State Champs Semifinal Recap
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What a day at the state semifinals! Twelve talented squads are moving on to play for a championship. Let’s find out which teams stepped up in Friday’s action. With the split format of the quarterfinal round done, we got to…
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Continue ReadingWhat a day at the state semifinals! Twelve talented squads are moving on to play for a championship.
Let’s find out which teams stepped up in Friday’s action. With the split format of the quarterfinal round done, we got to see every class featured at the Pinnacle Bank Arena for the semifinals.
Here’s the full breakdown!
Class D2
(1) Falls City Sacred Heart vs. (5) Wynot
Falls City Sacred Heart has looked undaunted, unflappable, and all the other un- superlatives you can think of. Their dominance continued Friday morning.
A 25-18, 25-5, 25-15 sweep over Wynot launched the Irish into the Class D2 title match. It’s a stage that this program knows well. Erison Vonderschmidt keeps elevating her level of play at every match, and fellow senior Rachel Magdanz Rachel Magdanz 5'8" | S Falls City Sacred Heart | 2022 State NE is running the show with great finesse.
The Irish won’t need luck to win it all this year.
We’ve got our first championship-bound team of the day!
Falls City Sacred Heart leaves no doubt about their frontrunner status as they sweep Wynot to advance to the D2 title match. pic.twitter.com/t7AV7f3ZQ6
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) November 5, 2021
(2) Humphrey St. Francis vs. (3) Maywood-Hayes Center
Another fascinating 2-3 matchup was on deck in Class D2 as Humphrey St. Francis battled Maywood-Hayes Center.
The three seed jumped out to an early lead and claimed a 25-19 win in the first. Stevie Handsaker was a constant threat on offense for the Wolves, and Aniah Seiler built on her great performance in the quarterfinals.
Then, the two seed suddenly found their groove after dropping the opening set. Senior Kaylee Stricklin had some nice moments along the net, and Kylee Wessel Kylee Wessel 5'9" | OH St. Francis | 2023 State NE was lethal once again from the left. St. Francis tied things up with a 25-21 triumph.
The Flyers hit the gas from there. They soared ahead to a 25-13 win in the third and displayed similar dominance in the following stanza. A 1-2 title matchup awaits in Class D2.
Humphrey St. Francis will play for a title!
The Flyers will face Falls City Sacred Heart for the D2 championship after a 3-1 win over Maywood-Hayes Center. pic.twitter.com/K8S8abm2T5
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) November 5, 2021
Class D1
(1) Howells-Dodge vs. (4) Nebraska Christian
This one was about as thrilling of a semifinal match as you can get.
The underdogs absolutely brought it on Friday. Nebraska Christian’s usual suspects came out firing early in the match, as Reghan Flynn really started to heat up from the outside. Ali Bruning Ali Bruning 5'8" | S Nebraska Christian | 2024 State NE kept everyone in rhythm, and the top-seeded Jaguars were thrown off their game. Nebraska Christian won the first two sets 25-23 and 25-22.
It looked like this match was heading toward an upset sweep. The Eagles kept firing away and had two match points at 24-22 in the third set.
The #1 Jaguars would not go away that easily. Facing elimination, Howells-Dodge mustered a huge 4-0 run to steal the third set 26-24 and keep the match alive. The adrenaline from this clutch save carried into the fourth set as the Jaguars ran away to a 25-14 win. Ellie and Grace Baumert Grace Baumert 6'2" | OH Howells-Dodge | 2023 State NE were working their magic, and the entire lineup rallied together and started making plays.
In the tiebreaker, it was all Howells-Dodge. Senior captain Brooklyn Macholan keyed up a spectacular serving run to give the Jaguars an insurmountable advantage. The reverse sweep was complete.
REVERSE SWEEP for the championship bid!
D1 #1 Howells-Dodge comes back from 0-2 and 22-24 and wins in five! pic.twitter.com/gf3Kar7N39
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) November 5, 2021
(3) Archbishop Bergan vs. (7) Elmwood-Murdock
Class D1’s seventh seed has already proven its worthiness, but another tough opponent awaited Elmwood-Murdock.
At the start of the semifinal match, it was Bergan that hit its stride. Paige Frickenstein Paige Frickenstein 6'1" | OH Archbishop Bergan | 2024 State NE went through her normal routine of teeing off all around the net. Kaitlyn Mlnarik Kaitlyn Mlnarik 5'7" | MB Bergan | 2023 State NE ’s valuable six-rotation contributions continued. The Knights of Fremont leaned on their leaders as they won the first 25-22.
