Knights grind out road win against Runnin’ Lopes

Lamar, Colo. – Knights took down the Runnin' Lopes of Lamar Community College in four sets for a big road win on Saturday afternoon.

Jaelyn Dicke recorded 16 kills on 37 swings with 21 digs and two aces. EmiLee Walnofer tallied 22 digs, while Aubrey Grant served up 37 assists in the match.

Lamar opened the first set with two straight points, before North Platte went on a 5-2 run to take their first lead of the match. A 5-1 run helped North Platte jump out to a 10-6 advantage, but a Lamar rally pulled the home team back within three. Leading 16-13, a kill by Zoe Maher ignited a 9-0 run to carry North Platte to a 25-13 set win.

A strong start to open the second set helped North Platte pull out to a 6-1 advantage. Lamar surged back to knot the game up at 12, as teams began to trade points at the midway point of the set. North Platte shook off the dust to build a five-point lead on a kill by Dicke. Lamar made one last attempt to even the set, but a kill by Nya Lual gave the Knights a two-set advantage.

The third set belonged to the Runnin' Lopes as they jumped out to a 7-4 lead. A kill by Grant pulled the black and gold back within one before a 6-1 run helped Lamar build a six-point advantage. Lamar continued to extend their margin late as they took the third set, 25-16.

Looking to close out the match in the fourth set the Knights jumped out to a 7-3 lead. Lamar fought back to knot the game up at eleven before North Platte responded with a 4-1 run. Lamar made one last attempt to steal back the momentum by knotting the game up at 19. North Platte responded with a 4-1 run to earn match point on a block by Lual. Miscommunication on the next rally secured the final point needed for the Knights to close out the match.

North Platte (12-22) will return home for four straight home games beginning on Tuesday. Serve against rival McCook Community College is set for 6 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.