Bluejays bow out in first round

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For the first time since 2017, the Seward volleyball team stepped on the court in the state tournament.

The Jays, seeded fifth, faced No. 4 Bennington Nov. 2 and battled for four sets before the Badgers got the win 25-21, 28-26, 22-25, 25-20.

“Wednesday was really exciting for the players to have the opportunity to play at state,” Coach Tom Pallas said. “It’s something they’ll remember all their lives.”

For some of the Bluejays, Wednesday was the biggest match they’d played in.

“You don’t know how they’ll react to the big stage,” Pallas said. “I thought they handled it well.”

Playing at Pinnacle Bank Arena is a different atmosphere, too. With two courts going at the same time, fans and bands from four schools cheering and playing at once, it can be distracting. But Pallas said the Jays didn’t seem to be bothered by the hoopla.

In addition, Bennington was one of the top five teams in the state, Pallas said. The Badgers’ libero, Olivia Mauch, has already committed to Nebraska as a junior.

“Their libero played outstanding,” Pallas said. “She made some unbelievable plays.”

Seward matched the Badgers, however, playing every set close. Pallas said the teams’ serve receive and defense were among the best he’d seen this season.

“We played hard and very competitive,” he said.

After forcing extra points in set two and going down 2-0, Pallas was pleased with how Seward came back in the third set to stave off a sweep.

“It was a great match to have the opportunity to play,” he said. “The crowd was unbelievable.”

He said both he and the team were impressed by the Bluejay students and fans who came to cheer on the team.

Two sophomores led the Bluejay attack against Bennington. Amara Siebert recorded a season-high 15 kills, and Kelsey Miller notched 11. Libby Kratochvil put up 39 assists, and Sophia Turek picked up 19 digs. Abby Covalt added 17.

Seward finished the season with a 28-8 record. SHS will graduate five seniors – Sophia Turek, Sofia Heaston, Keira Lliteras, Amy Sistek and Madison Dominy.

“They’ve done a great job leading,” Pallas said.

All the Jays did a good job with their assigned roles, which Pallas was pleased to see.

“It was a fun season,” he said. “I’m looking forward to next season.”

He encouraged the athletes to participate in other sports, as well, adding that those who do help build their skills for next season.