Luke Mullin and Nate Head break down the first day of the state volleyball tournament.Ìý
Lincoln Journal Star
When the offense for the Norris volleyball team is cranked up, it can be overwhelming for the opponent.
It’s fast, has many threats and comes at you from every direction.
“When we can get in-system we have a lot of offensive threats,†said Norris coach Christina Boesiger.
Second-ranked Norris used all of its threats in a 25-21, 25-19, 25-20 win against No. 7 Aurora in the first round of the Class B state tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena, giving the Titans a 15th consecutive victory.
For some teams, many of the kills come from one player, but Norris had six players with at least four kills. Outside hitter Ella Waters had 16, middle blocker Kalli Kroeker had nine, right-side hitter Sydney Jelinek had seven, middle blocker Brianna Stai had five and outside hitter Gracie Kircher had four. Even setter Maisie Boesiger had four kills on tips across the net.
All those options helped Norris have 19 more kills than Aurora (45-26).
For the season Waters, Kroeker, Jelinek, Stai and Kircher each have at least 125 kills.
Norris tries to be creative with its offense so the blockers can’t set up early in anticipation of the attack. The Titans’ pin hitters will move and attack from the middle. And the middle blockers will roll out to the pin on the slide attack.
“Not many teams have players that can swing outside, middle or right side,†Maisie Boesiger said. “So we’re able to run a lot of cross plays. Every time we get the ball back on our side we either have a cross in front, or behind, or stacks. It’s really hard for the other team to know what we’re doing when we have players flying everywhere.â€
It’s fun to be the Titans’ setter.
“Having the hitters that I do I know that I can reverse the flow (of the offense) and set anyone,†Maisie Boesiger said. “They’re all ready to get in there and swing.â€
In the first set, Aurora dug a lot of shots to keep it close. But Waters dominated in the second set with eight of her 16 kills.
The third set was tied at 16, but Norris finished off the sweep.
Senior Kassidy Hudson led Aurora with nine kills.
“I think it was just kind of a roller coaster,†Aurora coach Lois Hixson said. “We would play some good defense and get some swings down, and then they would come back with a couple. It was a good match overall.â€
Norris (28-4) advances to the state semifinals for the second consecutive year and will play No. 4 Elkhorn on Friday.
Elkhorn won its match Thursday against No. 6 York 28-26, 25-16, 25-10.
Elkhorn was fortunate to win the first set. The Antlers fought off three set points for York before winning the set 28-26. Abby Wolfe had an ace on set point.
The Antlers dominated most of the final two sets with both their serving and hitting.
Wolfe had 11 kills to lead the Antlers. Addie Thomas and Sydney Razler added 10 kills apiece.
Elkhorn’s six seniors have reached the state semifinals for the first time. When they were freshmen, Elkhorn had to replace eight seniors from the previous season, so most of them made varsity as a freshman. Wolfe and Thomas started as freshmen.
This is the season Elkhorn has been looking to.
“You really had to think ahead to see this, where they’re at right now,†said Elkhorn coach Abby da Silva.
Norris and Elkhorn will play for the fourth time this season, with Norris winning two of the three matches.
Masa Scheierman had 13 kills for York.
Photos: Sights from the opening day of the state volleyball tournament
Aurora's Kassidy Hudson (16) hits over Norris defenders, including Ella Waters (13), during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Ìý
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Norris' Maisie Boesiger (8) and Kalli Kroeker (10) attempt a block of Aurora during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Ìý
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Norris' Ella Waters (13) hits over Aurora defenders, including Alexandra Jones (15),Ìýduring the first round of theÌýClass B state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Ìý
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Norris's Molly Ramsey (18) digs out an Aurora ballÌýduring the first round of theÌýClass B state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Ìý
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Aurora's Cassidy Knust (3) tips the ball with teammate Jaylee Schuster (28) ready to assistÌýduring the first round of theÌýClass B state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Ìý
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Norris's Ella Waters (13) digs out a short ball against AuroraÌýduring the first round of theÌýClass B state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Ìý
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Norris's Gracie Kircher (11) hits over Aurora defenders, including Jaylee Schuster (28),Ìýduring the first round of theÌýClass B state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Ìý
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Ashland-Greenwood's Jessica Stander (15) hits the ball over Waverly's Madyson Banitt (12) and Kara Kassebaum (4) during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Ashland-Greenwood's Layne Whaley (3) hits the ball over Waverly's Bailey Jeffers (5) and Madyson Banitt (12) during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Waverly's Whitney Lauenstein (9) goes for a kill against Ashland-Greenwood during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Waverly's Hannah Allick sets the ball during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament against Ashland-Greenwood on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Ashland-Greenwood's Carly vonRentzell (14) tips the ball over Waverly's Taylor Kudym (6) during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Ashland-Greenwood's Saige Craven (11) hits the ball over Waverly's Taylor Kudym (6) and Madalyn Wells (11) during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Ìý
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Waverly teammates celebrate a point against Ashland-Greenwood during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Elkhorn teammates cheer a point against York during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Ìý
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Elkhorn's Becca Vala (2) backs up teammate Sydney Raszler (4) as she bumps the ball during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Ìý
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
