Keck too much for #8 Pierce, #1 Kearney Catholic advances to semis

LINCOLN - Ashley Keck ripped off 22 kills and #1 Kearney Catholic swept Pierce 25-19, 25-16, 25-17 in the opening round of the Class C-1 state tournament.

The Stars (32-4) fought off several long rallies from the scrappy Bluejays (27-6) to earn the victory. Keck also paced Kearney Catholic with 14 digs and Sydney Conner added 31 set assists.

Pierce was led by Jaya Wachholtz's seven kills. Moran Moeller managed 19 digs and Brielle Unseld tallied 20 set assists. It was the Bluejays first appearance at State since 2003.

Kearney Catholic advances to face #4 Columbus Lakeview on Friday at 1:00.