2022 NSAA State Championship Finals Recap

<p>One last day of Nebraska high school action. Six new champions were crowned.</p>   <p>The Bob Devaney Sports Center was the venue for the 2022 NSAA state championship finals featuring some of Nebraska's top volleyball programs. It was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable week of tournament action.</p>   <p>So, as we've done throughout the state championships, here's a roundup of big winners and standout performers from the high school finale.</p>   <p></p>   <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Class A</span></strong></p>   <p>The 2022 Nebraska high school season wrapped up with the Class A championship featuring defending champion Papillion-La Vista South and third-seeded Omaha Westside, a school seeking its first-ever state volleyball championship.</p>   <p>In this late-night affair, the team with title experience seized early control. Papio South predictably used a steady dose of senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='59192' first='Stella' last='Adeyemi'] and junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='109585' first='Lauren' last='Medeck'] to grab an early lead. Medeck's unique role in the offense is particularly fascinating, as she frequently runs crossing patterns to hit 2-balls in the middle of the net. Her range continues to evolve.</p>   <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/1589085810066083840?s=20&t=TIZRM5XbakkQbAaNBLiz1A </div></figure>   <p>Frankly, this was a pin-hitter slugfest on both sides of the net. Though the Titans took the opening set, Omaha Westside kept pace with the top seed behind senior outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='59208' first='Destiny' last='Ndam-Simpson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='103097' first='Samantha' last='Laird']. Ndam-Simpson reached double-digit kills before the first set was over and was also a leader in picking up first contacts in the backcourt. This outstanding duo picked up steam even more in Set 2, allowing Westside to even the match after a 25-20 triumph.</p>   <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/1589092339251048449?s=20&t=TIZRM5XbakkQbAaNBLiz1A </div></figure>   <p>From there, though, the Titans surged ahead yet again. Aside from all the frontcourt firepower, Papio South got so much production from its digging machines along the end line. Rutgers-bound senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='59198' first='Makenzie' last='Dyrstad'] accumulated a match-high 27 digs in the contest. Both of the other sisters in the Dyrstad trio, Kami and Kyla, also reached double digits in the category. Westside senior libero <strong>Daniela Gologan</strong> countered with 25 digs of her own.</p>   <p>Papio South soared out to large leads in the third and fourth sets and never let go. Medeck and Ndam-Simpson tied with a match-high 25 kills, and Adeyemi was close behind with 22. We closed the night with a repeat champion in Class A, and it's another trophy in the storied history of Papio South.</p>   <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/1589106295919226885?s=20&t=TIZRM5XbakkQbAaNBLiz1A </div></figure>   <p></p>   <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Class B</span></strong></p>   <p>The newcomer and the seven-time defending champs. It was bound to be a battle when top-seeded Elkhorn North faced #2 Omaha Skutt Catholic for the Class B title.</p>   <p>From the start of the match, it was clear we were in for the long haul. Long rallies were a staple from the beginning with incredible backcourt plays on both sides.</p>   <p>One team had to pull ahead eventually, and Omaha Skutt Catholic did the honors first. Pin hitters had a field day in Set 1, with senior setter-opposite [player_tooltip player_id='104586' first='Ivy' last='Leuck'] building off her strong semifinal outing. Freshman outside hitter <strong>Addison West </strong>also did not shy away from her first appearance on the big stage. The seven-time defending champs pounced in the first set, 25-20.</p>   <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/1589046310547529728?s=20&t=Fh5eG1Ot4YvihBQUks2dKA </div></figure>   <p>It was a good start, but Skutt was about to be tested more than it ever has in a championship match during the seven-year streak. Many teams would have been by a Set 1 loss to a seven-time defending champion, but Elkhorn North could handle the pressure.</p>   <p>Senior opposite [player_tooltip player_id='59201' first='Grace' last='Heaney'] anchored Elkhorn North's comeback bid, which is nothing new for the Purdue commit. Her offense speaks for itself, but Heaney's contributions on the defensive end in this match were perhaps more impressive. She was a shutdown blocker in the frontcourt and an impenetrable right-back defender along the end line. Do-it-all opposites like that are rare, especially at the prep level.</p>   <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/1589051281788002304?s=20&t=Fh5eG1Ot4YvihBQUks2dKA </div></figure>   <p>Junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='152906' first='Ava' last='Spies'] also had a breakout match alongside the ever-steady hand of senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='171631' first='Kailey' last='Hrbek']. With a raucous crowd behind them, Elkhorn North won 25-23 in the second set and rolled to a 25-14 triumph in the third.</p>   <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/1589056469819101184?s=20&t=Fh5eG1Ot4YvihBQUks2dKA </div></figure>   <p>Omaha Skutt needed a spark to keep the run of titles alive. It started with a change of scenery as the SkyHawk coaching staff chose to flip the starting rotation and begin with [player_tooltip player_id='59194' first='Morgan' last='Burke'] serving. Skutt Catholic normally rolls out with their senior terminator in left-front, but this situation required some creative solutions.