Volleyball – Page 15 – North Platte Post Archive

Valerie Most of Brady Signs with Lady Knights

Posted on January 14, 2014

North Platte – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights’ volleyball team announced the signing of Brady High School standout Valerie Most to a National Letter of Intent. Most joins the Lady Knights after leading the Eagles to three straight appearances in the Nebraska State Volleyball Tournament.

“I chose NPCC because it was the best fit for me,” said Most. “It was close to my family, inexpensive and familiar to me. I’m excited about playing volleyball with some familiar faces and moving up to the next level of volleyball.”

Most is a 5’8″ outside hitter. During her senior year at Brady the newest Lady Knight put down 194 kills at a .247 hitting percentage. She also finished the year with 107 digs, 46 total blocks and 41 ace serves. The Eagles finished 23-7 on the year and finished their season at the State Tournament.

“We are very excited to welcome Valerie to the Lady Knights,” said head coach Sally Thalken. “She is a great athlete that will add another dimension to our team next year.”

Steve Morgan’s March Madness Volleyball at Ogallala

Posted on January 10, 2014

The dates for Steve Morgan’s annual March Madness Volleyball at Ogallala have been announced.

Morgan will host the tournament in Ogallala March 21-22 and April 11-12. Twenty teams maximum will be allowed to participate in the event. Each team will play approximately twelve games before the tournament begins. It begins on Friday night with a coach meeting, followed by pool play throughout the evening and Saturday morning. Over the noon hour, teams will be divided into a gold, silver, and bronze tournament division. Tournament play will begin at approximately 1 p.m. Medals will be awarded for the first three places in gold, silver, and bronze divisions.

The cost for the event is $25 per team member with a minimum number of eight team members. Camp t-shirts are available and lodging information is available upon request. For more information go online to www.stevemorgancamps.com.

Omaha to Host World Volleyball Tournament

Posted on January 9, 2014January 9, 2014

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha has been chosen to host the final round of a top women’s world volleyball tournament in 2015.

The Omaha Sports Commission says the International Volleyball Federation’s Volleyball World Grand Prix is the premier annual international women’s volleyball tournament run by the federation.

U.S. women’s national volleyball team head coach Karch Kiraly (kur-RYE’) says that outside of the Olympics in 1984 and 1996, this will be the first major federation event the United States has ever hosted.

The final round will be played July 22-26, 2015, at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha.

Samantha Kennedy Named to World-Herald All-Nebraska Junior College Team

Posted on December 30, 2013December 30, 2013

North Platte – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights’ Samantha Kennedy was named to the 2013 World-Herald All-Nebraska Junior College team. The team consists of four players from Central Community College, three from Western Nebraska Community College and Kennedy. Sandrina Hallahan, Joli Hopping and Laura Beckman were Honorable Mention selections.

Kennedy led the Lady Knights in total kills, kills per set, points and points per set. Kennedy finished the season with 386 kills to place her 23rd on the all-time single season kills list. Her 386 kills in 140 sets was good for 2.76 kills per set. Kennedy scored 449.5 points for the Lady Knights good for 3.21 points per set.

“I am very happy for Samantha (Kennedy) on here selection,” said head coach Sally Thalken. “We are excited to see the progress she makes this off-season and what she can do in her sophomore campaign.”

Omaha World- Herald All-Nebraska Junior College Team

H: Skyler Erickson, Central, Fr.
H: Megan Anderson, Central, Fr.
H: Morgan Heise, Central, So.
H: Samantha Kennedy, North Platte, Fr.
H: Kayla Martin, Western Nebraska, Fr.
S: Luiza Martins, Western Nebraska, So.
S: Brooke Robertson, Central, Fr.
L: Rachael McCracken, Western Nebraska, Fr.
Honorary captain: Skyler Erickson, Central Honorable mention: Kaitlyn Ernst, Molly Gotschall, Central; Vanessa Bartilla, McCook; Grace Ecklund, Brittany Sullivan, Nazya Thies, Northeast; Sandrina Hallahan, Joli Hopping, Shannon Liewer, North Platte; Caitlin Wuebbels, Southeast; Morgan Broussard, Leticia Silva, Allora Tanner, Western Nebraska.

Robinson One of Four Nominees for Honda Sports Award for Volleyball

Posted on December 23, 2013

(December 23, 2013) – Haley Eckerman of the University of Texas, Kelsey Robinson from University of Nebraska, Krista Vansant of the University of Washington and Carly Wopat from Stanford University are the four nominees for the Honda Sports Award for Volleyball as announced by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) today.

The Honda Sports Award is presented annually by the CWSA to the top women athletes in 12 NCAA- sanctioned sports and signifies “the best of the best in collegiate athletics”. The winner of the sport award becomes a finalist for the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the prestigious 2014 Honda Cup. The nominees were chosen by a panel of coaches representing the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

The Honda Sports award winner for volleyball will be announced in the new year after voting by administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools. Each NCAA member institution has a vote.

