Grand Island Central Catholic was the site for the D1-2 District Final Volleyball matchup between the #2 seeded Cambridge faced off against Bancroft-Rosalie. The Trojans were able to take care of business in the match as they won in three sets. The set scores were 25-20, 25-9, and 25-21.
In the first set, the Trojans had to pick their way through a number of mistakes and unforced errors. Eventually, though, Cambridge went up 19-11 in the set. Bancroft-Rosalie regained a little momentum going on an 8-3 run to make it 22-19. Cambridge though was able to capture the set winning 25-20.
In the second set, Cambridge picked up right where they left off as Jacey Kent and Erin Johnson continued their aggressive attacks and they went up 7-3. The Panthers had to take a timeout and try to regroup. The attempt to try and slow down the Trojan attack though didn't work as they went on to lead 13-5 and Bancroft-Rosalie called another timeout. Once again, the break didn't stop the Trojans as they went on a 12-4 run to close the set at 25-9.
In the third and final set of the day, the Panthers challenged the Trojans. Bancroft-Rosalie led to start at 6-2 and Cambridge took a timeout. Following the timeout, the Panthers kept their strong play up as they went up 9-2. The Trojans though, climbed back into it, in a fury going on a 10-5 run to shorten the gap to 14-12.
The Panthers were forced to take a timeout.
Cambridge took the lead at 16-15, but Bancroft-Rosalie claimed it back at 17-16. Cambridge was able to handle the adversity at a high level and claim the lead at 22-21, and reel off four in a row to seal the win.
Cambridge was led by junior Jalen Kent and her 12 kills. Senior Jacey Kent and sophomore Erin Johnson added 11 kills. On the defensive side, Bailee Ahlemeyer had 26 digs.
Head Coach of the Cambridge Trojans, Lauren Carpenter said that the speed bumps they had throughout the match were due to some jitters. "Just jitters. District final, and it being a big deal. Towards the end, the competitiveness took over for the girls." Carpenter also said that this year heading to state feels different. "...being there last year will help us with experience in a bigger environment."
Cambridge is the #2 seed in the Class D1 State Volleyball Tournament and they will take on #7 seeded Cedar Catholic on Thursday at 1:00 P.M. with the site being Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.
Also in the RPAC, Maywood-Hayes Center and Southwest qualified for the state tournament. The Wolves are the #3 seed and will take on #6 seeded Meridian at 3:00 P.M. on Thursday. Southwest is the #5 seed and will play #4 seeded Oakland-Craig at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday.