</p>   <p>The gamble paid off. Skutt Catholic came out hot in the fourth set and quickly benefitted from some new blocking matchups. A winner-take-all set was looming with a 25-16 SkyHawk win in Set 4.</p>   <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/1589063793128398848?s=20&t=Fh5eG1Ot4YvihBQUks2dKA </div></figure>   <p>With the pressure reaching a fever pitch in the deciding fifth, championship experience paid off. Skutt Catholic jumped out to an early lead and never gave it up. It wasn't easy, but the eight-peat was complete. Burke led Skutt with 18 kills, and junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='109597' first='Paisley' last='Douglas'] tallied a whopping 35 digs. Leuck posted a triple-double with 14 kills, 21 assists, and 13 digs. Heaney led Elkhorn North in kills and digs with 28 and 27, respectively.</p>   <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/1589068686572552193?s=20&t=Fh5eG1Ot4YvihBQUks2dKA </div></figure>   <p></p>   <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Class C1</span></strong></p>   <p>C1 featured the powerhouse and the newcomer. Long-time volleyball dynasty Grand Island Central Catholic faced Gothenburg, a team making its first-ever appearance in a state championship match.</p>   <p>The championship-seasoned Crusaders dominated the opening set. Senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='103091' first='Lucy' last='Ghaifan'] had seven kills in the opening stanza, while fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='59214' first='Gracie' last='Woods'] added a few of her own from the outside.</p>   <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/1589008191077380098?s=20u0026t=qPv9WVwL_RTLq-sAsqIlEw </div></figure>   <p>Set 2 was a much better demonstration of the quality volleyball that Gothenburg is capable of. The fifth-seeded Swedes have won matches through their steady ball control, and that was evident again in the championship match. Senior libero Emily Cornwell was outstanding along the end line and locked down a large chunk of the court in serve receive. Her first contacts allowed junior setter Ashlyn Richeson to set Gothenburg's many effective attackers, including sophomore opposite [player_tooltip player_id='173534' first='Taryn' last='O'Hare'] and junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='104982' first='Clara' last='Evert'].</p>   <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/1589011227787034624?s=20u0026t=qPv9WVwL_RTLq-sAsqIlEw </div></figure>   <p>GICC held a slim lead late in the second set, but the inspired play of Gothenburg manifested into a comeback. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='104981' first='Aubrey' last='O'Hare'] dished out the winning ace to even the match.</p>   <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/1589015751003815936?s=20u0026t=qPv9WVwL_RTLq-sAsqIlEw </div></figure>   <p>Gothenburg did an admirable job of prevailing in a tight second set, but GICC quickly rediscovered the rhythm it had captured in Set 1. Ghaifan piled onto her stat sheet while Woods led all players in digs. Both Set 3 and Set 4 ended in 25-17 decisions to give the GICC dynasty another title. Ghaifan led the way with 28 kills on a .327 clip.</p>   <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/1589029014991417344?s=20u0026t=qPv9WVwL_RTLq-sAsqIlEw </div></figure>   <p></p>   <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Class C2</span></strong></p>   <p>Class C2 featured a fascinating matchup between schools that appeared in championship matches last season--when both were in classes other than C2. Reigning C1 champion Lincoln Lutheran took the stage for a much-anticipated contest with defending D1 runner-up Archbishop Bergan.</p>   <p>To the surprise of many at the Devaney Center, it was the second-seeded Knights that seized an early lead. Senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='152097' first='Kaitlyn' last='Mlnarik'] was a big reason for the early charge, as she tallied a triad of early kills and had some good blocking reads along the net.</p>   <p>Lincoln Lutheran quickly closed the gap through a steady dose of senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='59212' first='Abby' last='Wachal']. Another senior, middle blocker Erika Young, generated plenty of quality touches to help the Warriors in transition. Finally, junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='109592' first='Sophie' last='Wohlgemuth'] dished out a crucial serving run that gave Lincoln Lutheran the lead. The top seed kept that lead to win the opening set.</p>   <p>Bergan would not go away after dropping the opening set. Junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='152901' first='Paige' last='Frickenstein'] matched up well with the physical Warrior frontcourt, and senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='152100' first='Rebecca' last='Baker'] remained aggressive on the second contact. Late in Set 2, the second-overall seed had a slim lead.</p>   <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/1588985427750363136?s=20u0026t=CnOI97cWqbGgUnKketv1DA </div></figure>   <p>But, again, the undefeated Warriors had an answer. A late run after going down 21-18 was ironically wrapped up by the second kill of the match from sophomore libero [player_tooltip player_id='155029' first='Keri' last='Leimbach']. Lincoln Lutheran was in the driver's seat.</p>   <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/1588988353214840833?s=20u0026t=CnOI97cWqbGgUnKketv1DA </div></figure>   <p>And the Warriors finished it off. A 40-0 season was complete with a 25-15 conclusion in the third set. Wachal led the charge with 18 kills, and Wohlgemuth had 11 from the other left-side hitter spot. