Top performers from Tigers' title-match win over Hitchcock

BENKELMAN, Neb. — The 0-31 campaign seems like an even more distant memory than a calendar saying “2023” would suggest.

These Dundy County-Stratton Tigers have gone from no to 19 wins in 2024, and a 20th victory would put them into next week’s Nebraska State Volleyball Tournament.

The Tigers (19-9 record) secured their shot with a well-earned D2-9 subdistrict title Tuesday night over Hitchcock County 25-22, 25-21, 26-24.

DC-S will play a district final as the D-2 No. 12 seed at No. 5 Amherst Saturday afternoon.

Opening serve is set for 2 p.m. CDT or 1 p.m. Benkelman time.

Win or lose, the Tigers’ turnaround has been absolutely sensational all season.

They also avenged one of their most recent defeats against surging Hitchcock County during RPAC tournament quarterfinal play on that same DC-S floor.

Junior Clara Spargo clobbered 17 kills in Tuesday’s rematch while freshman Abi Spargo was another force at the net with five blocks.

Abi’s nine kills and 10 from sophomore Emily Schack kept the Falcons’ focus from centering too much on Clara.

Senior Laynee Lutz served three aces to add another dimension for DC-S, who needed every clutch effort since all three sets were close.

Schack and libero Lexi Yrkoski each made 13 digs to go with Abi Spargo’s Tiger-best 16.

Lutz delivered 37 assists. The Falcons unleashed Madsyn Carlson’s 14 kills, Asia Homma’s three ace serves and senior Jill McArthur totaling 14 assists.