After hosting Burwell in a preseason jamboree in Callaway on Aug. 20, the Lady Bobcats opened the 2026 volleyball season on Thursday, Aug. 27, as they traveled to Ainsworth for JV and varsity matches. It took five sets to determine a winner in the varsity match, and though South Loup did not come away with the victory, the team showed tremendous grit, determination, and potential.

South Loup managed to keep the Lady Bulldogs from extending a large lead in set one, but struggled to capitalize on opportunities to get enough points on the board to win the set. Ainsworth took the first set 25-19.

The Lady Bulldogs used that momentum going into set two, winning that one 25-18. However, the Lady Bobcats were not about to go down without a fight.

In a must-win situation, set three was a nail-biter that went down to the wire. South Loup eventually was able to get the necessary 2-point difference to win the set, 26-24, to keep the match alive.

The win helped build the confidence of the Lady Bobcats as they settled into a groove. They were able to get another win in set four, 25-18, to force a fifth set.

Ainsworth regrouped and came out in the fifth with renewed determination, and the Lady Bobcats found themselves in trouble. The Lady Bulldogs took control of the set early, winning 15-6 to take the match 3-2.

Six-foot freshman middle blocker Berklee Preston led the attack for the Lady Bobcats, putting down an impressive 16 kills in the match. Preston was also a force from the service line with 10 ace serves and had 6 digs.

Emma Stallbaumer, a six-foot junior middle hitter, finished the match with 9 kills and 4 blocks.

Senior Asa Starr, a 5’8” outside hitter, racked up 8 kills in the match and had 7 digs.

Charli Pandorf, a 5’6” libero, worked hard the entire match to keep the ball in play, recording 26 digs for South Loup. Pandorf also contributed 4 service aces.

Junior Rae Hagler, a 5’8” setter, was also tough on defense for the Lady Bobcats, digging out 22 balls and recording a solo block. Hagler also had 3 ace serves and 3 kills on the night.

Olivia Fitzgerald, a 5’4” junior outside hitter, recorded 4 kills in the match and had 1 block and 17 digs for South Loup.

Also contributing to the South Loup effort were 5’8” senior middle hitter Kamryn Kramer with 1 kill, 1 block, and 4 digs; Josie Lehmkuhler, a 5’8” senior right side hitter, with 1 service ace and 4 digs; and Tiersa Johnson, a 5’5” senior defensive specialist, with 5 digs.

The Lady Bobcats will be back in action on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Merna for a triangular with Anselmo/ Merna and Mullen. Tipoff for the first game is set for 5 p.m.