Knights Volleyball gets exciting win, one loss in McCook

The North Platte Community College volleyball team took care of business Saturday afternoon, sweeping Gillette College 3-0 in the second day of a tournament in McCook. 

Fans were kept on the edge of their seats as the teams traded points back and forth right up to the end of the first set. North Platte was finally able to pull ahead by two, beating the Pronghorns 28-26. 

The second set had a similar playout, ending up tied 25-25. NPCC snagged the game-winning point, bringing the score to 27-25, after Gillette hit the ball out of bounds. 

Their confidence bolstered by the previous two wins, the Knights went on the attack in the third set, forging ahead on an eight-point run. The Pronghorns were unable to overcome the deficit and North Platte cruised to a 25-18 victory. 

Vanessa Wood had 11 kills for the Knights, and Jaelyn Dicke had eight. Elsie Ottun and Aubrey Grant tallied 11 and seven assists, respectively. EmiLee Walnofer scooped up 16 digs. Altogether, the team had 10 blocks. 

The Knights were swept themselves in the subsequent match with Laramie County Community College. LCCC jumped out to an early lead and held it all the way through the first set, clinching the win 25-19. 

Set two was similar with the Golden Eagles gradually inching their way up to 13-3. NPCC battled back but was unable to overcome the deficit and ultimately fell 18-25. 

The Knights stayed within a point of the Golden Eagles throughout the start of the third set. LCCC eventually pulled ahead, widening the gap by six points. North Platte mounted a strong return and was able to bring the match back within one point at 23-22. A final kill by the Golden Eagles sealed the deal 26-24. 

Wood came through with 13 kills and 16 digs in that match. Dicke also recorded 11 digs, and Ottun had 11 assists. 

North Platte is now 3-10 on the season. 

"We showed growth this weekend but still have things to work on," said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall. "We have to find a balance of aggressive serving without errors and do a better job of not getting stuck in serve receive. We will continue to work to get better every time we touch the floor." 

The Knights are home for their next game. They take on McCook Community College at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the McDonald-Belton Gym.