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LINCOLN — The Wynot Lady Blue Devils arrive at the Class D-2 state volleyball tournament as the top overall seed, armed with one of the most complete rosters in the bracket and a balanced attack led by elite hitters, strong ball control and veteran leadership.
Wynot opens tournament play against Red Cloud, a scrappy, defensedriven squad capable of scoring in spurts and pushing teams into long rallies.
Wynot enters the quarterfinal with proven frontline firepower, highlighted by senior Kenna Oligmueller, who has piled up 387 kills — one of the highest totals in the field. She’s complemented by fellow senior Jordan Foxhoven, who adds another 206 kills and a team-best 60 ace serves. Their attacks are powered by standout senior setter Haley Wieseler, whose 831 assists rank No. 1 among all tournament qualifiers.
Defensively, Wynot is equally equipped to control tempo. Senior libero Jaylin Geisen has compiled 406 digs, anchoring a disciplined back row that limits second-chance opportunities. Oligmueller’s all-around skill adds to that toughness with 338 digs and 36 blocks, while middle blocker Addison Sharpe brings size and energy at the net with 70 blocks, among the top totals in Class D-2.
With a mix of power, balance and experience, the Blue Devils look like a legitimate title threat.
Red Cloud enters state with far less size but compensates with scrappy defensive play and a pair of capable hitters. Sophomore Aiva Rust leads the Cardinals with 285 kills, and sophomore Josie Faimon adds another 215, giving Red Cloud two dependable scoring options on the pins.
Their offense is backed by steady passing, led by Kayla Faimon, who has logged 212 digs this season, and Haize Heldt, who adds 353 digs, ranking among the best back-row players in the D-2 field.
Where Wynot separates itself most clearly is at the net. The Blue Devils have three players with at least 22 blocks — Sharpe (70), Oligmueller (36), and Mya Pinkelman (29) — forming one of the strongest front-row units in Class D-2. Red Cloud does not match that physicality, and its smaller block may struggle to slow Wynot’s powerful outside swings.
The Blue Devils also bring significant serving pressure. Four players — Foxhoven, Oligmueller, Geisen and Wieseler — have recorded at least 40 ace serves, and all rank among the top servers in the tournament.
Red Cloud’s service game has produced occasional sparks — both Rust cousins have posted 25 aces — but they do not present the same volume or consistency behind the line.
Wynot’s ability to terminate rallies quickly, set a fast pace and dominate block-touch exchanges puts the No. 1 seed an edge on paper.
With size, depth and tournament-tested seniors, Wynot enters the opening round as a heavy favorite — prepared to make the first step in what could be a deep stay at the state tournament.