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='152108' first='Elecea' last='Saathoff'] piled up 24 digs to go along with 35 assists.</p>   <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/1588995100319023104?s=20u0026t=CnOI97cWqbGgUnKketv1DA </div></figure>   <p></p>   <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Class D1</span></strong></p>   <p>The Class D1 championship was a reprise of the D1-4 sub-district finals that started a train of upsets for seventh-seeded Cedar Catholic. Saturday's meeting would decide a champion, and the Trojans were hoping for a repeat performance from the prior postseason contest.</p>   <p>And Cedar Catholic promptly started with a clutch 26-24 win in the opening set. Senior outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='103103' first='Laney' last='Kathol']</strong> unleashed a flurry of kills from the beginning, establishing herself as the Trojans' go-to attacker. When Kathol wasn't in the frontcourt, junior middle blocker <strong>Lexi Eickhoff</strong> was a very worthy secondary option.</p>   <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/1588939982907277314?s=20u0026t=CnOI97cWqbGgUnKketv1DA </div></figure>   <p>But Norfolk Catholic has proven this week that it can rally back from a Set 1 loss. Senior outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='83539' first='Channatee' last='Robles']</strong> started to heat up from the left pin, while [player_tooltip player_id='171633' first='Addison' last='Corr'] got involved in the middle. A 25-20 triumph evened the match at a set apiece.</p>   <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/1588949907569659904?s=20u0026t=CnOI97cWqbGgUnKketv1DA </div></figure>   <p>Back and forth we went. In Set 3, it was Cedar Catholic's turn to light up the scoreboard yet again. Sophomore outside hitter <strong>Melayna McGregor</strong> was a critical component to the Trojan attack, as she found a way to dispatch some tough out-of-system swings.</p>   <p>The pendulum kept swinging. Set 4 was won handily by Norfolk Catholic as Robles dialed up her game to another level. By the end of the set, Robles managed to tie Kathol with a match-high 21 kills. It was a perfect mirror image that fittingly yielded another five-set contest in Class D1.</p>   <p>Both squads had alternated set wins in this championship contest, and Set 5 finished the trend. Kathol loomed large for Cedar Catholic once again as the #7 seed inched closer to an upset. The match ended in a 15-8 decision after Kathol delivered her 26th kill of the afternoon. Junior libero <strong>Katy Jones</strong> surpassed all defenders by a wide margin with 28 digs, and Trojan senior <strong>Meredith McGregor</strong> had 53 assists.</p>   <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/1588966164142903298?s=20u0026t=CnOI97cWqbGgUnKketv1DA </div></figure>   <p></p>   <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Class D2</span></strong></p>   <p>Saturday morning's championship matches began with Class D2, a contest that ended up with one of the most shocking individual stat lines of the entire season.</p>   <p>We knew that Howells-Dodge senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='59193' first='Grace' last='Baumert'] would factor heavily in the Jaguar attack, but Saturday's performance was on another level. The Wayne State commit didn't take long to reach double-digit kills, and her dig tally kept that same pace, too. Baumert's steady hand, along with some big swings from fellow left-side hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172603' first='Natalie' last='Pieper']</strong>, lifted last year's D1 champion to a Set 1 win in this year's D2 finale.</p>   <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/1588901970794131456?s=20u0026t=CnOI97cWqbGgUnKketv1DA </div></figure>   <p>As we've seen in this drama-filled Class D2 tournament, the team that dropped the opening set put together a quick comeback. Overton's usual suspects carried a heavy load en route to a Set 2 win. That means middle blockers [player_tooltip player_id='105006' first='JoLee' last='Ryan'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172559' first='Natalie' last='Wood']</strong> were getting their share of kills in the Eagles' unique no-libero system. Six-rotation middle blockers are a rare sight, but having two in the same lineup is extraordinary. Overton makes it work.</p>   <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/1588915760977817601?s=20u0026t=CnOI97cWqbGgUnKketv1DA </div></figure>   <p>The Eagles kept rolling with a convincing win in the third set to go up 2-1. Senior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='105005' first='Ashlyn' last='Florell']</strong> showed her experience by finding ways to get Ryan and Wood involved in a variety of ways.</p>   <p>Both Class D2 semifinal matches went to five sets, and Howells-Dodge would need to keep the trend going. No problem. Baumert's offensive onslaught continued as her kill totals spiraled to head-spinning levels. The left-side hitter put away her 39th termination of the match as the Jaguars forced yet another deciding tiebreaker for the D2 title.</p>   <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/1588923246950612992?s=20u0026t=CnOI97cWqbGgUnKketv1DA </div></figure>   <p>That Set 4 win was all the momentum the Jaguars needed to seize an early lead in the fifth. Baumert tallied her 40th kill on the opening point and never relinquished the lead. The senior finished with 42 kills, 29 digs, and nine blocks as Howells-Dodge locked up its second consecutive state title.</p>   <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/1588928481756213248?s=20u0026t=CnOI97cWqbGgUnKketv1DA </div></figure>   <p></p>

One last day of Nebraska high school action. Six new champions were crowned.