Drew Aggus
Special to the Citizen
West Platte returns to the Class 1 District 15 tournament with high hopes.
As last year’s district champion and state semifinalist, the Bluejays know that they are capable of making a deep run in the postseason.
That run began on Monday, Oct. 28 against the Union Star Trojans, 2-0.
The game, which was played at Bishop LeBlond High School in St. Joseph, took only two sets, as the Bluejays dismantled the Trojans 25-16 in the first set and 25-10 in the second set.
Faith Stevens played one of the most dominant games of her life as she put up a team-high 17 assists and served a tremendous 11 aces.
Some of those whom she assisted were Sam Rotterman, who finished with seven kills, Tori Norman, who recorded five, and Lexie Smither, who racked up four.
West Platte’s Gracie Raney (10) prepares to serve the ball against Union Star in the Class 1 District 15 tournament on Monday, Oct. 28 at Bishop LeBlond High School in St. Joseph. West Platte won the game 2-0 to reach the district semifinals.
DEREK BIGUS/Special to the Citizen
The Trojans went down in the first round for the third consecutive year, while the Bluejays began their march back to sectionals with a first-round win.
West Platte will be matched up against St. Joseph Christian School in the semifinal, which will be played on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The district championship will immediately follow this game, as concern over Wednesday’s weather forecast has been expressed.
Results were not available by press time.
North Platte 2, Northland Christian 1
North Platte is looking to bounce back from last year’s second-round exit in the Class 1 District 15 tournament.
Last year, the Panthers were knocked out by the St. Joseph Christian Lions in the district semifinal. This year, they look to rebound with a team that has a lot more experience.
In their first district game, they were matched up with the Northland Christian Trailblazers. The Trailblazers struggled last year, losing in the first round, but were crowned district champions the year before.
This game, which was played at Bishop LeBlond High School in St. Joseph on Monday, Oct. 28, was about as competitive as any game could be. The Trailblazers took the first set 26-24, but the Panthers bounced back and earned a second-set win 25-21.
The final set was an extremely competitive battle, but the Panthers survived, winning 25-23.
McKenzie Brockhoff led her team to victory, earning 24 kills along the way. Frankie Davis helped out with 17 assists.
Brianna Bridger held down the defense, leading the team in digs with 16, while she and Emily Westwood each recorded five blocks in the win.
The Panthers will play against tournament host and first-seeded Bishop LeBlond on Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the semifinal.
BREANNA CHEADLE/Special to the Citizen
North Platte’s Maddy Cheadle (left) digs the ball during the Class 1 District 15 tournament at Bishop LeBlond High School in St. Joseph. North Platte opened with a 2-1 win against Northland Christian.
Other games
West Platte 2, North Platte 1
It took three sets, but the hosting West Platte Bluejays were able to win the last game of the regular season against rival North Platte on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
The Bluejays took an early lead, winning the first set 25-17. In the second set, however, the Panthers battled back and stole a set 25-22. But in the final set, West Platte pulled away and won by a score of 25-14 to take the victory.
Sam Rotterman led West Platte to this victory, leading the team in kills (11) and aces (5). Lexie Smither and Tori Norman also recorded seven kills apiece. Faith Stevens put up a team-high 16 assists.
Defensively, Libby Vandel and Katy Tharp each recorded four blocks to lead the Bluejays.
North Platte’s offense was led by McKenzie Brockhoff, who recorded a team-high 14 kills, while Trinity Whitford led the team in assists with 13.
Emily Westwood did it all for the Panthers’ defense, leading the team in both blocks (3) and digs (20).
The Bluejays finish the regular season with a 27-3-2 overall record and went undefeated in conference play.
The Panthers finish the regular season 14-10-1 overall.