The Nemaha Central volleyball team had their dream season come up just a bit short in the 3A State Title match against Heritage Christian. 

The Chargers (36-7) controlled the pace in the second half of both sets to sweep the Thunder (46-2) 16-25 & 13-25. 

In the first set it was back-and-forth with the Chargers holding a 10-8 advantage. After that, the Chargers rattled off eight of the next 10 points and they closed out set one scoring 15 of the last 23 points. 

Set two was very similar but the Thunder jumped out to an early 5-2 lead and was able to keep it close at 10-9 but the Chargers once again would roll from there as they would score 15 of the next 19 points to close out the match in straigh sets. 

It was an unbelievable season for Nemaha Central as they won the Big 7 League Title and posted a 38 match winning streak prior to the loss against Heritage Christian. 

The Thunder seniors include Elli Rusche, Julie Rottinghaus, Gracyn Lierz, Ella Larkin, Addy Holthaus, Lillian Schultejans, and Samantha Nordhus. Addy Holthaus was Second Team All-State last year and it looks like she's on her way to another All-State selection. 

Heritage Christian has now won three consecutive State Titles as they've gone back-to-back in 3A and won the 2A State Title before that. 

The Chargers had the reigning 3A Player of the Year in Rachel Van Gorp who's a junior and committed to Iowa State. They also had junior Cy Rae Campbell who's committed to Wake Forest. 

Nemaha Central closes out the 2022 season with a record of 46-2 and a runner-up finish at the 3A State Tournament while Heritage Christian repeats as Champions.