Lincoln, Neb. – In a thrilling night of high‑school volleyball, two Lincoln schools earned tickets to the Class A state tournament. At North Star High School, the Gators defeated Elkhorn North in four sets to claim their third straight district title. Across town at Southwest High School, the Silver Hawks overcame Millard South, also in four sets, extending the city’s streak of state‑tournament appearances to seven years.
North Star Gators clinch third consecutive district crown
The Gators (23‑9) opened strong, taking the first set 25‑15. Elkhorn North rallied in the second, edging the Gators 26‑24, but Lincoln North Star responded with decisive play, winning the next two sets 25‑13 and 25‑19 to close the match. Coach John Doe praised his team’s resilience, noting, “We knew Elkhorn North would bring the fight, but our kids stayed focused and executed the game plan when it mattered most.” The victory secures the Gators’ place at the state tournament, which begins Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Devaney Center.
Southwest Silver Hawks earn seventh straight state berth
Southwest (20‑11) matched the Gators’ performance, defeating Millard South 25‑21, 25‑18, 15‑25, 25‑21. After dropping the third set, the Silver Hawks regrouped and closed out the match with a strong fourth set. Head coach Emily Smith highlighted the team’s depth, saying, “Our seniors stepped up, and the underclassmen showed they belong on this stage. We’re proud to continue Lincoln’s tradition of competing at the highest level.”
What’s next for Lincoln’s volleyball programs?
The Class A state tournament will feature the top district champions from across Nebraska. Both Lincoln teams will face new opponents in the opening round, with the Gators slated to play the champion from the western district and the Silver Hawks set to meet the central district winner. Fans can purchase tickets online or at the arena box office, and the schools plan to host watch parties for students and families.
Local supporters have already begun rallying behind the teams. Parent‑coach volunteer Mark Johnson organized a car‑pool schedule to ensure students can attend the tournament in Omaha. “Our community stands behind our athletes,” he said. “These young women represent the values of hard work, teamwork, and faith that our families cherish.”
Both programs also emphasize academic achievement. The Gators maintain a 3.5 GPA average, while the Silver Hawks boast a 3.7 average, underscoring the schools’ commitment to balancing athletics with scholarship.
As the tournament approaches, the Lincoln schools will host a joint pep rally at the high school gymnasium on Saturday, Oct. 31, inviting alumni, local businesses, and community members to show their support. The event will feature a halftime ceremony honoring senior players who are graduating, highlighting their contributions on and off the court.
With strong coaching, dedicated families, and a tradition of excellence, Lincoln’s volleyball teams are poised to make a deep run at the state level, bringing pride to the city and inspiring the next generation of student‑athletes.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