Eckerman is a two-time first-team All-American after earning second-team honors and AVCA Freshman of the Year as a rookie. The junior outside hitter from Coppell, Texas, earned Big 12 Conference Player of the Year honors for the second straight year and is a three-time All-Big 12 first-team honoree. She led the Longhorns with 4.14 kills per set, adding 2.54 digs per set and 511 points.

A native of Bartlett, Ill., Robinson earned first-team AVCA All-American honors this season after having been recognized by the AVCA for the past two years. She was named the 2013 Big Ten Player of the Year and earned All-Big Ten first-team honors. She averaged 4.45 kills and 3.33 digs per set while posting 19 double-doubles. The outside hitter transferred to Nebraska from Tennessee where she was the 2011 SEC Player of the Year and a two-time first-team All-SEC member.

Vansant was recently named the 2013 AVCA National Player of the Year after earning a nod on the AVCA All-America first-team. The junior outside hitter from Redlands, Calif., also earned 2013 Pac-12 Player of the Year while leading the Huskies to their first Final Four since 2006. She ranks fifth in career kills at UW after averaging 4.41 kills per set and hitting .320 on the season.

Wopat, a senior middle blocker from Santa Barbara, Calif., earned first-team AVCA All-American honors for the second straight season. She is a three-time All-Pac-12 Conference selection and led the conference in blocks this season with 1.43 blocks per set. She led her team in hitting percentage (.429) and points (3.92 pps) and became just the third Cardinal ever to register 600 career blocks (614).

The CWSA presents the Honda Sports Award annually to top women student-athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports. Honda Sports award winners will be presented with the honor during on-campus presentations throughout the year and all Honda Sports award winners become a finalist for the prestigious 2014 Honda Cup award presented in June.

Five Honda Sports Awards winners for volleyball have gone on to win the prestigious Honda Cup- Megan Hodge (Penn State, 2010), Sarah Pavan (Nebraska, 2007), Ogonna Nnamani (Stanford, 2005), Misty May (Long Beach State, 1999) and Deitre Collins (Hawaii, 1983).

The Collegiate Women Sports Awards has honored the nation’s top NCAA women athletes for 37 years, recognizing superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service. Since commencing its sponsorship in 1986, Honda has provided more than $2.7 million in institutional grants to the universities of the award winners and nominees to support women’s athletics programs at the institutions.

Four Huskers Earn All-America Honors

Posted on December 18, 2013

Lincoln, Neb. – Four Nebraska volleyball players were honored Wednesday, as the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced its 2013 All-America teams. Senior outside hitter Kelsey Robinson led the charge as a first-team selection, while freshman outside hitter Kadie Rolfzen was named a third-team All-American. Junior setter Mary Pollmiller and sophomore middle blocker Meghan Haggerty were chosen as honorable-mention selections.

Nebraska continues to lead the nation with 76 AVCA All-America certificates (first, second and third team) by 39 athletes with at least one Husker earning All-America honors in 32 consecutive seasons. In his 14 season at Nebraska, head coach John Cook has coached his players to 41 All-America honors.

Robinson proved that she was one of the best players in the nation in 2013, helping the Huskers to a second-place finish in the Big Ten Conference and a berth in the NCAA Regional Final. The 2013 Big Ten Player of the Year, Robinson totaled 530 kills on the season and averaged 4.45 kills per set, while also chipping in 396 digs and an average of 3.33 digs per set. She produced the fifth-most kills by a Husker in a single season and her 1,206 attacks on the year were good for seventh on Nebraska’s all-time chart. She posted 19 double-doubles on the season and tallied 10 or more kills 28 times and hit .300 or better 19 times as a senior. Robinson notched a career-high-tying 29 kills against Wisconsin on Oct. 5 and a season-high digs 23 against Texas on Sept. 22. She led Nebraska in kills and aces in 2013.

Rolfzen produced a stellar freshman campaign for NU, earning third-team honors. She is the first Nebraska true freshman to earn All-America honors since Sarah Pavan in 2004. The AVCA North Region Freshman of the Year and All-Big Ten pick, she notched 377 kills on the season for an average of 3.46 kills per set, while also posting 385 digs on the season. She finished her freshman year second on the NU freshman kills list. Rolfzen notched 13 double-doubles on the season and recorded a career-high 20 kills twice in 2013. She posted 10 or more kills 23 times as a freshman and 10 or more digs 18 times.

Haggerty earned the second AVCA All-America distinction of her career with an honorable-mention selection. She posted 178 kills on the season and a hitting percentage of .279. Haggerty notched 108 total blocks on the year and averaged 1.05 blocks per set. Haggerty hit .300 or better 19 times during the 2013 season. She was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 7 and notched at least five blocks nine times as a sophomore. Haggerty posted a career-high 11 blocks against Michigan on Nov. 16.

Pollmiller earned her second honorable-mention All-America honors as she guided the Husker offense in 2013, tallying 1,279 assists on the season and an average of 10.75 assists per set. She helped Nebraska to a .270 hitting percentage on the season and was named honorable-mention All-Big Ten. She helped Nebraska hit .300 or better in 14 matches as a junior, including a season-high .418 hitting clip against Indiana on Nov. 23. Pollmiller totaled 50 or more assists seven times in 2013 and a season-high 62 assists against Texas on Sept. 22. She was named the Big Ten Setter of the Week four times as a junior.

