Key Matches This Week: Class C-2

Stanton and Madison   The Stanton Mustangs begin their season on Thursday night against Madison at home. The Mustangs won the 2016 Class C2 state championship, so they’re definitely hoping to repeat this year. Stanton dominated Diller-Odell in the championship match a year ago, so they’re hoping the success will continue into this season. That Mustang team upset top seeded Diller-Odell in the championship match. Stanton returns Jessie Brandl, Bree Burtwistle and Hannah Heppner from last year’s squad. All of them played significant roles in the team’s run at state. Stanton is ranked #1 in the preseason top 10 after a 31-6 season from a year ago. Stanton is for sure the team to win it all again in Class C2 and their own road to repeat starts on Thursday night.   Hartington Cedar Catholic and Battle Creek   Hartington Cedar Catholic and Battle Creek begin their 2017 season on Thursday night at Cedar Catholic. HCC pulled off a shocking upset against Ponca in the district finals last year, but fell to top seeded Diller-Odell in the first round of state. The Trojans are hungry to get back to state this year. They are #2 in the preseason top 10 and are just behind Stanton, the defending state champions. Hartington Cedar Cedar Catholic returns 4 of their best 5 offensive weapons. They return Jada Cattau, Maddie Wieseler, Anna Feifenrath and Mallorie Steffen. They also return setter Ashley Hamilton and libero Madie Arens. This Trojan squad would love to make a run at state this year, and they get to start that hopeful run on Thursday night.   Centura and Central City   After making it to the state tournament a year ago, Centura is back and is hopeful to make it to Lincoln again in November. Centura lost in the first round of state to eventual champion Stanton in 4 sets and begin their season at Central City on Thursday night. Centura returns Emily Krolikowski, Grace McDonald, Brooklyn Hostetler and Amber Baldwin from last year’s squad. All of those girls played huge roles in the Centurion’s state tournament appearance. Centura went 20-11 last season, but they could potentially have a way better season this year, and could potentially make it further in the state tournament. They’re ranked #3 in the preseason top 10 for class C2 and Thursday night should be the start to a successful season for the Centurions this year.   Hastings St. Cecilia and Lincoln Christian   This matchup could be one of the most exciting first matches for any class C2 team. St. Cecilia is ranked #4 in the class C2 preseason ratings and Lincoln Christian is ranked #8 in the preseason ratings for class C1. These 2 teams could definitely play out a thrilling 4 or 5 set match if both teams start off strong at St. Cecilia Thursday night. St. Cecilia is coming off a 5 set loss to Aquinas from their first match of the season this last Saturday. The Bluehawks would love to run the table again and make their way back to Lincoln in November. With Tori Thomas and Makenna Asher back from last year, this team could definitely make it past the state semifinals this year and possibly find themselves playing in the championship match, come November.   Archbishop Bergan and Oakland-Craig Despite being swept by Roncalli this last Thursday night, Archbishop Bergan is ready to get back on track Thursday night at Oakland-Craig. The Knights from Archbishop Bergan have setter Allison Dieckmann, libero Meghan Dalhauser, OH/MH Haley Kempf and one of the best all around players in the state in Lexie Langley. Langley is arguably one of the best outside hitters in the state and hopefully she’ll get some more recognition this year. With Dieckman setting, Dalhauser playing defense in the back row, and Kempf and Langley putting the ball away in the front row, this team has what it takes to make it to state this year. We can expect Langley to lead the charge this year and Thursday night will be the Knight’s chance to regroup after a rough first match of the season.