Sidney sweeps Beatrice, advances to 13th state volleyball tournament

SIDNEY - The Sidney volleyball team is returning to the Nebraska School Activities Association State Volleyball Championships for the first time since 2016. 

The Red Raiders defeated Beatrice, 3-0, in the Class B-3 District Final Saturday afternoon at the Cabela's Athletic Facility at Sidney High School.

Sidney (32-3), who is seeking their first state volleyball championship since 1989, is the No. 3 seed and will play No. 6 Omaha Duchesne (21-17) at 7:30 p.m. CT Thursday on the south court at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.

In 2016, the Raiders lost to Grand Island Northwest, 16-25, 27-25, 18-25, 9-25. They finished in fourth place in 2012.

The Lady Orange finish the season 15-16.

Chadron advances to state

Chadron will be the No. 6 seed in the Class C1 state tournament and play No. 3 Lincoln Lutheran (34-3) at 7:30 p.m. CT Thursday at Lincoln North Star High School.

The Cardinals defeated Malcolm, 3-2, Saturday in the Class C1-6 District Final in North Platte. 

It's the first time since 2016 Chadron has qualified for the state tournament. They lost to the Clippers, 13-25, 18-25, 11-25, in the first round.

They finished in third place in 2015.

Garden County to play at state for the first time in 23 years

The Garden County volleyball team took a five-set thriller from Twin Loup, 3-2, and advanced to the Nebraska School Activities Association State Volleyball Championships for the first time since 1996. 

The Eagles (29-1) won the Class D2-4 District Final at Maxwell High School and secured the No. 4 seed at next week's tournament. They will play No. 5 Humphrey St. Francis (22-4) at 3:30 p.m. CT on Thursday at Lincoln Northeast High School.

Garden County has won seven matches at state volleyball. They were Class C2 state champions in 1985. In 1996, they lost to Sandy Creek, 6-15, 5-15.