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2022 NSAA State Tournament Recap: Day 1

2022 NSAA State Tournament Recap: Day 1
Austin Kingsley
Austin Kingsley November 3, 2022 @ 07:00 AM
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In this article:

Ava Spies
Ava Spies 5'9" | OH | 2024
NE
Shay Heaney
Shay Heaney 6'2" | OH | 2025
NE
Grace Heaney
Grace Heaney 6'2" | RS | 2023
NE
Kara Kassebaum
Kara Kassebaum 6'0" | RS | 2023
NE
Morgan Burke
Morgan Burke 5'10" | S | 2023
NE
Ivy Leuck
Ivy Leuck 5'8" | S | 2023
NE
Abbie Hagedorn
Abbie Hagedorn 5'11" | RS | 2025
NE
Gracie Kircher
Gracie Kircher 5'11" | OH | 2023
NE
Karsyn Leeling
Karsyn Leeling 5'10" | OH | 2024
NE
Kayla Westby
Kayla Westby 5'7" | OH | 2025
NE
Olivia Mauch
Olivia Mauch 5'7" | DS/L | 2024
NE
Madelyn Uhlir
Madelyn Uhlir 5'10" | S | 2024
NE
Josie Cleveringa
Josie Cleveringa 5'10" | OH | 2024
NE
Lauryn Scott
Lauryn Scott 5'8" | RS | 2023
NE
Rachel Goodon
Rachel Goodon 6'3" | MB | 2023
NE
Megyn Scott
Megyn Scott 5'8" | OH | 2024
NE
Stella Adeyemi
Stella Adeyemi 5'9" | OH | 2023
NE
Lauren Medeck
Lauren Medeck 5'10" | OH | 2024
NE
Morgan Bode
Morgan Bode 6'1" | MB | 2024
NE
Chloe Livingston
Chloe Livingston 5'7" | OH | 2025
NE
Amanda Loschen
Amanda Loschen 6'2" | MB | 2023
NE
Amelia Roth
Amelia Roth 6'0" | MB | 2023
NE
Ashley Wilwerding
Ashley Wilwerding 5'10" | OH | 2023
NE
Malayah Long
Malayah Long 6'0" | S | 2024
NE
Alexa Gobel
Alexa Gobel 5'11" | OH | 2023
NE
Brinly Christensen
Brinly Christensen 5'10" | OH | 2023
NE
Abbie Appleget
Abbie Appleget 6'0" | MB | 2024
NE
Emerson Lionberger
Emerson Lionberger 6'0" | MB | 2024
NE
Alanna Bankston
Alanna Bankston 6'1" | MB | 2023
NE
Evan Glade
Evan Glade 5'11" | OH | 2023
NE
Skylar Walters
Skylar Walters 5'9" | S | 2023
NE
Destiny Ndam-Simpson
Destiny Ndam-Simpson 6'1" | OH | 2023
NE
Samantha Laird
Samantha Laird 6'0" | OH | 2023
NE
Faith Frame
Faith Frame 5'6" | DS/L | 2024
NE
Kensington Tekrony
Kensington Tekrony 6'0" | MB | 2023
NE
Shandy Faalii
Shandy Faalii 5'7" | OH | 2024
NE
Megan Waters
Megan Waters 5'10" | OH | 2024
NE
Reagan Hickey
Reagan Hickey 5'8" | S | 2024
NE
Mia Tvrdy
Mia Tvrdy 6'0" | MB | 2024
NE
Morgan Glaser
Morgan Glaser 6'0" | OH | 2024
NE
Anna Sis
Anna Sis 5'11" | OH | 2023
NE
Celia Spilker
Celia Spilker 6'5" | OH | 2024
NE
Mattie Kamery
Mattie Kamery 5'10" | S | 2025
NE
Nora Wurtz
Nora Wurtz 6'4" | MB | 2024
NE
Anna Borner
Anna Borner 5'4" | DS/L | 2024
NE
Carolyn Maser
Carolyn Maser 6'1" | S | 2024
NE
Gracie Woods
Gracie Woods 6'0" | OH | 2023
NE
Lucy Ghaifan
Lucy Ghaifan 6'1" | MB | 2023
NE
Aibrey Mandernach
Aibrey Mandernach 6'0" | MB | 2024
NE
Clara Evert
Clara Evert 5'6" | OH | 2024
NE
Taryn O’Hare
Taryn O’Hare 5'8" | OH | 2025
NE
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class A, Class B, and Class C1 all took the stage for the opening day of the NSAA state championships. The quarterfinal round in these groups produced plenty of action, and this is where we'll break it all down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Class A</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class A was the final group in Day 1 action. Fittingly, this pod delivered its share of drama after dark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In fact, the only sweep in Class A's quarterfinal round ended up being top-seeded Papillion-La Vista South's three-set triumph over Omaha Marian. But, as we'll see, even that match wasn't spared from the pulse-pounding moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Titans rolled through the first two sets of Wednesday night's contest and proved their worthiness as a top seed. The heralded pin duo of [player_tooltip player_id='59192' first='Stella' last='Adeyemi'] and [player_tooltip player_id='109585' first='Lauren' last='Medeck'] was as sharp as ever, while [player_tooltip player_id='152854' first='Morgan' last='Bode'] proved her value as a lockdown middle blocker. Sophomore left-side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='189347' first='Chloe' last='Livingston'] was also steady in her ever-growing role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587939152645218304?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587939152645218304?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We figured that Marian would show some fight after pulling some upsets to reach Lincoln, and that's what we got from the Crusaders. Senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='59204' first='Amanda' last='Loschen'] matched up well with the big block of Papio South, and experienced pin hitters like [player_tooltip player_id='171636' first='Amelia' last='Roth'] and [player_tooltip player_id='171638' first='Ashley' last='Wilwerding'] came up clutch. Marian jumped out to a large lead in the third and looked to be on the cusp of extending the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But, Class A's top seed hit the gas. Adeyemi keyed up a huge serving run to fight off multiple Marian set points, and the Titans eventually capitalized on the rally. Sweep complete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While that match was going on, Lincoln Southwest and Millard West were producing a head-spinning affair that we won't soon forget.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Silver Hawks entered the tournament as the second-overall seed behind Papio South, and LSW was quick to silence any doubters. Lincoln's top team quickly got on the board with two set victories behind the extraordinary leadership of junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='104989' first='Malayah' last='Long']. This Marquette commit makes everyone around her better, from pin hitters [player_tooltip player_id='83540' first='Alexa' last='Gobel'] and [player_tooltip player_id='59196' first='Brinly' last='Christensen'] to middle blockers [player_tooltip player_id='152856' first='Abbie' last='Appleget'] and [player_tooltip player_id='152857' first='Emerson' last='Lionberger']. This whole quartet was teeing off thanks to Long's exceptional tempo and location.