Knights defeat Lions and Runnin’ Lopes in weekend triangular

Lamar, Colo. – Jaelyn Dicke and Vanessa Wood used their power on the outside to propel the Knights past Dallas Christian Mountain View and Lamar Community College on Saturday afternoon in Lamar, Colo.

In the opening game of the triangular, the Knights took down the Lions of Dallas Christian Mountain View in straight sets. North Platte capitalized on the errors by the Lions to take the opening two sets, 25-12. In the third set, the Knights lead grew to 11-7 after back-to-back attacking errors by the Lions.

Emily Johnson hung tough in the middle with some key blocks and a kill late in the third set, before Wood closed out the match with a kill from the left side.

Dicke finished the game with nine kills and seven digs, while teammate Aubrey Grant accounted for 15 assists.

North Platte redeemed an earlier season loss to the Runnin' Lopes of Lamar in game two. Tied 1-1 after two sets, the Knights defense stepped up in set three and cruised to a 25-14 win.

Lamar would not go quietly as they built an 18-15 lead late in the fourth set. North Platte countered with a 6-1 run, before Wood put the match away on a kill down the line to complete the weekend sweep.

Outside hitters Dicke (10) and Wood (10) combined for twenty kills against the Runnin' Lopes, while Shamia Grandison and Johnson tallied three blocks each.

North Platte will return home to open Region IX play against Central Community College on Thursday. First serve is set for 6 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.