Perfect August: Nebraska’s Under-the-Radar Undefeated Teams
In this article:
As we turn the calendar to September, we still have several unbeaten squads left in the Nebraska prep scene. Let’s break down a few of them. All classes are in play as we search for programs that have preserved their…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs we turn the calendar to September, we still have several unbeaten squads left in the Nebraska prep scene. Let’s break down a few of them.
All classes are in play as we search for programs that have preserved their zero in the loss column. Unsurprisingly, these teams have a wealth of talent on their rosters. We’ll address some of those leaders, too.
So, here are a few of Nebraska’s undefeated competitors after the first several days of the 2023 season.
Lincoln North Star
North Star has started the year off right with three wins against intra-class foes: Kearney, Lincoln High, and Fremont. The road doesn’t get any easier with the Millard West Invite on the horizon.
Senior Ali Jacobs has led the charge on the outside with five kills per set in early action. Fellow veteran Macy Roth Macy Roth 5'10" | OH Lincoln North Star | 2024 State NE has been right there with her in the kill column. A combination of youth and experience has defined the setter spot with senior Abby Lottman Abby Lottman 5'5" | S Lincoln North Star | 2024 State NE and freshman Alex Kroll Alex Kroll S Lincoln North Star | 2027 NE both playing critical roles.
Scottsbluff
Like North Star, Scottsbluff joins this conversation with a 3-0 record. The Bearcats triumphed over Lexington, Chadron, and Alliance with matches in Wyoming coming up.
Senior are setting the pace for Scottsbluff. That includes the team’s three leading terminators: Ella Foote Ella Foote 5'10" | MB Scottsbluff | 2024 State NE , Paige Horne, and MaCee Neu. Allie Darnell pulls it all together at the setter spot, and she’s yet another senior for the count.
Gering
The Bulldogs are 2-0. It’s not a huge sample size, but Gering just got on the board with a Thursday win over Bridgeport to bring some positive momentum into September.
Freshman outside hitter Jaxie John Jaxie John 5'11" | OH Gering | 2027 NE has immediately landed on our radar after scoring at will in Gering’s season opener. Alex Gonzalez-Orozco Alex Gonzalez-Orozco 5'5" | DS/L Gering | 2024 State NE also remains a digging machine in the backcourt and is poised for a productive senior campaign.
Battle Creek
A 7-0 record will inevitably turn some heads. Perhaps even more impressive is Battle Creek’s recent tournament victory over Fremont in a three-set battle. That’s a statement win, and it was accompanied by two more Class A triumphs over Omaha Central and Omaha Northwest.
A balanced effort has led to this extraordinary start for the Braves. Addi Taake Addi Taake 5'6" | OH Battle Creek | 2024 NE has put together a terminal run to begin her senior year. Sami Wemhoff and Sophie Humphrey are not far behind with 27 kills apiece. On the defensive end, look for Jaidyn Smutny Jaidyn Smutny 5'5" | DS/L Battle Creek | 2026 NE to keep up her superior command of the libero spot.
Platteview
Platteview is no stranger to fast starts, so it’s no surprise to see the Trojans thriving en route to a 3-0 mark. A district win over Ralston in the season opener is perhaps Platteview’s most significant early result.
Familiar names are all over the Trojan roster. Lexi Hans Lexi Hans 5'11" | OH Platteview | 2024 State NE is a dynamic senior outside hitter who took a big step forward during the club season. Ainsley Vanosdall Ainsley Vanosdall 5'9" | S Platteview | 2024 State NE and Abree Plueger Abree Plueger 5'10" | RS Platteview | 2025 State NE are two more savvy veterans having a great early stretch in 2023. Also, keep an eye on sophomore middle blocker Brooklyn Stehlik Brooklyn Stehlik 5'9" | MB Platteview | 2026 State NE after her own breakout club tenure with River City Jrs .
Pierce
It might be tough to qualify Pierce as an “under-the-radar” team after last year’s tournament appearance, but the Bluejays deserve some credit for another solid opening. Pierce has toppled excellent teams by taking down Stanton, North Bend Central, and Norfolk Catholic. That’s surely a slate worthy of mention here.
Freshman outside hitter Nora Herian Nora Herian 6'1" | OH Pierce | 2027 NE has been a game-changer for the Bluejays with over four kills per set during the winning streak. We’re also looking out for veteran terminators like Jaya Wachholtz Jaya Wachholtz 5'9" | RS Pierce | 2024 State NE and Claudia Riggert Claudia Riggert 5'11" | MB Pierce | 2025 State NE , both of whom are regularly atop Nebraska’s statistical leaderboards.
Thayer Central
Thayer Central contended for a postseason spot last fall, so this year’s fast start is an encouraging sign. The Titans have notched four wins by taking down Superior, Aurora, Ord, and Tri County.
This squad’s two-headed killing monster features Jadyn Bowman and Ella Brueggemann Ella Brueggemann 5'8" | OH Thayer Central | 2025 State NE . Both are upperclassmen who are accustomed to playing at a high level. Don’t forget about Emma Brueggemann Emma Brueggemann 5'7" | DS/L Thayer Central | 2025 NE , either, completing another duo of the twin variety. Ella also helps out with setting duties alongside freshman Olivia Wiedel Olivia Wiedel 5'6" | DS/L Thayer Central | 2027 NE .
Paxton
Paxton has raced to a 4-0 mark while not dropping a single set in the process. That constitutes four sweeps over Maywood/Hayes Center, Sandhills Valley, Sutherland, and Garden County.
An experienced trio is leading the Tigers in scoring. Senior outside hitter Jacelyn Jorgensen has been terminating at will alongside fellow 2024 prospect Audrey Holm, who is hitting well above 0.300. Junior Emmalee Nicholson has also been making a splash in the frontcourt, allowing Paxton to achieve a lethal balance that will keep the Tigers in the postseason discussion throughout the year.