Kearney High left no doubt as the Bearcats swept Grand Island (25-14, 25-14, 25-9) to keep the WOK/WOGI rivalry in favor of Kearney.
From the opening serve, Kearney’s energy and efficiency set the tone. The Bearcats controlled the net, moved smoothly in transition, and never allowed the Islanders to find any rhythm. The first two sets mirrored each other, both ending 25-14, as Kearney’s balanced attack consistently found holes in the Grand Island defense. Sophomore Outside Hitter Willa Lewandowski had three kills to help pace the Bearcats.
Senior Outside Hitter Sophie Glandt took over set two, pushing the Bearcats to a mirror of set one. Glandt finished the contest with double-digit kills.
Junior hitter Jamie Wilkens led the way for the Bearcats, piling up kills at key moments to keep the pressure on Grand Island. Alyssa Bauer anchored the defense, digging out tough shots and flipping points back in Kearney’s favor, while Merrick Bruce made her presence felt at the service line with a string of aces that swung momentum.
On the Islanders’ side, Zada Gernstein brought energy at the net, battling to keep Grand Island in the fight. Irelynn Sughroue hustled across the back row to keep rallies alive, but the Islanders never found enough rhythm to slow Kearney’s steady attack.
With the win, the Bearcats move to 7-7 on the season. The Lady Bearcats will be back in action for a day-long tournament in Hastings on September 27th.
