LINCOLN -- Perhaps Grand Island Central Catholic coach Sharon Zavala said it best after a heart-breaking loss to Columbus Scotus in the Class C-1 final.

“Sometimes when you haven't lost,'' she said, “it's not the best thing at state.''

The Crusaders, the last remaining unbeaten team in the state, saw their 35-match win streak snapped by the Shamrocks in the five-set championship. Making it even tougher was the fact Central Catholic had beaten Scotus three times during the season.

The winning streak, the need to beat an outstanding team for a fourth time and the pressure of the state tournament was too much for the Crusaders, who couldn't quite finish off their magical season. But credit Scotus coach John Petersen and his squad for winning the big match to secure the school's 14th state title.

“Going 35-1 is still a great season,'' Zavala said. “It's a tough loss, but we've got a lot to look forward to next year. Now it's time to move on.''

Signs of the times

A couple of the better signs in the Scotus section proved to be prophetic.

One said “Re-Pete for Pete'' and the other said “14 on the 14th''.

The Shamrocks did indeed repeat as state champs for Petersen with its five-set win over Grand Island Central Catholic. And Scotus won its state-leading 14th title on Nov. 14.

Clay Center finale

The Class D-2 final was an emotional ride for Clay Center, which is playing its last season before consolidating next season with Sandy Creek.

The Wildcats played hard but lost a five-set match to Greeley-Wolbach. Clay Center was making its sixth trip to state and seeking its second title.

“This is a hard thing but a good thing,'' coach Julie Studnicka said. “It's been an emotional season, and it's a credit to our girls to have gotten this far.''

Studnicka, who has guided Clay Center the past 15 years, said she wasn't certain of her future in coaching.

“The people of Clay Center have been very supportive,'' she said. “I don't know what the future holds for me, but I've enjoyed coaching these teams very much.''

Happy birthday, coach

OK, so it wasn't quite the right day. But Saturday's Class A championship for Omaha Marian came just one day before coach Rochelle Rohlfs' birthday.

“I've got a couple of reasons to celebrate,'' she said. “But the one I'm thinking about right now is our state title.''

The Crusaders celebrated their victory — and coach Rohlfs' birthday — with a party at a local pizzeria.

Attendance numbers

The three-day state tournament lured 43,685 fans.

The numbers for Saturday were 3,908 for the three-match day session and 3,548 for the three-match evening session. Combined with the numbers for the consolation matches Saturday — 923 fans at Lincoln Southeast and 1,858 at Lincoln Northeast — the total for the day was 10,237.

— Mike Patterson

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