BDS falls in D1 semifinals at state volleyball tournament

LINCOLN, NE — The BDS Eagles took the first set against the top-seeded Norfolk Catholic Knights Friday morning but couldn't grab another as they fell 3-1 in the Class D1 semifinals at the NSAA State Volleyball Tournament. 

The first set was tightly contested with the teams tied at 15 just over halfway through. BDS got back-to-back points to take a 17-15 advantage. The Eagles never gave up the lead as they went on to win set one 25-20.

Norfolk Catholic came back strong in set two. The two tied 5-5 after the first 10 points of the second set, but the Knights claimed six of the next seven points to earn an 11-6 lead. Norfolk Catholic continued to expand on its lead, eventually leading by 10 points twice in the set — at 17-7 and 21-11. They'd also claim the second set by 10 points at 25-15. 

BDS started strong in set three, leading 4-1 after five rallies. Still up 6-3, Norfolk Catholic turned the tide, scoring 6 straight points to take a 9-6 advantage. The Knights' lead stayed steady as they would take the third set 25-20. 

Down 2-1 in sets and looking to force a fifth set, BDS roared out of the gates in the fourth set take a 9-3 lead, prompting a Norfolk Catholic timeout. BDS continued to expand its advantage though. Up 10-6, the Eagles rattled off seven consecutive points to lead 17-6 in the fourth. 

Then Norfolk Catholic flipped the script. The Knights scored 12 straight points with Allison Brungardt at the service line to take an 18-17 lead. Norfolk Catholic going, taking six of the next seven points to lead 24-18. 

BDS staved off four match points before Norfolk Catholic took the set 25-22. 

The Knights advance to the D1 championship game against either Maywood-Hayes Center or Hartington Cedar Catholic. 

BDS' will play in a third-place match tomorrow afternoon at Lincoln North Star against the loser of Maywood-Hayes Center and Hartington Cedar Catholic.