New Bremen volleyball building on successful season

The New Bremen Cardinals are determined to build on their winning tradition.

In the six years since volleyball coach Diana Kramer took the reins of the program, New Bremen has won two Division IV state titles (2017, ‘19), finished as runner-up twice (2018, ‘20) and lost to the eventual state champions in either the district or regional tournaments – the Cardinals have either won state or lost to the D-IV state champion every year.

New Bremen is back in the regional tournament this season and will face Jackson Center in the D-IV semifinals Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Northmont High School. The 24-1 Cardinals came out on top, 3-1, in their regular-season match.

While the Cardinals have had significant success in recent years, this is a new-look New Bremen team after graduating three starters and losing players to injury.

“Our lineup has changed several times this season and we have girls playing different positions this year,” Kramer said. “But these girls are willing to do whatever they need to do to help the team. They buy into the culture we create.”

Olivia Heitkamp – previously a junior middle who now plays right-side and outside hitter – leads the team in kills with 383, almost five per set. Sophomore setter Melina Schrader has a team-high 826 assist and 82 aces. Defensively, senior Abi Powers has tallied a team leading 351 digs – more than four digs per set.

“These girls are not selfish, they work hard and accept their roles,” Kramer said.

Beyond, the court, the Cardinals have another weapon – the community. More than 1,100 New Bremen fans bought tickets for the district final match against Marion Local.

“Our community support has been incredible,” Kramer said. “I hope they realize how important they are to us.”

* Division III: The Miami East Vikings are in the hunt for a fifth D-III regional championship and first since 2016. The Vikings will face Summit Country Day Thursday in the regional semifinals at Fairmont High School. Miami East – winners of three state titles 2011, ‘12 and ‘16 – are led offensively by senior hitter Megan Gilliland with 300 kills, averaging almost five per set. Junior setter Ava Prince has tallied a team-leading 76 aces and 488 assists while senior middle Megan McDowell leads the team with 48 blocks.

OHSAA Regional Volleyball

Division I

At Lakota West High School

Wednesday – 6 p.m. Ursuline Academy vs. Mount Notre Dame

Thursday – 6 p.m. Seton vs. St. Ursula Academy

Regional Final: 2 p.m. Saturday

Division II

At Vandalia Butler High School

Thursday – 6 p.m. Marengo Highland vs. Hamilton Badin; 7:30 p.m. Cincinnati Mercy McAuley vs. St. Bernard Roger Bacon

Regional Final: 2 p.m. Saturday

Division III

At Fairmont High School