Paige Frickenstein Paige Frickenstein 6'1" | OH Archbishop Bergan | 2024 State NE bombs away to give Bergan a 25-22 victory in the first! pic.twitter.com/tpNu6YARkX
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) November 5, 2021
Afterwards, the upset-minded Elmwood-Murdock team went to work. Brenna Schmidt Brenna Schmidt 6'4" | MB Elmwood-Murdock | 2022 State NE was crushing high balls again. Sophomore setter Delaney Frahm dished out accurate sets. The second and third sets went to the seventh-seeded Knights, 25-22 and 25-19.
These two teams were nearly inseparable in the fourth set. Eventually, Bergan broke through with their season in the balance and forced a deciding fifth.
Serving was a big story in the tiebreaker. Bergan dished out some tough, flat drives to build an early lead. They were able to hang on to this advantage throughout the set and win a five-set thriller against the gritty, talented team from Elmwood-Murdock.
Class C2
(1) Oakland-Craig vs. (4) Superior
With a ton of firepower on both sides, this was sure to be an enticing 1-4 matchup to start off C2 play.
Oakland-Craig imposed their will for much of the first two sets. The Helzer duo of Bailey and Brandi was terminal again on the left pin. Freshman setter Adi Rennerfeldt showed poise well beyond her years.
Brandi Helzer pounds it down the line to give Oakland-Craig a 2-0 lead! pic.twitter.com/rLLw9Bzh3E
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) November 5, 2021
The Knights took the first two sets by scores of 25-13 and 25-19. It looked like Oakland-Craig was going to run away with a sweep in the third set, but Superior fought back and forced some Knight errors to tighten things up at the end. Cailyn Barry and Madison Heusinkvelt were major blocking forces, and they helped keep the Wildcats alive and earn a 25-22 win in the third.
However, the top seed used this as motivation to rebound. Oakland-Craig seized another early lead and didn’t let go this time despite squandering several match points. The Knights, behind their big contingent of supporters, advanced to the C2 title match with a 3-1 victory.
(2) Wisner-Pilger vs. (6) Sutton
Sutton certainly wasn’t content with one upset this week, so they tried to pull off another one.
The Fillies held an early advantage in this one behind the stellar play of setter Kate Griess and middle blocker Alivia Huxoll. These two are so steady for Sutton. The Gators mounted a comeback, though, and Lindsey Kneifl again showed her power in the middle. Maggie Schweers also had another good showing Friday night.
It was a 25-21 win in the first set for the Gators, but Sutton rallied back to tie the match with a 25-17 win in the second. This 25-17 score line became trendy. Wisner-Pilger went up 2-1 with a 25-17 win, but Sutton forced five after winning the fourth 25-17. All aboard the rollercoaster.
That made back-to-back nights of five-set contests for Sutton. You’d think they’d run out of gas, but the Fillies quickly built a lead in the tiebreaker. Wisner-Pilger exerted plenty of pressure as they tied the set at 10, but the underdog Fillies did not break. Another kill out of the middle gave the #6 seed a 3-2 win and a shot at a C2 title.
Class C1
(1) Kearney Catholic vs. (4) Columbus Lakeview
Kearney Catholic put together a lot of dominant performance en route to earning the #1 seed in Class C1. However, at the start of this match, it was Columbus Lakeview that took control.
Several different Vikings had special performances in this one. Junior setter Autumn Gibbs Autumn Gibbs 5'6" | DS/L Columbus Lakeview | 2023 State NE dished out smooth sets throughout the match. Josie Bentz Josie Bentz 5'9" | MB Columbus Lakeview | 2023 State NE , Lilly Rowe Lilly Rowe 5'9" | OH Columbus Lakeview | 2022 State NE , and Maddi Vogt took turns crushing the ball in the frontcourt. The upset bid got off to an excellent start as the Vikings won the first two sets.
It’s no surprise, though, that Kearney Catholic fought back. Senior setter Sydney Conner Sydney Conner 5'10" | S Kearney Catholic | 2022 State NE played with some extra energy out of intermission, and she put her hitters in great spots. Ashley Keck Ashley Keck 5'9" | OH Kearney Catholic | 2022 State NE was effective with her finesse shots, and Callie Squiers anchored the middle. Behind a lot of heart and improved play, the #1 seed came all the way back to force a fifth.
The Stars aligned and they took care of business. Margaret Haarberg put down the final ball to secure the second reverse sweep of the day for a #1 seed.
Another reverse sweep for a #1 seed!