2013 Associated Press All-State Volleyball Teams

Posted on December 17, 2013December 17, 2013

Here is The Associated Press All-State Volleyball Team for classes A through D2 as selected by the sports writers and sportscasters throughout the state.

CLASS A

Position-Name, School, Ht., Class

First Team

Hitter-Alexis Anderson, Millard West, 5-11, Sr.

Hitter-Kelsey O’Connell, Omaha Marian, 6-2, Jr.

Hitter-Meagen Roth, Lincoln Southeast, 6-0, Jr.

Hitter-Toni Tupper, Lincoln Northeast, 6-3, Sr.

Hitter-Marysa Wilkinson, Lincoln Southwest, 6-0, Sr.

Setter-Sydney O’Shaughnessy, Omaha Marian, 5-9, Sr.

Libero-Brittany Witt, Omaha Marian, 5-7, So.

Second Team

Hitter-Aspen Green, Lincoln North Star, 5-10, Sr.

Hitter-Raegan LeGrand, Papillion-LVS, 5-10, So.

Hitter-Elizabeth Loschen, Omaha Marian, 6-0, So.

Hitter-Katie Stephens, Papillion-La Vista, 5-9, So.

Hitter-Nikki Ohlinger, Millard North, 5-8, Sr.

Setter-Kylee Wurster, Lincoln Southeast, 5-8, Jr.

Libero-Jill Bax, Lincoln Southwest, 5-5, Sr.

Honorable Mention

Kati Kozusko, Bellevue East; Katie Imig, Sage Meyer, Bellevue West; Gessica Gdowski, Fremont; McKenzie Fyfe, Sierra Peterson, Ashton Riedy, Grand Island; Maggie McGowan, Jaydn Trimble, Kearney; Anna Holmquist, Caitlin Luedke, Taylor Rising, Lincoln East; Brianna Kempel, Lincoln High; Sarah Allick, Kailee Brown, Justine Griess, Katie Hitz, Lincoln North Star; Natalie Bohac, Lincoln Northeast; Tyra Douglas, Brooke Lattimer, Carly Sheppard, Lincoln Southeast; Allie Davis, Madison Egger, Aftyn Johnson, Lincoln Southwest; Katherine King; Paige Madsen, Morgan Thompson, Elisa Wildy, Millard North; Lynnae Beiermann, Jamie Hauptman, Millard South; Emily Leichner, Cassidy Loberg, Kira Shapiro, Tiffany Wentworth, Millard West; Madalynn Doughty, Allison Kuenle, Olivia Nicholson, Allison Sawyer, North Platte; Kianna Ibis, Omaha Benson; Anna Hookham, Omaha Burke; Alex Bohn, Noni Henderson, Amara Meeks, Omaha Central; Andie Hanus, Hannah Mueller, Omaha Marian; Lauren Salerno, Omaha Westside; Ellie McDonnell, Elena Melendez, Jess Peters, Papillion-La Vista; Adyson Goodnight, Papillion-La Vista South.

CLASS B

Position-Name, School, Ht., Class

First Team

Hitter-Olivia Boender, Waverly, 6-2, Sr.

Hitter-Kasey Hohlen, Norris, 6-1, Sr.

Hitter-Katie Placke, Northwest, 6-0, Sr.

Hitter-Erin Sorahan, Northwest, 5-6, Sr.

Hitter-Taylor Thiele, Aurora, 6-0, Sr.

Setter-Sara Boothe, Lincoln Pius X, 5-7, Jr.

Libero-Sydney Townsend, Lincoln Pius X, 5-8, Sr.

Second Team

Hitter-McKenzie Brown, Northwest, 5-10, Sr.

Hitter-Kylie Hohlen, Norris, 5-10, Jr.

Hitter-Natalie Mickelson, Gretna, 5-9, Sr.

Hitter-Dani Root, Waverly, 6-1, Sr.

Hitter-Ashley Witt, Lincoln Pius X, 5-11, Sr.

Setter-Marisa Moseman, Norris, 5-6, Sr.

Libero-Julia Faltin, Omaha Skutt Catholic, 5-6, Sr.

Honorable Mention

Kennedy Cyza, Alliance; Kiley Hixson, Allison Penner, Aurora; Hannah Laflin, Jordyn Ragland, Tori Sutter, Beatrice; Alexis Farris, Bennington; Marissa O’Grady, Blair; Tayler Doremus, Molly Engebretson, Crete; Adasia Bromberger, Elkhorn; Kelsey Green, Emily Gregan, Ashley Knight, Alli Rogers, Elkhorn South; Kaylee Spreier, Savannah Walker, Gering; Halie McArdle; Sara Rahmanzai, Amanda Young, Gretna; Brooke Bailey, Kathleen Bartunek, Hastings; Rachel Jelden, Holdrege; Bree Ackermann, Marie Foley, Kaitlin VanLoon, Lincoln Pius X; Kelsie Stovall, Nebraska City; Kenzie Burnham, Angelica Carlini, Kennadi Keezer, Alyssa Martin, Northwest; Mackenzie Allen, Maddy Bruder, Andrea Jameson, Norris; Elise Fulcher, Amber Vaughan, Omaha Duchesne Academy; Tahylr Banks, Omaha Gross Catholic; Abby Goetz, Omaha Roncalli Catholic; Alex Banker, Kierra Harder, Taylor Holz, Claire Knust, Omaha Skutt Catholic; Shayla Scanlan, Plattsmouth; Megan Stilmock, Ralston; Kiara Lopez, Schuyler; Ashlyn Hanson, Seward; Abbi Porter, Cody Rowley, Sidney; Brianna Boender, Mackenzie Hyde, Waverly.

