Knights down NJC in three sets

North Platte Community College ran away with the win Tuesday night in a nail-biter of a game that left volleyball fans on the edges of their seats until the very end. 

The Knights swept all three sets against Northeastern Junior College: 25-23, 25-19 and 26-24. 

NPCC stayed neck and neck with the Plainswomen throughout the first set – often separated by just a point or two. The Knights pulled away toward the end of the second set and had a significant lead about halfway through set three. 

It appeared an easy victory was in store for the Knights who had charged ahead by nine points, but NJC battled back – tying the match 24-24. A hit out of bounds by the Plainswomen cost them a point and ultimately lost them the game. 

"I'm really proud of how the girls played tonight," said NPCC Head Volleyball Coach Alexa McCall. "I thought right until the very end we controlled the pace really well. We played great defense at the net and executed well on offense. I'm really pleased that we were able to win in three against a good team like NJC. This will give us good momentum going into the weekend against some good teams."

Kim Krise, of Briggsdale, Colo., led the game for the Knights with 14 kills. Morgan Ramsey, of Bartlett, had eight kills, followed by Avery Johnson, of Hayes Center, with seven. Allie Schneider, of Humphrey, contributed 28 assists. 

The Knights are now 9-5 on the season. They are also ranked 18th on the National Junior College Athletic Association's weekly Top 20 list for Division II. 

The next game for North Platte will be on the road. The Knights will travel to Overland Park, Kan. where they will take on Kansas City Kansas Community College at noon Friday then play Johnson County Community College at 2 p.m.