Kearney Catholic mounts the huge rally to defeat Columbus Lakeview in five. The C1 title match beckons. pic.twitter.com/XUEcBQCcYb
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) November 5, 2021
(2) Grand Island Central Catholic vs. (3) Lincoln Lutheran
It’s clear that this was a matchup of two championship-caliber programs, but it just ended up taking place in the semifinal round.
Lincoln Lutheran did not hesitate to swipe a big early lead. Abby Wachal Abby Wachal 5'10" | OH Lincoln Lutheran | 2023 State NE tooled the block efficiently from the left side, and Katelynn Oxley put down some huge blocks to put the advantage firmly in the Warriors’ grasp. The three seed rolled to a 25-15 win in the first set.
In the second set, though, it was GICC that found early success. Gracie Woods Gracie Woods 6'0" | OH Grand Island CC | 2023 State NE had her share of blocks on the outside, and Carolyn Maser Carolyn Maser 6'1" | S Grand Island Central Catholic | 2024 State NE kept the ball alive with her solid right back defense.
Soon, though, the lead evaporated as Lincoln Lutheran made a charge. Backcourt defenders began to step up. The Warriors rallied all the way back to take a 25-17 win and a 2-0 lead.
The sweep came shortly afterward. Lincoln Lutheran was in system for much of the match and did a great job capitalizing on those opportunities. A 25-10 third set sealed it to send the Warriors into the C2 title match.
Sweep!@LL_Warriors_VB puts their championship potential on full display with a 3-0 win over GICC. They’ll face Kearney Catholic for the title! pic.twitter.com/Z5DjRueIjI
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) November 5, 2021
Class B
(1) Norris vs. (5) Elkhorn North
Elkhorn North proved in the regular season that they could hang with Class B’s top team. They did it again Friday night.
Things didn’t start out the way the Wolves had hoped, though, as Norris used some aggressive serving and stingy floor defense to run away with a 25-15 win in the opener.
That’s when the young Elkhorn North squad made their push. Freshman outside hitter Shay Heaney Shay Heaney 6'2" | OH Elkhorn North | 2025 State NE proved the stage wasn’t too big for her. Her older sister Grace Heaney Grace Heaney 6'2" | RS Elkhorn North | 2023 State #33 Nation NE followed suit with some big kills on the right side. Meanwhile, Rose Booth tied it all together at the setter spot.
With their electric pin hitters and quick offense, the Wolves put everyone in the PBA on notice by winning the second and third sets to go up 2-1.
You’d expect the top seed to respond, and they did just that. The fourth set mirrored the opener, as Norris piled up the aces and served Elkhorn North out of their rhythm. We were heading to five again on the south court.
With gigantic, enthusiastic crowds rallying behind both teams, the veteran Norris squad landed the final punch. A 15-12 thriller wrapped up the first Class B semifinal and sent Norris back to the title match.
@NorrisTitanVB HAS DONE IT!
The Titans are going back to the Class B title match! pic.twitter.com/vHJs6R2wYs
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) November 6, 2021
(2) Omaha Skutt Catholic vs. (3) Waverly
These two teams expected to be here. Only one can compete for a title this year.
Eyebrows were raised when Waverly started to take it to the six-time defending state champs. Cornhusker commit Bekka Allick Bekka Allick 6'3" | MB Waverly | 2022 State #7 Nation NE consistently hit over the block at indefensible angles. It was a hitting performance unlike anything we’ve seen at this year’s state championships, and it quickly propelled the Vikings to a 25-15 win in the opener.
This exceptional play carried into the second set. Jaelyn Dicke had some solid swings on the pin and connected well with senior setter Hannah Allick Hannah Allick 5'6" | S Waverly | 2022 State NE . Behind some great support from the back row, Waverly forced Skutt into an 0-2 hole.
Of course, the dominant volleyball program of the decade was not going to go down without a fight. Skutt was in a tight third set after dropping the first two and began to lean on leaders like Morgan Burke Morgan Burke 5'10" | S Skutt Catholic | 2023 State #132 Nation NE and Abby Schomers Abby Schomers 6'0" | S Skutt Catholic | 2022 State #94 Nation NE . This new crop of talent willed the SkyHawks to a 25-22 win in the third to stay alive.
Skutt kept making plays in the fourth set. Getting touches to slow down the heavy heat of Bekka Allick Bekka Allick 6'3" | MB Waverly | 2022 State #7 Nation NE was a top priority. The backcourt carried a lot of the burden to make that happen, and Paisley Douglas Paisley Douglas 5'5" | DS/L Omaha Skutt Catholic | 2024 State #123 Nation NE came up with some massive digs in key moments. As the story goes for many of these semifinals, we went to five.