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587934034545430528?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587934034545430528?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It looked like the Silver Hawks would dominate en route to a semifinal bid, but last year's Class A runner-up was keen to keep playing. Millard West refocused after going down 0-2 and looked toward the players that have regularly produced in big moments. That meant senior outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='103095' first='Alanna' last='Bankston'] and [player_tooltip player_id='59200' first='Evan' last='Glade'] would get plenty of attacking volume from fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='104588' first='Skylar' last='Walters'] at the setter spot. Suddenly, the Wildcats found a spark and took total control of the next two sets. We got our one fifth-set contest of Day 1, and nobody really knew what it would bring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587954737948905472?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587954737948905472?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It turns out that Lincoln Southwest had saved a little juice for the end. A combination of stifling blocks from Long and clutch swings from Christensen and Gobel was all the Silver Hawks needed to pull ahead. After a 2-0 lead disappeared, the second-seeded Silver Hawks rebounded.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587960890963419138?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587960890963419138?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, we ended the night with a pair of Class A quarterfinals that followed a similar course throughout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Third-seeded Omaha Westside and sixth-seeded Gretna proved hard to separate in their late-night slugfest. We saw the strength of the pins on both sides; Gretna sophomore Elle Heckenlivley regularly exchanged blows with Westside senior [player_tooltip player_id='59208' first='Destiny' last='Ndam-Simpson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='103097' first='Samantha' last='Laird']. There are several unsung heroes for these teams in the backcourt, too, like Westside libero Daniela Gologan and Gretna libero [player_tooltip player_id='104984' first='Faith' last='Frame'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587969806812291079?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587969806812291079?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The underdog Dragons swiped the opening set, but Westside quickly forged an answer. A two-point win in the second carried over into a more comfortable victory in the third. Omaha Westside was finding its stride on the big stage, and it also helped to have senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='109071' first='Kensington' last='Tekrony'] back in the lineup for these moments. The Warriors prevailed in four to earn a spot in the semifinals for the second year in a row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587997748539715584?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587997748539715584?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Likewise, the 4-5 matchup between Papillion-La Vista and Lincoln East started with the lower seed getting on the scoreboard first. Lincoln East has received so many positive contributions from junior pin hitters [player_tooltip player_id='104986' first='Shandy' last='Faalii'] and [player_tooltip player_id='109612' first='Megan' last='Waters']. This pair factored heavily in Set 1 victory for the Spartans, and they'd keep racking up numbers for the rest of the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Papillion-La Vista has an experienced lineup of its own, though. Elite junior contributors like setter [player_tooltip player_id='109586' first='Reagan' last='Hickey'] and middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='109603' first='Mia' last='Tvrdy'] are used to these stages, and it showed in the way the Monarchs rebounded. Aside from the Hickey-Tvrdy combination, I was especially impressed with how [player_tooltip player_id='109602' first='Morgan' last='Glaser'] and [player_tooltip player_id='110201' first='Anna' last='Sis'] held down the pin positions and exhibited all-around skills in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All this firepower helped Papio power through every tight set after the opening loss. The Monarch claimed three-point wins in the third and fourth sets after winning the second by two, and these slim margins brought this history-rich program back to the final four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587997894916726785?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587997894916726785?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Class B</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wednesday's tournament action started with the Class B quarterfinals, and the top seeds in this group quickly made their presence felt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It all started with top-overall seed Elkhorn North securing a bid to the next round with an emphatic 3-0 win over Grand Island Northwest. The Wolves offense was rolling from the start and was as balanced as it was effective. [player_tooltip player_id='152906' first='Ava' last='Spies'] frequently got involved from the middle blocker spot, and [player_tooltip player_id='155043' first='Shay' last='Heaney'] was an efficient out-of-system outlet on the left. Of course, senior opposite [player_tooltip player_id='59201' first='Grace' last='Heaney'] got her share of floor-denting kills, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587823302613114882?