CLASS C1

Position-Name, School, Ht., Class

First Team

Hitter-Carlie Bauer, Minden, 5-10, Sr.

Hitter-Payton Chohon, Columbus Scotus, 5-10, Sr.

Hitter-Tiani Reeves, Gothenburg, 6-1, Jr.

Hitter-Kendall Schroer, Ogallala, 6-0, Jr.

Hitter-Megan Wickey, Omaha Concordia, 6-2, Jr.

Setter-Shayla Conner, Kearney Catholic, 5-7, Sr.

Libero-Morgan Stute, Kearney Catholic, 5-6, Jr.

Second Team

Hitter-Liz Loseke, Columbus Lakeview, 5-8, Sr.

Hitter-Sid Mell, Ogallala, 5-8, Sr.

Hitter-Kaitlynn Thomas, Ashland-Greenwood, 6-1, Sr.

Hitter-Rachel Wald, Douglas Co. West, 5-8, Sr.

Hitter-Tara Ziegelbein, Lincoln Lutheran, 6-0, Sr.

Setter-Ali Rowse, Minden, 5-6, Jr.

Libero-Mercedes Lassen, St. Paul, 5-3, Sr.

Honorable Mention

Sarah Allen, Adams Central; Kelsey Marr, Ashland-Greenwood; Taylor Petersen, Alyson Schlange, Auburn; Jade Gottier, Boone Central/Newman Grove; Annie Polland, Boys Town; Julia Loy, Broken Bow; Casey Krolikowski, Mady Roth, Centura; Maaryn Davis, Chandler Hageman, Ashlea Kerr, Chadron; Kristen Jassel, MaKenna Ketter, Chase County; Lindsey Jaixen, Taryn Luedtke, Columbus Lakeview; Carley Foltz, Kylie Rollman, Columbus Scotus; Emma Coenen, Hanah Jorgensen, Mary Kaven, Douglas County West; Paige Husa, Fairbury; Madison Olberding, Falls City; Emilie Krienert, Tracey Maloley, Fillmore Central; Sara Naughton, Fort Calhoun; Harlie Brown, Gibbon; Regan Geiken, Aryn Meisinger, Taylor Mroczek, Gothenburg; Emma Benton, Sadie Goering, Samantha Moravec, Grand Island Central Catholic; Maegan Hiatt, Brooke Munsen, Hershey; Paige Hervert, McKenzie Smith, Kearney Catholic; Jenna Humphrey, Taylor Liesemeyer, Hannah Olsen, Hannah Taylor, Lincoln Christian; Payton Hedlund, Mickalea Oneth, Lincoln Lutheran; Samantha Lane, Louisville; Haley Densberger, Malcolm; Emily Burton, Jensyn Meyer, Milford; Becca Stewart, Addison Woodward, Minden; Taylor Peters, Mitchell; Bailey Ehlers, Norfolk Catholic; Alexis Allgood, Samantha Dirkschneider, North Bend Central; Jensen Geisert, Jenna Paloucek, Shayna Shaw, Shelby Welsh, Ogallala; Sarah Devall, O’Neill; Jaci Brahmer, Pierce; Carly Stepanek, Sam Swanson, Platteview; Callie Christensen, Raymond Central; Maddie Fousek, Lesley Fox, Kylie Sestak, Alexa Wysocki, St. Paul; Allison Brinkman, Haley Harsin, Baylee Hughes, Sydney Lintner, Julia Reed, Syracuse; Erin Gross, Greer Potadle, Tekamah-Herman; Emily Perrett, Valentine; Laura Barry, Bailey Brigham, Jessica Krecklow, Katie Reeves, Gabby Shannon, Wahoo; Meagan Backer, Ashton Schweers, Wayne; Amanda Hansen, West Point-Beemer; Bailey Batenhorst, Makenzie Kalkowski, Megan Schweers, Wisner-Pilger; Kelsey Bahe, Alexis Burghardt, Hope Lambrecht, Wood River.

CLASS C2

Position-Name, School, Ht., Class

First Team

Hitter-Megan Gebhardt, Lutheran High Northeast, 5-9, Sr.

Hitter-Kaylee Jensen, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, 6-4, Sr.

Hitter-Hanna Justesen, Elmwood-Murdock, 5-10, Jr.

Hitter-Morgan Nikkila, Hastings St. Cecilia, 6-0, Sr.

Hitter-Carley Remmers, Freeman, 6-0, Jr.

Setter-Clare Hamburger, Hastings St. Cecilia, 5-8, Jr.

