Cedar Catholic duo hits big milestones

HARTINGTON — Two long-time Lady Trojans volleyball team seniors have etched their ways into the Cedar Catholic history books.

Katy Jones (1,000 digs) and Lexi Eickhoff (350 blocks) both reached individual milestones that illustrate their impacts for a program which includes the 2022 state title.

“Katy has really been a solid reliable player in the back row,” Cedar head coach Denae Buss said. “Her consistency in passing is what drives an offense. We always say it, ‘starts with the pass.’ Also in the back row, she gives that extra effort and makes reading hitters look effortless.

“Blocking is an attitude. It takes footwork and reading passes and setters, but also just making that effort to get there every time. When Lexi is in the front row, she has the ability to change what a hitter does just by getting her block up. Everyone has to be conscious of where she is as a hitter, because she can take away a large portion of the court. Both of these girls have worked tirelessly at their craft, both have put in the hours to get to where they are today.” Eickhoff began her career as a precocious freshman and slowly evolved into a tower of power along the net, getting her milestone against Boone Central a few weeks ago.

“Going into the game I had no idea I was even close to 350 so it was a big surprise when I got my ninth block of the night that I had met such a great milestone,” Eickhoff said. “I had a lot of family there and all together it was a great surprise. To reach this goal in my career means absolutely everything. I know I couldn’t have done any of it without the team and a block around me to help. I absolutely love blocking with other teammates like Brynn Bernecker, Melayna McGregor, Grace Wortmann, and Addison Walter. Having that rhythm with the teammate next to you while blocking is what makes each block possible.

“This is also what makes such a big improvement and impact when a block is needed. During this season our assistant coach Becky Jones always told the team to make sure that we do both of our roles, offense and defense. With her saying this I knew that my defensive job was to block during a game.”

Eickhoff sees blocking as something that must be done in unison with teammates to her left and right.

“Having a huge block in a game can be such a pivotal point in any match and can really give the team the energy needed,” Eickhoff said. “One of my most favorite things to see while playing with or watching my team is to see them make a huge block and seeing them celebrate after, because I know exactly what that feeling is like to see the ball hit the floor after putting in the work to put up a huge block.

“Another thing I love about seeing a teammate get a block is the fact that you can help them celebrate and help them realize what they just did for the team. From freshmen year to senior year, seeing my team succeed with blocks is one of the things I will never forget while playing with this team. I am forever thankful to be able to play with this team.”

Jones worked tirelessly to be a defensive stopper and not let many opponents kill attempts hit the floor. She reached her milestone against Battle Creek at the conference tournament at Boone Central.

“My coaches didn’t tell me I was getting it and I kept checking my stats because I knew I was close but the number stopped changing,” Jones said. “All my family came and it was a big surprise. It’s an honor to be the Libero of the team. Getting trusted to handle the pressure of taking the majority of the first contacts. Reaching the 1000 digs is a reflection of the hard work and time that is spent studying film and recognizing patterns that the other team does.

“My accomplishment of 1000 digs is not just an individual award but a team achievement, with Lexi also achieving her 350 solo blocks made it easier as hitters tried to avoid her and I could count on her to take up space in the back row, making the attacker easier to read. Another big factor to our success was Annika Kuehn and Mckinlee Lammers, my back row partners. We bounce off each other’s energy and make adjustments throughout the game.”

Jones said the feeling of digging a big hit can be a huge momentum killer for the opponent and that drives her even more.

“It builds the momentum on our team,” Jones said. “It makes everybody want to play harder for each other and gives us energy. I play defense strictly for my team. I always tell myself, ‘you play for an audience of one.’ No one in the crowd matters when you step on the court. We had talked about when you consistently dig up certain hitter’s attempts, they try to move it away from you resulting in an error on them or an easier ball.”

Cedar Catholic ended its season last week in the SubDistrict title game at Crofton. Both girls noted their appreciation for being a Lady Trojans.