{
  "id": 19569887,
  "title": "Volleyball: Long way back to state for this NLS Wildcat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/volleyball-long-way-back-to-state-for-this-nls-wildcat",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-11T23:31:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/volleyball-long-way-back-state-233100265.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Brooke Barney's heart was full as she led the New London-Spicer volleyball team to victory over Jackson County Central on Saturday night. This Section 3AA championship win secured the Wildcats' third consecutive state berth. Barney, a multi-sport athlete, had faced a significant setback earlier in the season when she tore both her ACL and meniscus in her right knee during a basketball game in June. She had initially planned to sit out the season, but her doctor later advised her not to delay surgery, as some athletes have done to continue playing despite pain. Barney decided to give it a try, and her mindset proved to be a crucial factor in her recovery. With the help of an ACL knee brace, Barney has not missed a single match since the season started. Her exceptional performance as the team's libero has been instrumental in the Wildcats' 26-1 record this season. Barney led the team with 291 digs and contributed to nearly half of the team's serve receptions. Despite a minor setback earlier in the playoffs due to a torn meniscus, Barney was determined to play for her team. Her hard work and dedication have paid off as the Wildcats advance to the state Class AA quarterfinals, facing Dover-Eyota. Barney's remarkable comeback and continued excellence have given the Wildcats a chance to break a 24-year drought and win their first state match since 1998.",
  "summary": "Brooke Barney's heart was full on Saturday night. She and the New London-Spicer volleyball team defeated Jackson County Central in four sets to claim the Section 3AA championship and earn their third consecutive state berth. Saturday's state tournament berth was not a given — JCC is the only team that has beat the Wildcats this year — and neither was Barney's senior season. Barney ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Brooke Barney leads NLS Wildcat volleyball team to Section 3AA title",
    "Multi-sport athlete recovers from ACL injury, plays full season",
    "Wildcats advance to state Class AA quarterfinals, face Dover-Eyota"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}