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LINCOLN — Laurel-Concord-Coleridge heads to the Class C-2 state tournament carrying one of its most balanced teams in recent memory — a seasoned roster with multiple scoring threats, a capable setter driving the offense, and a defense anchored by strong back-row production.
The Lady Bears open state play against Norfolk Catholic, a team led by a standout hitter-setter duo capable of taking over matches.
LCC arrives with a reliable core of hitters led by junior Rena Rasmussen, who enters the tournament with 488 kills — easily among the most prolific attackers in the entire C-2 field. She is supported by senior Tyler Recob (192 kills) and junior Kaida Eriksen (230 kills), giving the Bears three legitimate scoring options at the net.
The attack is orchestrated by junior setter Carlie Kvols, who has racked up an impressive 946 assists. Her ability to distribute efficiently makes LCC’s offense unpredictable and difficult to key on.
Defensively, the Bears thrive on stability and quickness in the back row, with Rasmussen (317 digs), Recob (276), Eriksen (251) and Kvols (231) forming a strong fourdeep rotation.
Up front, Rasmussen (35 blocks) and Boston Brown (24 blocks) provide a strong defensive wall at the net.
The Lady Bears enter the Class C-2 state tournament on a lateseason surge, riding one of the most consistent resumes in the bracket.
LCC stacked impressive wins throughout the fall, including victories over notable programs such as Pierce, Battle Creek, Boone Central and Cedar Catholic.
The Bears rattled off multiple mid-season sweeps and closed strong, winning 13 of their final 14 matches.
After back-to-back losses to Bergan Catholic and Oakland-Craig — two tournament-caliber teams — the Bears responded with several decisive wins. Their lateseason
stretch included a five-set win over Oakland-Craig and a gritty 3-2 victory over Stanton.
A hallmark of LCC’s profile is its ability to sweep or control matches early; the Bears won more than half of their contests in straight sets, demonstrating a strong first-contact game and consistent offensive rhythm. Their only losses came to high-level, experienced programs and were followed by adjustments that resulted in clean, convincing wins.
The Norfolk Catholic Lady Knights have been one of the toprated C2 teams all season.
Norfolk Catholic features a deep and balanced lineup with multiple capable hitters. Their standout offensive threats include: Ava Wemhoff — 337 kills, 255 digs, 40 blocks Anslee Watters — 190 kills, 194 digs, 60 blocks Hayden Brummer — 166 kills, 108 blocks Sidonia Wattier — 162 kills, 724 assists, 274 digs, 65 blocks Wattier is one of the most complete players in the field — a setter with 724 assists who is also a major defensive and front-row force. Catholic’s height at the net is a strength, with three players posting 60+ blocks.
