SEM advanced to the semifinals of the Class D1 state volleyball tournament with a thrilling 5 set victory over St. Mary’s of O’Neill on Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. SEM took the opening set 25-23 but then lost sets two and three by scores of 25-21 and 25-16. The Lady Mustangs tied the match winning set four 25-17. SEM jumped out early in the fifth and controlled the set throughout winning 15-6. SEM Senior Mikah O’Neill helped power the Lady Mustangs to the win finishing with a match high 35 kills. Taryn Arbuthnot had 9 kills and 3 solo blocks for SEM. Allie Rohde had a team high 16 digs. Jacelyn Hoos and Katelynn Reiter combined for 41 set assists. SEM will face Elgin Public Pope John in the semifinals on Friday. EPPJ knocked off the #2 seed Southwest 3-2 winning 15-10 in the fifth set. Friday’s semifinal is scheduled for 11 a.m. and will be broadcast on KBBN 95.3 FM and kbbn.com.
In other D1 action, top seed Guardian Angels Central Catholic defeated Burwell in straight sets (25-18, 25-13, 25-21). GACC will face Amherst in the semifinals. Amherst defeated BDS 3-1 (30-28, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15).