Libero-Caitlin Peterson, Palmyra, 5-4, Sr.

Second Team

Hitter-Maci Coffey, Blue Hill, 5-11, Sr.

Hitter-Lauren Lehmkuhl, Wakefield, 5-11, Sr.

Hitter-Alex Meyer, Superior, 6-0, Sr.

Hitter-Morgan Sunderman, Lutheran High Northeast, 5-10, Sr.

Hitter-Maria Wortmann, Crofton, 5-11, Jr.

Libero-Shandra Farmer, Hastings SC, 5-2, So.

Setter-Ellie Geyer, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, 5-7, Sr.

Honorable Mention

Jenna Eller, Aquinas Catholic; Chloe Kirby, Archbishop Bergan; Emily Christensen, Battle Creek; Chellani Parriott, Megan Stuart, Bayard; Kortney Allen, Mackenzie Willcott, Blue Hill; Aimee Hass, Brooke Schneider, Bridgeport; McKenna Obermier, Centennial; Rebecca Eggerling, Creighton; Allison Arens, Kelsey Sanger, Crofton; Jordyn Brummund, Lauren Hinrichs, Doniphan-Trumbull; Angela Crouse, Jaden Ragsdale, Dundy County-Stratton; Devon Dvorak, Payton Robley, Kaitlyn Stara, East Butler; Jenna Parks, Elgin Public/Pope John; Riley Dorn, Marissa Haynes, Emily Lenners, Freeman; Breanne Kreikemeier, Gabby Knobbe, Jenny Knobbe, Jamie Petz, Katie Steuter, Guardian Angels Central Catholic; Karly Noecker, Bailey Steffen, Hartington Cedar Catholic; Josie Prevette, Lil Sheehy, Hastings St. Cecilia; Kourtney Harris, Makayla Murphy, Homer; Courtney Allen, Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer; Tarrin Beller, Ellie Kurtenbach, Laura McPhillips, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family; Lauren Klaasmeyer, Johnson County Central; Danika Daum, Kimball; Ellie Arduser, Cameron Eddie, Laurel-Concord; Morgan Uhlir, Lutheran High Northeast; Amber Mazankowski, Cailyn Ostrand, Cassidy Ostrand, Nebraska Christian; Rachel Hall, Sydney Woods, Katie Zheng, Omaha Brownell-Talbot; Morgan Alexander, Kenzie Drudik, Tiarra Kruml, Melanie Ries, Ord; Shelby Bruss, Paige Huxoll, Kourtney Kempkes, Klaire Phillips, Palmyra; Hallie Ballinger, Maggie Fillipi, Pender; Courtney McClenahan, Perkins County; Caelan Basnett, Halleigh Lockhorn, Ravenna; Morgan Dickson, Taylor Hinrichs, Sandy Creek; Jessica Nekl, Emmie Noyd, Shelby-Rising City; Kelsey Buss, Southern; Baily Craig, Laura McInturf, Southern Valley; Rachel Brandl, Kelsey Shoemaker, Kassidy Tighe, Stanton; Riley Butler, Jaysa Hoins, Leah Meyer, Superior; McKenna Griess, Sydney Griess, Delaney Lemkau, Sutton; Megan Bulin, Kelsey Long, Allison Tietjen, Thayer Central; Emily Puls, Wakefield; Taylor Hermann, Marylyn Mozena, Weeping Water; Teisha Snyder, Winnebago; Madison Egr, Bailey Josoff, Yutan.

CLASS D1

Position-Name, School, Ht., Class

First Team

Hitter-Brooke Bauer, St. Mary’s, 5-9, Sr.

Hitter-Hannah Kring, Axtell, 5-10, Jr.

Hitter-Brittany Lawrence, North Platte St. Patrick’s, 6-3, Sr.

Hitter-Taylor Menke, Friend, 5-11, Sr.

Hitter-Christy Swartzendruber, BDS, 5-8, Sr.

Setter-Amanda Evert, Howells-Dodge, 5-9, Sr.

Libero-Mackenzie Wecker, St. Mary’s, 5-5, Jr.

Second Team

Hitter-Kylie Belt, Emerson-Hubbard, 6-0, So.

Hitter-Becca Clark, Twin Loup, 5-9, Sr.

Hitter-Krissy Krotter, St. Mary’s, 5-8, Jr.

Hitter-Kenzie May, Southwest, 5-9, Sr.

Hitter-Rochelle Wendland, Arapahoe, 5-11, Sr.

Setter-Bridget Schneider, St. Mary’s, 5-4, Jr.

Libero-Jill Rocheford, Howells-Dodge, 5-5, Sr.

