LINCOLN – The Sumner-Eddyville-Miller volleyball team beat Amherst in four sets Saturday to claim the Class D1 State Championship 28-26, 25-15, 20-25, 25-21.
The two teams traded the lead early in a tough first set that saw SEM get a slight advantage before the Mustangs pulled away in the second. Amherst was able to rebound in the third, but SEM never trailed in the fourth to finish the victory.
Mikah O’Neill had another big game with 33 kills, 28 digs, two blocks and an ace. Her final kill was the game-winner.
Taryn Arbuthnot added 23 kills with 19 digs, two aces and two blocks. She said after the match that the experience was “surreal” and spoke about how much fun the team has had along the way.
Jenna Claflin posted nine kills and 21 digs, Jaycelyn Hoos posted 28 assists and 21 digs despite a bloody nose in the first set, Allie Rohde finished with 37 digs while Katie Reiter had 35 assists, 12 digs and two blocks.
Coach Tammy Kenton emphasized that it was a whole team effort.
SEM finishes the season with a 30-4 record. The state title is the second in program history and first since 1981.
Hannah Herrick paced Amherst with 15 kills and 34 digs. Saryn Prickett added 12 kills, 22 digs and 25 assists.
The runner-up finish for the Broncos is the best in program history as they made the finals for the first time.