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587823302613114882?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grand Island Northwest responded well to a first-set defeat by playing a closely contested second set with Class B's top seed. Senior middle blocker <strong>Chloe Mader</strong> showed her versatility with some assertive swings on the right pin. Still, Elkhorn North managed to put together enough runs to steal the second set and eventually earn the sweep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587816345411919874?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587816345411919874?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other side of the court, Omaha Skutt Catholic was engaged in a 2021 semifinal rematch with seventh-seeded Waverly. And, like last year's contest, the Vikings struck first.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior opposite [player_tooltip player_id='171630' first='Kara' last='Kassebaum'] has long been a leader for Waverly, and she showed a little more of that impact Wednesday morning. The veteran had an important role in helping the Vikings rally late in the first set and steal the opener from the second-seeded SkyHawks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From there, though, the seven-time defending champions found their rhythm. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='59194' first='Morgan' last='Burke'] terminated in several different areas of the court, opening up the rest of the offense to take aggressive swings. The right side duo of [player_tooltip player_id='104586' first='Ivy' last='Leuck'] and [player_tooltip player_id='173527' first='Abbie' last='Hagedorn'] was particularly effective as Skutt rolled in the next three sets and kept the hunt for eight alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second wave of Class B quarterfinals carried on the trend of success for higher seeds. On the south court, third-seeded Norris flexed its championship pedigree with a 3-0 victory over Sidney. Though the Titans have a somewhat different look than last year's runner-up squad, there are still plenty of seasoned stars on the floor. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='59203' first='Gracie' last='Kircher'] continues to carry her do-it-all role for Norris, which features setting, hitting, and almost anything in between. <strong>Anistyn Rice</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='105000' first='Celia' last='Spilker'] were also a formidable frontcourt tandem in Wednesday's win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587855405484482562?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587855405484482562?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sidney wraps up a 28-7 campaign that brought a variety of emerging talents to the forefront. [player_tooltip player_id='172606' first='Karsyn' last='Leeling'] and [player_tooltip player_id='173531' first='Kayla' last='Westby'] make up a powerful pair that should be even stronger for the Raiders next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lastly, we saw a fascinating 4-versus-5 matchup that pitted Bennington against Seward. These two blue-clad teams came to Lincoln looking to upset some of the other big powerhouses we've just discussed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The beginning of the match was all about Bennington. Future Nebraska Cornhusker [player_tooltip player_id='109590' first='Olivia' last='Mauch'] quickly made a habit of sprawling around the court making improbable defensive plays. Also in the ball control realm, setter [player_tooltip player_id='179361' first='Madelyn' last='Uhlir'] also showed her experience with some savvy distribution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587844477963718665?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587844477963718665?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seward wouldn't go away easily, though. The Bluejays regularly generate offensive balance through hitters like <strong>Sophia Turek</strong> and <strong>Keira Lliteras</strong>, and that was evident in Lincoln. Seward took the third stanza to stay alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennington promptly responded. Mauch keyed up some huge serving runs to stretch the Badger lead late in Set 4. That was enough to propel Class B's #4 seed into the semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Class C1</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The middle portion of Wednesday's festivities was occupied by Class C1, a group that put plenty of recognizable powerhouses in the state tournament field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And those powerhouses had quite an opening day. North Bend Central led the charge as C1's top seed, and the Tigers defended their frontrunner status by sweeping Adams Central on the north court. Junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='105002' first='Josie' last='Cleveringa'] had another spectacular outing as North Bend Central's go-to attacker, and multi-talented athlete <strong>Kaitlyn Emmanuel</strong> put on a blocking clinic at the net. This Tigers team has a similar core group that just won a state basketball title this spring, so it's easy to feel this stage is not too big for them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587877090497425408?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587877090497425408?