Honorable Mention

Lindsey Jones; Gabby Sullivan, Lindsey Sullivan, Allen; Tayler Haeker, Hannah Hays, Alma; Jessica Eckhout, Tristen Trampe, Amherst; Shawna Paitz, Kayla Reynolds, Lindsy Siegel, Ansley-Litchfield; Kaylea Watson, Arapahoe; Gabby Nickel, Kit Wells, Axtell; Matyson Kleinschmidt, Kalli Schroeder; Jill Schroeder, Bruning-Davenport/Shickley; Lexie Hauger, Bloomfield; Marcy Ahlers, Hannah Sobotka, Boyd County; Tara Callahan, Valerie Most, Josie Palmer, Carissa Rayburn, Brady; McKenna McClintic, Burwell; Mikayla Kent, Cambridge; Shelby Lineberry, Mandi Stansberry, Cedar Bluffs; Kara Donovan, Cedar Valley; Emily Filsinger, Bailey Schwager, Clearwater-Orchard; Jill Behrends, Summer Mueller, Creek Valley; Kelsey Anderson, Morgan Mickey, Cross County; Kortney Kasselder, Shelby Kasselder, Cassi Thunker, Chambers/Wheeler Central; Jenscena Hansen. Lauren Schmidt, Deshler; Shelbi Brown, Casi Sutherland, Elm Creek; Payton Blanke, Abby Drieling, Emerson-Hubbard; Sam Due, Mariah Hulse, Madison Johnson, Friend; Macy Peregrine, Fullerton; Shelby Hochstein, Hartington; Haley Huebert, Heartland; Jordyn Barnett, Heartland Lutheran; Kalli Brester, Emily Brichacek, Howells-Dodge; Kaitlyn Bergfield, Natalie Gasseling, Hemingford; Nicole Carbajal, Brooklyn Westenburg, Johnson-Brock; Karley Kreifels, Lourdes Central Catholic; Tracy Blake, Josie Cox, Maxwell; Shaylee Schroeder, Medicine Valley; Kaylyn Beiermann, Nebraska Lutheran; Madison Beavers, Kinzy Enochs, Overton; Kara Valasek, Palmer; Karli Cabrera, Jenna Habegger, Pawnee City; Regyn Hicks, Alexus Rozelle, Potter-Dix; Haley Schnoor, Michaela Strathman, McRae Stuffs, Randolph; Samantha Jackson, Bailey Lewis, Red Cloud; Kelsey Higgins, Kaitlin Martin, Avery Taylor, Sandhills-Thedford; Jerica Baumert, Kourtney Muller, Scribner-Snyder; Kaylee Pothoff, Southwest; Justine Blumenstock, St. Mary’s; Jalyne Schuster, Sutherland; Tristan Kirwan, Madison Kozeal, Jackie Lewis, Twin Loup; Jessica Harms, Wilcox-Hildreth.

CLASS D2

Position-Name, School, Ht., Class

First Team

Hitter-Riley Funk, Ewing, 5-10, Sr.

Hitter-Darby Hinrichs, Giltner, 5-9, Sr.

Hitter-Jordan Lempka, Sterling, 6-2, Sr.

Hitter-Dani Most, Giltner, 5-9, Sr.

Hitter-Maddison Nygren, Mead, 5-6, Sr.

Setter-Brittany Shipp, Bertrand, 5-8, Sr.

Libero-Allison Mason, Bertrand, 5-4, Sr.

Second Team

Hitter-Harlee Fischer, Stuart, 5-7, Fr.

Hitter-Maggie Goltz, Falls City Sacred Heart, 6-1, So.

Hitter-Mollie Kaps, Bertrand, 5-9, So.

Hitter-Courtni Kunz, Stuart, 5-10, Jr.

Hitter-Madison Van Housen, Hampton, 5-9, Fr.

Setter-Devynn Patocka, Mead, 5-6, Sr.

Libero-Erica Yound, Exeter-Milligan, 5-7, Sr.

Honorable Mention

Kenzie McMullen, Anselmo-Merna; Paige Raasch, Allie Vogt, Bancroft-Rosalie; Kate Chesterman, Bertrand; Madison Jurgens, Erin Saathoff, Diller-Odell; Melanie Johnson, Melissa Johnson, Eustis-Farnam; Kelsey Brummels, Lydia Fry, Katie Koenig, Ewing; Madison Horne, Marissa Howard, Amber Pribyl, Exeter-Milligan; Haylee Heits, Elizabeth Magdanz, Falls City Sacred Heart; Jaclyn Happold, Kelbie Lyon, Gussie Rhoades, Giltner; Tristin Mason, Jaime Troester, Hampton; Hanlie Himmelberg, Carlie Mazour, Lawrence-Nelson; Brooke Wehrbein, Lewiston; Kaitlyn Berner, Katy Ernest, Kassandra Harris, Kelsey Waite, Leyton; Miranda Charles, Margaret Johnson, Haley Konecky, Lauren Taylor, Mead; Blair Hofstetter, Miranda Johnson, Becca Taylor, Meridian; Ally Ginkens, Jessica Lovitt, Mullen; Emma Holz, Taylor Holzfaster, Bailee Schow, Paxton; Erica Goracke, Tara Hestermann, Stasia Nielsen, Sterling; Samantha Sattler, Jade Schafer, Monique Schafer, Stuart; Christina Daniels, Wallace; Abbie Fanning, Sydnee Harchelroad, Leslie Towery, Wauneta-Palisade; Jayd Robert, Winside; Maggie Schulte, Wynot.

