Bluejays make return to Lincoln

Published 9:02 pm Wednesday, November 4, 2026

By Mike O'Brien

Typically, Guardian Angels Central Catholic junior Bailey Gerths does plenty of her damage at the net with her big swings.

But in the C2-4 District finals on October 31 in West Point, Gerths provided a huge spark at the service line, which ended up being the turning point in GACC’s district finals sweep over Kenesaw to clinch their state berth.

“It’s really exciting and very fulfilling. This has been our goal all season, to get back to state,” GACC head coach Maddie Gideon said.

“We fell short of what we wanted last year, so winning a district finals was check number one. We have a few more check marks to go, but this win definitely took some of that weight off our shoulders.”

After GACC cruised to a convincing 25-15 win in set number one, the Bluejays found themselves in some trouble in set number two as they trailed 24-16.

GACC fended off set point, then Gerths served the Buejays to a 27-25 win.

“It was obviously a little nerve-racking going back to the service line, but I knew my teammates had my back,” Gerths said. “It wasn’t just my serves; our defense was amazing [during that stretch].”

Gideon said when there is no room for error, it’s impressive to play like her team did.

“I have a lot of faith in our girls. You’re never safe until you hit 25,” Gideon said.

Despite a deflating moment, Kenesaw continued to battle. Still, GACC was able to complete the sweep by winning set three, 25-18.

“Sports are hard in the fact that there is always going to be up and down days. But the nice thing about volleyball, you have six girls on the court together,” Gideon said. “If someone is struggling, you can rely on five other players.”

Gideon said the team’s maturity this season has been key in persevering through those up and down moments.

Now, GACC will take a 24-7 record into the Class C2 State Volleyball Tournament, which started on November 5 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. The #4 Bluejays played against #5 Bergan Catholic (26-9) in the opening round.

Saturday, October 31

C2-4 District

GACC def. Kenesaw

25-15, 27-25, 25-18

GACC: Tia Strehle 9d, 1s; Emma Cohee 1k, 1a, 5d, 36s; Alli Ritter 2k, 1b, 1d, 1s; Hailey Kreikemeier 11k, 19d; Kara Ridder 2k, 2a, 1b, 2d, 1s; Bailey Gerths 24k, 3a, 1b, 15d; Charlie Ridder 2b, 1s; Riley Wegner 1k, 2a, 25d, 1s.

Key: a-ace serve, s-set assist, k-kill, d-dig, b-block