York's Josie Loosvelt (11) digs out a serve against Elkhorn during the first round of the Class B state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Ìý
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Wahoo's Elle Glock (right) controls the ball at the net against Adams Central's Camille Wellensiek during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament in 2020 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Wahoo's Elle Glock passes the ball against Adams Central during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo players, including Elle Glock (11), celebrate a point against Adams Central during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo's Mya Larson hits the ball against Adams Central during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo's Lauren Kavan hits the ball against Adams Central during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo players, including Lauren Kavan (14), celebrate a point against Adams Central during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo's Elle Glock (right) sets a ball in front of Adams Central's Caitlyn Scott (11) during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournamentÌý Wednesdayat Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo's Taylor Luben (2) and others celebrate a point against Adams Central during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo's Taylor Luben passes the ball during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo's Kelsie Sears (bottom) passes the ball as teammate Mya Larson looks on during a match against Adams Central in the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo plays Adams CentralÌýduring the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo fans Tessa Gatewood (left) and Courtney Strait cheer for the team against Adams CentralÌýduring the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo plays Adams CentralÌýduring the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo plays Adams CentralÌýduring the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
St. Paul plays Broken BowÌýduring the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wahoo fans are seen spaced out from one group to the next during a first-round match against Adams Central at the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Ashlyn DeBoer sets the ball against Kearney Catholic during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Steven Bennett looks at the scoreboard as he cheers for the team during a match against Kearney Catholic at the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Abigail Wohlgemuth (left) embraces teammate Abby Wachal after defeating Kearney Catholic during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Abigail Wohlgemuth (right) attacks against against Kearney Catholic's Ashlyn Wischmeier (left) and Jill Collins during the first round of the Class C-1 state tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Erika Young runs into the bench trying to make a play during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament against Kearney Catholic on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Raegan Holle lunges to pass against Kearney Catholic during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran players celebrate a point against Kearney Catholic during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesdayat Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Raegan Holle keeps the ball alive against Kearney Catholic during the first round of the Class C-1 state tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Pinnacle Bank Arena features spread-out spectators as they watch a first-round match at the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Molli Martin hits the ball against Kearney Catholic setter Callie Squiers during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Ashlyn DeBoer hits the ball against Kearney Catholic during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran players Abby Wachal (from left), Molli Martin, Sophie Wohlgemuth, and Raegan Holle celebrate a point against Kearney Catholic during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament WednesdayÌý at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Mitch Sweeney sprays the seats during cleaning in between state volleyball tournament matches Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln Southwest's Courtney Holsteen (right) goes for a kill against Papillion-La Vista's Morgan Hickey during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Dressed in their Christmas finery, Papillion-La Vista South fans cheer on their team as they take on Bellevue West during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Papillion-La Vista's Norah Sis (top right) gets a hug from teammate Morgan Hickey after the Monarchs defeated Lincoln Southwest in straight sets during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Papillion-La Vista's Norah Sis goes on the attack in the third set against Lincoln Southwest during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournamentÌý Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
North Platte cheerleaders get their fans to chant "Bulldog Power" during their match against Elkhorn South during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Pius X's Alexis Markowski (13) attempts a kill against Millard West during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Pius X's Alexis Markowski rises for an attack against Millard West during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Millard West's Ella Hazan (bottom left) celebrates the Wildcats five-set win over Lincoln Pius X during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Pius X's Adison Markowski (13) and Sophia Gallagher (14) walk off the court after losing in five sets against Millard West during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Pius X's Alexis Markowski (12) attempts a kill in the fifth set as teammate Kylen Sealock (10) looks onÌýduring the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Southwest fans watch as the Silver Hawks fall to Papillion-La Vista in a three-game sweep during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Star
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Pius X's Cora Thomas attempts a kill in the fifth set against Millard West during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournament Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Lincoln Pius X's Alexis Markowski (12) attempts a kill in the fifth set against Millard West during the first round of the Class A state volleyball tournamentÌý Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
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