Lincoln, Neb. – The Devaney Center was buzzing Saturday as twelve high schools competed for Nebraska state volleyball titles across five classes. Local fans witnessed two standout performances: Milford repeated as Class C1 champion and Waverly swept the Class B crown.
Milford repeats in Class C1
Milford (ranked #4) edged Aurora (ranked #6) in a tightly contested three‑set match, winning 25‑23, 28‑26 and 25‑14. The Eagles’ victory was propelled by a 28‑kill effort from senior recruit Shayla Rautenberg, a 2028 Nebraska signee whose dominant play helped secure the back‑to‑back titles. After the match, Rautenberg praised her teammates’ resilience, noting, “We stayed focused and fought for every point.” Head coach Emily Restau added, “Our program’s growth is a testament to the hard work of our athletes, families, and community supporters.”
Waverly sweeps Class B
In the Class B final, second‑seeded Waverly defeated fourth‑seeded Grand Island Northwest in straight sets, 25‑16, 25‑23, 25‑18. The Wildcats displayed consistent serving and blocking, limiting their opponent’s offense. Post‑game, senior McKinley Moser highlighted the team’s preparation, saying, “We practiced hard all season and it paid off tonight.” Coach Teri Neujahr emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting, “Our players executed the game plan perfectly and showed great sportsmanship.”
Other class champions
Additional titles were awarded across the remaining divisions:
- Class A – Papillion‑La Vista South defeated Elkhorn North, 3‑1.
- Class C2 – Guardian Angels Central Catholic beat Centura, 3‑2.
- Class D1 – Amherst triumphed over Central Valley, 3‑2.
- Class D2 – Mullen won decisively against Wynot, 3‑0.
The tournament showcased the depth of Nebraska’s high‑school volleyball talent and highlighted the dedication of student‑athletes, coaches, and families throughout the state. With the season winding down, many programs are already looking ahead to next year’s competition, aiming to build on the momentum generated in Lincoln.
For parents and community members, the championships offered a chance to rally behind local schools, reinforcing the role of sports in fostering teamwork, discipline, and school pride. The success of Milford and Waverly serves as an inspiration to younger players aspiring to compete at the highest level of Nebraska high‑school volleyball.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