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adams Central graduates impactful seniors like [player_tooltip player_id='103076' first='Lauryn' last='Scott'] and [player_tooltip player_id='103077' first='Rachel' last='Goodon'] but can still lean on leading attacker [player_tooltip player_id='172608' first='Megyn' last='Scott'] on next year's Patriots squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While C1's top seed was flexing its muscle on the north court, second-seeded Minden was doing much of the same on the south court. The Whippets backed up their impressive 32-3 regular season with a convincing sweep over DC West to reach the C1 semifinals. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='173530' first='Mattie' last='Kamery'] paced the Minden offense Wednesday night, as she has done throughout the 2022 fall season. Her team-leading kill totals are particularly impressive given that Kamery also spends much of her time running the offense from the setter spot. When Kamery is setting, freshman [player_tooltip player_id='276201' first='Myla' last='Emery'] is usually available to pick up the slack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587889485735682048?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587889485735682048?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even after Minden's stellar performance, it's hard to take away the excellent season that DC West put together to reach the state championships. Creighton commit [player_tooltip player_id='104975' first='Nora' last='Wurtz'] was as advertised, and this physical middle blocker even showed that she can pass and play defense in the back row. And, speaking of defense, junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='104976' first='Anna' last='Borner'] remains the focal point of a very strong Falcons backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587880664560533504?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587880664560533504?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Then, it was time for the other two Class C1 semifinals. Plenty of eyes were on the 3-versus-6 contest that featured two major perennial players. But, in this year's showdown between Grand Island Central Catholic and Kearney Catholic, it was all about the Crusaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>GICC quickly jumped out to a commanding lead in the opening set and seized that momentum for the rest of the match. Veterans like setter [player_tooltip player_id='104674' first='Carolyn' last='Maser'], outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='59214' first='Gracie' last='Woods'], and middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='103091' first='Lucy' last='Ghaifan'] found a way to make an influence in nearly every play. Not only was the offense connecting well, but the physicality of the Crusaders proved to be a lot to handle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587910424615264257?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587910424615264257?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still, Kearney Catholic was one of my favorite central Nebraska teams to follow this year. We got to see that lethal frontcourt combination of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='256642' first='Londyn' last='Carnes']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172601' first='Aibrey' last='Mandernach']</strong>, both of whom still have a year left with the Stars. You can count on Kearney Catholic generating a return bid next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, we had to save the one upset of the day until the very end of the feature. Leave it to the Swedes to break some trends in a day that went almost completely chalk.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fifth-seeded Gothenburg was a state quarterfinalist last season, but the Swedes quickly showed that out for something more this year. Reliable hitters like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='104982' first='Clara' last='Evert']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='173534' first='Taryn' last='O'Hare']</strong> were all set up by the steady floor defense of senior libero <strong>Emily Cornwell</strong>. It was a beautiful combination that eventually lifted the Swedes to a 2-0 lead against fourth-seeded Malcolm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Clippers weren't about to yield, of course. Malcolm built quite a winning reputation throughout the regular season, and we saw glimpses of how this team has been so successful. True freshman outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275894' first='Halle' last='Dolliver']</strong> has been a revolutionary addition to the program, and she will surely be a menace for years to come. The youth of Dolliver was also counterbalanced by the experience of senior outside hitter <strong>Diamond Sedlak</strong>. Malcolm used this unique combination to fight off elimination and swipe the third set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587917357569044480?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587917357569044480?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the end, Gothenburg pulled ahead to score Day 1's lone upset. The #5 seed won the right to battle the North Bend Central juggernaut in what ought to be a thrilling semifinal bout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587923991309975552?s=20u0026t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1587923991309975552?s=20&amp;t=2CfJ3GT8rvj2aLGdqLnNaA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Class A, Class B, and Class C1 all took the stage for the opening day of the NSAA state championships. The quarterfinal round in these groups produced plenty of action, and this is where we'll break it all down.

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