Huskers Fall to No. 1 Texas in Regional Final

Posted on December 16, 2013

Lincoln – Top-ranked Texas proved worthy of its No. 1 seed on Saturday, as the Longhorns continued defense of their 2012 national title with a 3-0 sweep of No. 8 Nebraska in the NCAA Lincoln Regional final in front of 8,343 fans at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

In winning its school-record 10th consecutive postseason match, Texas handed the Huskers a home sweep (25-19, 25-22, 25-23) for the first time ever in the NCAA Tournament. Overall, Nebraska was swept in Lincoln for the first time in 24 years, dating back to a loss to No. 1 Hawaii on Oct. 2, 1989. Texas also became the first No. 1 team to win in Lincoln since Penn State in 1999.

With the win, Texas advanced to the NCAA Semifinals next weekend in Seattle. The Longhorns (27-2) will take a nation-leading 23-match winning streak into Thursday’s semifinal against 12th-seeded Wisconsin. Texas is appearing in the NCAA Semifinals for the ninth time in school history and for the fifth time in the past six seasons.

Leading the way in the Longhorns’ second regional final victory over Nebraska in five seasons was a strong block and an efficient night from All-Americans Haley Eckerman and Bailey Webster. Eckerman had 14 kills, while Webster produced 12 kills and hit .500. Together, the duo combined for 26 kills and only three errors on 73 swings, while Eckerman added a double-double with a team-high 15 digs. Khat Bell and Chiaka Ogbogu added seven kills eac and Hannah Allison recorded 37 assists to help Texas hit .266 in the match.

Molly McCage led a big blocking effort for the Longhorns with eight stuffs, helping Texas out-block Nebraska 14-3. The block helped Texas to the sweep despite being out-killed and out-dug by the Huskers.

Nebraska finished its season with a 26-7 record. The Huskers were led by an outstanding performance from Big Ten Player of the Year Kelsey Robinson. In her final match, Robinson delivered a match-high 21 kills, while adding 12 digs to produce her 19th double-double of the season. Kadie Rolfzen added her 13th double-double with 12 kills and 12 digs. Justine Wong-Orantes produced a match-high 17 digs to lead NU to a 63-58 advantage in digs. Mary Pollmiller added a match-high 41 assists for the Huskers.

In set one, Texas jumped out to a 5-1 lead and never trailed. The Longhorns put down kills on three of their first five swings and blocked Nebraska twice to force an early Husker timeout. Texas stretched the lead to six with the first point out of the timeout, and the Huskers closed to within three on numerous occasions but Texas would let Nebraska get no closer. Consecutive Longhorn blocks fueled a 4-0 Texas run that pushed the lead to 21-14. Nebraska answered with three straight points to trim the lead to four but Texas called a timeout and quickly pushed the lead back to six before closing out a 25-19 victory on Ogbogu’s fifth kill of the set. Eckerman had six kills on 17 error-free swings, as Texas hit .293 in the opening set. Nebraska was blocked five times and committed nine hitting errors in the set while hitting just .106.

Serving played a key role in the start of set two, as a pair of Texas serving errors and a Husker ace helped Nebraska to an early 5-2 advantage. The teams then traded sideouts until Texas used a pair of stuffs to win five straight rallies and take a 14-12 lead, forcing a Husker timeout. Nebraska quickly tied the set with the first two points out of the timeout before regaining the lead at 16-15 on Robinson’s 10th kill of the match. The Huskers pushed the lead to 18-16 after winning a joust at the net to end a long rally, forcing Texas to spend a timeout. The Longhorns came out of the timeout on fire, winning four of the next five rallies to go back on top 20-19 and forcing a Husker timeout following back-to-back Texas blocks. UT pushed the lead to two at 22-20 and earned a 25-22 win on the Longhorns’ 10th block of the match. Nebraska produced two more kills than Texas in the second set, but the Longhorns out-blocked the Huskers 5-1.

At the break, Texas had three players with at least five kills, including Eckerman and Weber, who combined for 20 kills with only one error. Nebraska was forced to rely on Robinson and Kadie Rolfzen in the opening two sets, as that duo combined for 25 of the Huskers’ 30 kills on 65 of Nebraska’s 98 swings. The rest of the NU roster combined for only five kills and six errors in 33 attacks.

The teams traded early leads in set three before Nebraska built a 10-7 advantage fueled by four kills on six swings from Melanie Keil off the bench. Nebraska coult not hold the lead however, as three Husker hitting errors in a span of five rallies helped Texas pull even at 11-11. Another Nebraska error out of a timeout gave the Longhorns a one-point advantage before a Texas error put Nebraska back on top, 13-12. The Huskers stretched the lead to two at 16-14, before consecutive Amy Neal aces put Texas back in front, 18-17. The Longhorns would never relinquish the lead and capitalized on a free ball to take a 24-22 lead on Webster’s 12th kill of the match. Nebraska fought off one match point before NU’s fifth service error of the match sealed the sweep. Nebraska out-hit Texas for the only time in the match in the third set, but the Huskers still committed seven attack errors, while the Longhorns never had more than four errors in any set.

Huskers Advance to NCAA Regional Final

Posted on December 13, 2013

Lincoln – The eighth-seeded Nebraska volleyball team posted its third straight postseason sweep on Friday, topping No. 9 San Diego in straight sets in an NCAA Regional Semifinal in front of 8,297 fans at the Devaney Center.

