Cambridge conquerors stop Southwest Roughriders in semifinals

McCook senior libero Allison VanPelt making the diving save at state in Lincoln this week.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

LINCOLN, Neb. — Exeter-Milligan-Friend spoiled southwest Nebraska’s hopes again with a four-set state semifinal volleyball win over Class D-1 No. 1 Southwest this morning.

The No. 5-seed Bobcats (23-10 record) knocked out No. 4 Cambridge in Thursday’s opening round.

Southwest (34-1) swept through Diller-Odell on Thursday and built a 24-20 lead during today’s opening set.

Coach Kim Barnett guided the Southwest High volleyball team to a 34-1 record and third straight D-1 state tournament. The Roughriders play for third place on Saturday in Lincoln North Star High School with first serve set for 1 p.m.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

Yet EMF continued to soar behind super hitter Kaydence Haase.

She delivered many of those next six points through EMF’s go-ahead point was an ace serve that “flicked” off the Pinnacle Bank South court net.

The Bobcats won 26-24 when a final Southwest block attempt sailed out.

They also won the second set before coach Kim Barnett’s team totally controlled set thre.

Atleigh Nelms served consecutive aces which gave Southwest a 7-3 lead.

The Roughriders continued building their margin with Kyra Nelms’ kill making it 18-10.

This one did not slip away as SW soon finished a 25-17 victory.

However, the momentum did not make it through a fourth set.

Southwest only trailed 12-10 following one more Kyra Nelms kill only to see EMF score 13 of those final 14 points which closed a decisive 25-13 finale.

The Roughriders will still play for third place on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Southwest faces either No. 2 BDS or No. 3 Superior at Lincoln North Star High School.