LINCOLN - When two of the state's top teams tangle, it is must-see TV. That's exactly what was in store on Thursday night between Class C2 #1 Lincoln Lutheran (15-1) and Class C1 #2 Clarkson-Leigh (15-0).

In a rematch of last year's 5-set State Title game between the Warriors and the Patriots, both teams had the opportunity to add each other to the schedule. In the highly anticipated match, Clarkson-Leigh traveled down to Lincoln boasting a 15-0 record, losing only two sets this year.

Lincoln Lutheran entered their home court as back to back to back State Champions and a 15-1 record after falling to Class B #4 Waverly in 5 sets to open up the year. Since then, the Warriors had not lost a set - and they wouldn't tonight, either.

The opening set was as good as it gets, with both the Warriors and the Patriots trading punches. Clarkson-Leigh led 24-19, a set point away from nabbing the first set on the road. But the Warriors fought back to win the next 6 points to lead 25-24.

Both teams traded scores until it was 31-30, Lily Wohlgemuth came up with the clutch kill to secure a set one win, 32-20.

Lincoln Lutheran came out firing in set two, taking an early lead and gripped it tightly throughout the set. Clarkson-Leigh was within one point at multiple moments in the second set, but Lincoln Lutheran came up big when they needed to and won it 25-21.

With a 2-0 lead, the Warriors were on the verge of yet another sweep. Lincoln Lutheran led 7-2 early in the third set, but a few strong Patriot swings kept them alive for the time being.

Lincoln Lutheran found a rhythm and held on for a dominant set three win, 25-14.

Ava Jurevicius led the way for the Warriors on the scoreboard. The Penn State commit finished the night with 13 kills, while teammate Lily Wohlgemuth racked up 10 kills. Bella Sjuts finished with 9 kills and McKenzie Sidlo tacked on 7.

Nebraska volleyball commit Keri Leimbach was putting her body on the line in the Warriors win, also scoring with three aces.

Clarkson-Leigh saw strong nights from Izzy Hollatz, who had 7 kills and three blocks. Brynn and Bailey Settje had 6 and 5 kills, respectively and Ava Kasik added 4 kills. 

The Warriors move to 16-1 on the year, making them winners of 16 straight games. Clarkson-Leigh suffers defeat for the first time since losing the State Title to the Warriors in 2023, dropping their record to 15-1.