Panthers punch state ticket for first time since 2009

Published 8:53 pm Wednesday, November 4, 2026

By Mike O'Brien

For the first time since 2009, Bancroft-Rosalie has qualified for the NSAA State Volleyball Championships this week in Lincoln.

“It’s hard to put into words. Seeing all of their hard work and commitment pay off in that moment was incredibly special,” B-R head coach Caragan Tietz said.

“This group has put so much into this season, and to see the excitement and emotion after realizing what they had accomplished is something I’ll never forget. I’m just so proud of them and so happy they get to experience this together.”

Bancroft-Rosalie punched their ticket to state with a three-game sweep over Meridian in the D2-6 District finals on October 31 in Bancroft.

“It’s pretty special to be the group that gets to bring the program back to the state tournament. There is a lot of history in this program, and we know how much it means to our school, community, and everyone who has supported Panther volleyball along the way,” Tietz said.

“These girls have worked incredibly hard to get here, and they have created something special together. We’re excited to represent our school and community in Lincoln, and hopefully this is something that continues to build excitement and expectations for the future of the program.”

The Panthers head to Lincoln with a 20-12 record. Their first round game of the Class D2 State Volleyball Tournament was against #3 Hay Springs (23-7) on November 5 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

For Tietz, what makes this team so special is its chemistry and the relationships this group has built.

“They genuinely enjoy being around each other, they compete for each other, and they want to see each other succeed,” Tietz said.

“We have four seniors who have been such an important part of this team, and we’ve had younger girls step into big roles throughout the season. They have bought into what we’re trying to accomplish, they show up and work hard, and they continue to push each other.”

Saturday, October 31

D2-6 District

Bancroft-Rosalie def. Meridian

25-13, 25-16, 25-22

B-R: No stats made available.

More Panther volleyball results:

Monday, October 26

D2-2 Subdistrict

Bancroft-Rosalie def. Omaha Christian

25-8, 25-12, 25-11

B-R: Aizley Dean 9k, 2a, 5d; Bailey Murphy 11k, 2a, 2b, 1d; Emelia Nolting 1s; Gracie Davis 3k, 1d; Kendra Beaudette 3d; Laylah Blackhawk 2k; Callie Kai 2a, 2d, 29s; Hailey Punke 1a, 1d, 2s; Ella Carpenter 1k, 1b; Emilyn Hilsinger 1k, 3a, 3d; Miley VanKirk 1a, 7d, 1s; Jaylynn James 8k, 12d; Leah Beaudette 4d.

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

Tuesday, October 27

D2-2 Subdistrict

Bancroft-Rosalie def. Archangels Catholic

25-15, 25-13, 19-25, 25-23

B-R: Aizley Dean 9k, 1b, 15d; Bailey Murphy 8k, 2a, 10d; Gracie Davis 9k, 1b, 12d, 1s; Kendra Beaudette 7d, 1s; Callie Kai 1a, 1b, 13d, 37s; Emilyn Hilsinger 5k, 1a, 1b, 3d; Miley VanKirk 1a, 13d; Jaylynn James 11k, 1a, 16d; Leah Beaudette 7d, 1s.

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