State Championship Preview: Class C-2

The field is set and teams are fervently preparing for the next and final stage of their seasons. Here is a look at the 8 teams competing for a championship in Class C-2.

#1 : Hartington CC (32-0)

The trojans are again on the hunt for a state championship. With wins over Ponca and Stanton, Hartington is one of two teams in C-2 with an unscathed record. One key to their success is definitely their balanced offense as they are led in kills by Jada Cattau with 269, Madison Wieseler with 260, and not far behind is Anna Reifenrath with 220. The trojans are tough to defend and will pose an obvious threat to competitors on their way to their first state championship title since 2012.

#2: Nebraska Christian (31-0)

Possibly the most dangerous #2 seed throughout the state tournament, the eagles plan to replace the #2 in front of their name with a #1 on Saturday. This team has had some quality wins over top-ranked B and C-1 schools. Once again, a balanced offense has proved successful in this case. Claire Ostrand and Katelynn Halstead lead the eagles with 280 and 220 kills respectively. Setter, Carsyn Ostrand, comes in with 758 assists. This team is a hunter in this field of competition.

#3: Centura (28-5)

After a loss in substate, the centurions recovered to beat Creighton in the substate match last week. The tough schedule and excessive wins advocate for Centura’s place in the state tournament. They are led by Hastings College commit, middle hitter, Emily Krolikowski who has 341 kills coming into the tournament. The ability of this team to terminate when Krolikowski is up front, and then side out demandingly when she is in the back row makes them a tough opponent for anyone in this field.

#4: Stanton (29-3)

The mustangs are led by junior OH, Jessie Brandl who comes in with 307 kills. Not far behind is Bree Burtwistle with 282 kills showing the diversity of Stanton’s offense. With only three losses on the season, the mustangs know what it takes to win night in and night out and they even upset a few C-1 teams throughout the season. Their opponents shouldn’t overlook the power of this team.

#5: Bergan  (25-8)

The knights have prepared for this weekend with a season-long line up of touch teams. With their losses coming from mainly front runners in C-1,  the tough schedule propelled them back to the state tournament where they last made an appearance in 2012. Bergan is led by junior outside hitter Lexie Langley as she comes in with 435 kills on the season. Allison Dieckmann, junior setter, also plays an vital role for the mustangs and comes in with 917 assists and 51 aces. The knights could be a dangerous #5 seed in C-2.

#6: Superior (25-4)

After an uncharacteristic loss in subdistricts, the wildcats beat Bridgeport to secure their place in the tournament. Led by Nebraska commit, Kalynn Meyer with 437 kills, Superior possesses weapons of many types. Obviously the 6’3″ middle in Meyer, but also scrappy defense and relentless pursuit. Though a six seed can seem a little out of the loop, the mustangs have a shot at some upsets in Lincoln.

#7: Ponca (29-5)

On their first state tournament quest since 1999, the Indians will be pumped up for their shot to make some noise. They are led by a freshman middle hitter, Josie Reid who has tallied 258 kills over the course of her first high school season. Being a middle-powered offense has some difficulties, but major payoffs as well. Ponca will most likely make things interesting for those trying to predict outcomes, as they will put up a challenge to the teams in this class.

#8: Southern Valley (26-5)

The eagles win in four sets last week propelled them into this list of top 8 teams in C-2. Their leading players include Lauryn Samuelson, a 6’1″ MB with 323 kills and Cassandra Bose, a MB with 241 kills. Southern Valley plays with energy that can emotionally drain opponents and that will help them show they can do some great things down in Lincoln.