The Huskers never trailed by more than three at any point in the match, but were constantly pushed by a Torero squad who entered the match with the nation’s third-longest winning streak at 17 matches. San Diego produced more kills than Nebraska, but the Huskers committed fewer errors to advance to Saturday’s primetime NCAA Regional Final against No. 1 Texas.

First serve tomorrow Saturday is set for 8 p.m. and the match will be televised live on ESPNU. The Longhorns defeated Nebraska, 3-1, in the 2009 NCAA Regional Final in Omaha, and Texas topped the Huskers in five sets in Austin earlier this season.

Nebraska (26-6) was led by a match-high 14 kills from Kelsey Robinson and 11 kills from Meghan Haggerty on Friday. Haggerty hit .588 in the win, committing just one error in 17 swings. Robinson hit .265 and contributed nine digs and four blocks for the Huskers. Kadie Rolfzen narrowly missed a double-double with nine kills and 11 digs, while Mary Pollmiller dished out 29 assists and Justine Wong-Orantes totaled 14 digs. Wong-Orantes also added an ace, as a trio of Husker freshmen combined to produce four aces, including two from Alexa Ethridge and one from Brenna Lyles.

The Huskers hit .254 as a team and out-blocked the Toreros, 9-4.

San Diego was led by 12 kills from Chloe Ferrari and 10 kills from Sandra Lozic. USD produced three more kills than Nebraska (46-to-43), but the Toreros committed 18 attack errors and 10 service errors. C’era Oliveira produced a match-high 17 digs, while Jianna Bonomi (22) and Rachel Alvey (19) combined to produce 41 of San Diego’s 45 assists. The Toreros ended their season with a 26-4 record while matching the best finish in school history.

In set one, the teams traded sideouts until seven consecutive points on strong serving from Lyles gave the Huskers a 9-3 lead and forced San Diego to call an early timeout. Nebraska, which produced 10 kills in its first 16 attacks, stretched the lead to 15-7 with three straight points. San Diego spent its final timeout after Robinson’s fifth kill gave NU a 19-10 advantage. The Toreros won back-to-back rallies for the first time following the timeout, then used three consecutive points to trim the lead to 22-16. Three straight Husker attack errors pulled USD within four at 23-19, before two Robinson kills in the final three rallies closed out a 25-20 victory. Robinson produced eight kills in the set, as Nebraska hit .325 and out-blocked San Diego, 3-0.

Three consecutive points gave Nebraska an early 6-3 lead in set two, before San Diego stormed back to tie the score at 7-7. The Huskers could not regain a three-point advantage until taking a 15-12 lead at the media timeout. Nebraska stretched the lead to four after the timeout and the teams then traded sideouts for the next 15 rallies before San Diego held serve to cut the lead to 23-21 and force a Husker timeout. A Haggerty kill gave Nebraska three set points and the Toreros fought off the first two before the Huskers spent their final timeout. The timeout was well spent, as a service error gave Nebraska a 25-23 win. Errors doomed San Diego in set two, as the Toreros produced seven hitting errors and five service errors. USD produced a 21-12 advantage in kills in the set, out-dug Nebraska by five and matched the Huskers with a pair of blocks.

Set three was a back-and-forth affair that featured 13 ties and five lead changes. San Diego won the first three rallies of the set to take its first multi-point lead of the match. Four straight Torero errors – including back-to-back Husker blocks – quickly put Nebraska in front 4-3. USD regained the lead at 10-8 after NU committed three consecutive errors. Nebraska fought back to regain the lead at 14-13 before San Diego won the next two rallies to earn a one-point advantage at the media timeout. The teams traded sideouts until back-to-back Ethridge aces put the Huskers back on top, 19-17. A service error and a Kadie Rolfzen roll shot pushed the NU lead to 21-18. A thunderous Robinson kill put Nebraska two points away from taking the match and forced a Torero timeout with the score 23-20. A Husker block gave NU four straight match points and again San Diego spoiled two straight opportunities and forced a Husker timeout. A Haggerty ricochet kill following the timeout gave Haggerty her 11th kill and Nebraska a 25-22 win. NU held San Diego to a .125 attack percentage in the third set, while Kadie Rolfzen put down five kills.

Texas, Nebraska Could Meet in Volleyball Regional

Posted on December 13, 2013

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Defending national champion Texas’ road back to the NCAA volleyball final four runs through familiar territory — Nebraska.

The Cornhuskers parted ways with Texas in 2011 when they joined the Big Ten. But the old Big 12 rivals are on a collision course in the Lincoln Regional.

The No. 1-seeded Longhorns (25-2) take a 21-match win streak into their semifinal against American (34-2) on Friday. The No. 8 Huskers (25-6) will face No. 9 San Diego (26-3) in the other semifinal.

Other regionals are in Lexington, Ky.; Champaign, Ill.; and Los Angeles. Winners move to the final four next week in Seattle.

Texas beat Nebraska in a five-set match in Austin in September and has won six of the last eight meetings with the Huskers.