Trojans stronger despite loss, full Bison Invite schedule

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — Senior Erin Johnson’s 13 kills shows the Cambridge Trojans are almost full strength despite a home loss to 7-3 Loomis Tuesday night.

The Trojans (6-6 record) unleashed Johnson, sophomore Joslyn Holtze’s 10 kills and another eight from soph Brooklyn Holtze.

It’s the kind of barrage Cambridge needs entering Saturday’s Bison Invitational.

Johnson was a junior force on the 2023 Class D-1 state finalist team.

“Now that we have Erin back (from injury), I think the girls are feeling more comfortable on the court and feeling less pressure on themselves as a whole knowing she’s there to help and to lead,” coach Lauren Carpenter commented.

However, the Loomis Wolves countered with three triple-digit attackers led by senior Zeigh Booe’s 11. Senior Autumn Holt added 10 in the 25-11, 24-26, 25-22, 25-19 victory.

Cambridge meets Chase County at the Bison Invite Saturday as those Longhorns are 6-2 following Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Sedgwick County (Colo.). They took two 25-17 wins and a 25-23 finale.

Meanwhile, Southwest reached 10-0 with a 25-11, 25-15, 25-16 conquest of Wauneta-Palisade Tuesday. Juniors Kyra Nelms (14 kills) and Anikka Nelms (12) were clobbering again. Freshman Aspen Billeter totaled 24 assists.

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook High’s annual Bison Volleyball Invitational arrives on Saturday as the Alliance Bulldogs return to defend their 2024 title.

Cambridge, Southwest and Chase County are among other Gazette-area teams competing as usual.

The complete lineup of matches

At McCook High

Match 1: McCook vs. Valentine, 11 a.m.

Match 4: Gering vs. Decatur Community (Kan.), 20 minutes after Match 1

At Junior High

Match 2: Southwest vs. Alliance, 11 a.m.

Match 3: Cambridge vs. Chase County, 20 minutes after Match 2

First semifinal is set for 1 p.m. with second semi 20 minutes later.

Consolation semifinals start at 1 p.m. in McCook Junior High.

Third and seventh-place matches follow 15 minutes later. Then the consolation and championship matches.

The title and third-place matches are in McCook High School.