherty had 238.

Daugherty had 309 digs while Lewin had 293. Christianson totaled 240 while Hull registered 218.

Klein dished out 746 set assists.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder says goodbye to Lewin, Taylor Ruwe, Klein, Abbey Hill, Adrian Kroeker, Christianson, and Hull.

These girls meant a lot to the program and will be sorely missed without a doubt.

They accomplished a lot this year and leading up to this year.

The Raiders welcome back Daugherty, Stormy Poast, and Kristal Svehla.

Lots of talent lost to graduation, but some solid pieces to build around for next year.

This year's JV team will have to have players step up and fill voids on varsity next year left by this year's departing seniors.

A lot of new faces figure to see the floor or Logan View/Scribner-Snyder next year, and these players have to work and train hard so they are ready and prepared for next season.

The Raiders need to lift often in the offseason, in addition to taking part in Club Volleyball, open gyms, summer leagues and camps, and team camps.

The returning players and newcomers have a lot of room for growth and improvement this offseason, and need to get after it as often and quickly as possible.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to continue to improve and must take steps forward from this season and build on what they did this year.

Wisner-Pilger sweeps Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Triangular to end regular season; beats GACC, falls to Ponca in Sub-Districts

The Wisner-Pilger Volleyball Team swept Logan View/Scribner-Snyder and Fort Calhoun 2-0 at the Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Triangular last Thursday night to end the regular season before downing GACC 3-1 in the C2-4 Sub-District Semifinals aired on 107.9 the Bull Monday night, only to lose in five sets to Ponca in Tuesday night's Sub-District Final also aired on the Bull.

The Gators defeated the Raiders 25-23 in set one and 25-17 in set two.

Rachel Otten had 9 kills while Karrin Jindra recorded 11 digs. Emily Buhrman added 10 digs while Aspin Waterman totaled 9. Erin McGuire dished out 7 set assists.

Wisner-Pilger won set one over the Pioneeers 25-16, and took set two 25-17.

Jindra posted 7 kills while Buhrman added 12 digs. Waterman added 10 digs while Adi Meyer and McGuire registered 10 and 7 set assists, respectively.

The Gators won set one over the Bluejays 25-23 and took set two 25-18 before losing set three 25-15 and winning set four 25-19.

Otten had 16 kills while Jindra recorded 9 kills and 24 digs. Buhrman added 14 digs while Meyer totaled 7 digs and 21 set assists. McGuire notched 7 digs.

Wisner-Pilger won set one over the Indians 25-15 before losing sets two and three 25-21, and then taking set four 25-20 before losing set five 15-4.

Otten had 13 kills and 10 blocks while Jindra tallied 7 kills and 21 digs. Adi Meyer registered 9 ace serves, 8 digs, and 19 set assists while Waterman and Buhrman had 17 and 14 digs, respectively. McGuire compiled 8 digs and 8 set assists.

Great play from the Gators last Thursday and in Sub-Districts.

Head Coach Jean Groth breaks down her team's as well as their opponents' play in Sub-Districts. "Against GACC, the Gators won the “serve and receive battle”. The majority of time, the Blue Jays were unable to set their ‘number one’ option within their offense in their efforts to side us out. That made it much easier on our defense. Tied to that was the efficiency of the Gator attackers. GACC made more attack errors that we did, and that was difficult for them to overcome. Against PONCA, our serve also bothered their offense. But the Ponca servers took our offense out of system more times than we had hoped for, creating more errors that aided in the Ponca win."

Wisner-Pilger (21-11) snagged the last Wildcard into Sub-State and will face Mead (23-1) at David City on Saturday in action that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Raiders swept Oakland-Craig 3-0 in the C2-2 Sub-District Final from West Point-Beemer Tuesday night.

Groth says serving could very well decide this one. "Mead is a very aggressive serving team. Those aggressive servers gave Mead the edge over OC’s ball control.  That is the same advantage we had over OC when we played them. So it may become a battle of which team can earn more points with their serve… or maybe just force the other team more times out of system."

I would add that hitting errors and hitting efficiency could greatly affect the outcome of this match as well.

Groth discusses the keys to a Gator win. "Our goal is three-fold.  #1 Earn 17 points per set. (Kills, Ace Serves, and Stuff Blocks totaled)  #2 Make fewer than 8 errors per set. (Attack Errors, Service Errors, Blocking Errors) #3 Win the “Serve/Receive” Battle."

It seems pretty clear what Wisner-Pilger needs to do to win and advance to State so the Gators have to go out there and make it happen.

I feel Wisner-Pilger's tough match against Ponca and the tough schedule they play has prepared them for this moment.

I also think being at Sub-State last year and experiencing that for the first time allows these girls to know what to expect this time around.

I look for the Gators to go out there and play well and lay it all out on the line.

I feel Wisner-Pilger can definitely win this match and has what it takes to win.

Groth says making state would be a huge deal. "Any time a team can represent their school and their community in Lincoln at the state tourney… it is a very rewarding experience. The team is looking forward to the challenge."

The girls have to dream big and visualize what it would be like to get down to Lincoln and play at Lincoln Southwest, Pinnacle Bank Arena, and the Devaney Center.

Getting to State would be really big for this program, and I hope the Gators can go out there and get the job done.

First serve from David City is set for 3:00 p.m. on the Bull.