By LuAnn Schindler
Publisher
Bobcats fall to Crusaders in state tourney opening round
Share
Tweet
November 14, 2019
LuAnn Schindler
Tight set • Kyra Nilson (10) avoids contact with the net while sending the ball to Tiana Thramer during the third set of the Summerland - Grand Island Central Catholic match at state volleyball. The Crusaders swept the Bobcats, eliminating the local athletes from advancing to the second round.
The eventual 2019 Class C2 state champs downed Summerland in straight sets 25-14, 25-12, 25-20 in the first round of the state tourney Nov. 7 at Lincoln Southwest High School.
The pace of the first set caused Summerland to be out of system, making it difficult for setter Kyra Nilson to get a set to her usual powerhouse hitters.
The Bobcats ended with 14 hitting errors and five net violations.
Throughout the match, Grand Island Central Catholic powered 10 ace serves over the net.
GICC's Courtney Toner went on a 5-0 run from the service line, pulling the Crusaders away from what started as a close first set.
In the second set, the Bobcats couldn't get any rhythm offensively, while the Crusaders darted to a 20-9 lead.
Lauryn Willman landed back-to-back aces, putting GICC up 20-9.
The Bobcats rebounded early in the third set, with Brenna Wagner pounding a kill to put Summerland up 3-0.
After GICC maneuvered their way back into the match, Tiana Thramer slammed the ball to the floor.
Sidney Stallbaum and Summer Schroeder teamed up for a block that put the Bobcats ahead 9-7.
LuAnn Schindler
Double trouble • (l-r): Sidney Stallbaum and Ashley Koenig attempt to block a hit from a Grand Island Central Catholic player during the second set at state volleyball. Stallbaum ended the match with two blocks. Koenig nailed six kills in the three-set loss. GICC won 25-14, 25-12, 25-20.
But the Crusaders hit cruise control, going on a 8-1 run to take the lead.
Ashley Koenig nailed a shot down the rail to pull the Bobcats within three, 23-20.
Kills by Allison Kalvoda and Chloe Cloud ended the match and Summerland's season.
Kalvoda ended the match with 9 kills for the Crusaders. Kate McDonald added 12 digs and Katie Maser added 20 set assists.
Thramer led the Bobcats with 9 kills. Stallbaum retrieved 11 digs, while Nilson is credited with 24 set assists.
The Bobcats end the season 28-6, a good start for the first year in a new sports' cooperative.
Statistics vs. GICC:
Nilson: 3d, 24sa; Stallbaum: 3k, 2bl, 11d; Thramer: 9k, 1a, 1d; Schroeder: 5k, 1bl, 8d; Koenig: 6k, 6d; Wagner: 2k, 1bl, 11d; Avery Cheatum: 1k, 10d.
Reader Comments(0)