Waverly showed some nice resiliency by jumping ahead in the tiebreaker. Kara Kassebaum took some crucial swings in the frontcourt. With an 11-8 lead, things looked good for the Vikings.
The SkyHawks were not going to give up, though. A big serving run got them back in the set and suddenly they had the lead. One final surge put the SkyHawks at match point, and Skutt finally triumphed. The postseason winning streak is still alive.
The heart of a six-time defending champion!
Down 0-2 in set count and then down 11-8 in the fifth, Omaha Skutt fights all the way back to keep the postseason winning streak alive! pic.twitter.com/DEjer3K89r
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) November 6, 2021
Class A
(1) Papillion-La Vista South vs. (4) Elkhorn South
A rematch of last year’s Class A title match in this year’s semifinal round. This one drew a lot of eyes.
Spectacular ball control took centerstage right away. It’s not just fabulous backcourt specialists like Harlei Cole Harlei Cole 5'6" | DS/L Papillion-La Vista South | 2022 State NE , Estella Zatechka Estella Zatechka 5'8" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2022 State #54 Nation NE , and Katie Galligan Katie Galligan 5'6" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2022 State #162 Nation NE that are doing all the heavy lifting. Lauren Medeck Lauren Medeck 5'10" | OH Papillion-La Vista South | 2024 State #31 Nation NE plays great middle back defense for Papio South as an outside hitter, and Kylie Weeks Kylie Weeks 5'7" | OH Elkhorn South | 2022 State #151 Nation NE does the same for Elkhorn South.
Much of the opening set was deadlocked until the top-seeded and undefeated Titans broke through. Stella Adeyemi Stella Adeyemi 5'9" | OH Papillion-LaVista South | 2023 State #95 Nation NE had a bunch of success tooling off high hands and turning the ball down the line. Her range helps make this offense thrive, and it helped Papio South to a 25-20 win in the first set.
Once again, these teams were evenly matched in the second set. Mia Mroczek Mia Mroczek 6'2" | MB Elkhorn South | 2022 State NE had some big blocks in the middle to give the Storm a spark. But, like the first set, the Titans were too good down the stretch. Ava LeGrand Ava LeGrand 5'11" | S Papillion-LaVista South | 2022 State #46 Nation NE made some stout plays in floor defense and directed her team to another win in set two.
Elkhorn South would not go away quietly. Weeks was sharp in the front row and got a lot of volume on the pipe. The Storm battled their way to another lead before Papio South reclaimed control. In the final moments, the Titan left sides won the day and sealed a 3-0 sweep.
One match away from perfection!@PLSouthTitanVb gets it done in the semifinals with a sweep over Elkhorn South! pic.twitter.com/RE6BWk6ldI
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) November 6, 2021
(2) Millard West vs. (6) Omaha Westside
With high-flying hitters featured on both sides of the net, this was bound to be a fine display of the talent in Class A.
Millard West quickly seized control of the opening set. Sadie Millard Sadie Millard 5'9" | MB Millard West | 2022 State NE made some big blocking moves at the net and was accompanied by big contributions from Maddie MacTaggart Maddie MacTaggart 5'10" | OH Millard South | 2022 State NE and Alanna Bankston Alanna Bankston 6'1" | MB Millard West | 2023 State #68 Nation NE . With this furious net play, the Wildcats won 25-15 in the opener.
Westside seemed totally undeterred by the setback. The Warriors came out firing after the break and claimed their own sizable lead. Madilyn Siebler Madilyn Siebler 6'0" | OH Omaha Westside | 2022 State NE left it all on the court Friday night, as the seasoned senior took rips from anywhere along the net. Destiny Ndam-Simpson Destiny Ndam-Simpson 6'1" | OH Omaha Westside | 2023 State #37 Nation NE and Samantha Laird Samantha Laird 6'0" | OH Omaha Westside | 2023 State #171 Nation NE followed suit, and the Warriors got on the board with a 25-16.
The momentum kept shifting. After a tight opening to the third set, the Wildcats pulled away to win 25-20. Naturally, control went back to the Warriors in the fourth set, and we would see another tiebreaker at the end of the night.
It was a physical battle to the end. Pin hitters were fearlessly slugging the ball into the block. Second-seeded Millard West held the lead for most of the fifth set, and they grasped it until the end. Millard West’s breakthrough appearance in the championship match has arrived.
@mw_volleyball WINS!
The Wildcats win an absolute thriller in the fifth set, and the emotion is incredible. Wow. pic.twitter.com/jZjPsztAF0
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) November 6, 2021