Grand Island Central Catholic dedicated their court to legendary coach Sharon Zavala in a pregame ceremony, (Terry Douglass, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND — Columbus Scotus swept Grand Island Central Catholic 25-16, 27-25, 25-18 Tuesday night in prep volleyball action, stealing the show after the Crusaders dedicated their court to legendary coach Sharon Zavala in a pregame ceremony.
Zavala was celebrated with a video tribute and court dedication, recognizing her 49-year career that included a state-record 1,177 wins, 11 state titles and 35 state tournament appearances.
But once the match began, Scotus (10-16) took control early and never looked back. After cruising through the first set, the Shamrocks rallied from a 17-12 deficit in the second to edge the Crusaders 27-25.
In the third set, Scotus broke an 11-11 tie with a decisive 13-3 run to lead 24-14. GICC (13-13) responded with four straight points to force a timeout, but the Shamrocks closed out the sweep.
Lola Doerneman led Scotus with 10 kills, two aces and two blocks, while Grace Hamling added 10 kills. Bella Hutchinson dished out 32 assists as the Shamrocks held a 41-31 edge in kills.
Oakley Todd paced GICC with 10 kills and Ava Waind chipped in nine. Abbie Connick finished with 27 assists for the Crusaders.