AMANDA WEHNES

The South Loup Bobcat volleyball team opened the season at the prestigious Bill Marshall Classic Tournament at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, and brought home a loss against Burwell 0-2.

The Lady Bobcats struggled with passing in the first set, hitting the net instead of getting to Talli Martin, the senior setter. After a long volley midway through, the Lady Bobcats seemed to find their footing and come back from an 8-13 deficit to nearly catch up to the Longhorns.

With blocks by Bryn Schwarz and kills from Charli Vickers, Taylor Johnson, and Schwarz, the Lady Bobcats were able to catch up 20-24, but Burwell had success from the serving line that the Bobcats were unable to return.

In the second match, Burwell started out cold with a service error and the Bobcats took advantage of this momentum with blocks from Johnson and a string of kills from Abby Stallbaumer, but mid-way through, the Bobcats lost steam and Burwell handily took the win, 15-25.

Senior Abby Stallbaumer led the Bobcats in attacks with 5 blocks and 7 kills on the day.

While senior Talli Martin and junior Bryn Schwarz each had one serving ace and zero service errors. Senior libero Ava Pandorf had 19 digs, with Talli Martin and Lauryn Johnson each picking 11 digs.

The Lady Bobcats host Mullen and Anselmo-Merna on Tuesday for a triangular at Arnold, then get a rest over the long weekend. They will host Kearney Catholic on Sept. 6 at Callaway at 6:30 p.m.