Knights take down Southeast in final home game of regular season

North Platte, Neb. - The North Platte Community College volleyball team swept regional opponent Southeast Community College 3-0 Tuesday evening. The victory was sweetened by the fact that it was the last home match of the regular season for NPCC and also Sophomore Night.   

North Platte led all the way through the first set – forging ahead until the Bobcats were down by seven. Back-to-back aces by NPCC's Tallianna Martin brought the score to 18-8. The Bobcats gained a couple of the points at the end, slowing the momentum briefly. It wasn't enough to catch the Knights who captured the win 25-15. 

Southeast scored the first point of the second set, but it was the only time they would have the upper hand in the frame. NPCC tied the score on the next volley then ran away with ball, growing the deficit to 23-11. The Bobcats stalled the action at game point three times but ultimately fell 25-15. 

Determined not to lose another one, Southeast came back strong in the third set. There were 11 ties before anyone was able to break free. The Knights finally pushed past the Bobcats 16-15 then went on a six-point run. Southeast started to creep back up with three points at the end. A kill by NPCC's Vanessa Wood took the frame to match point, and Jaelyn Dicke won with an ace 25-18. 

Wood had 12 kills to lead the Knights. Shamia Grandison contributed seven more. Aubrey Grant recorded 18 assists, and Elsie Ottun had 17. EmiLee Walnofer and Dicke tallied 23 and 19 digs, respectively. 

"At this point, against region teams, every set matters, so I was glad we played how we needed to tonight," said NPCC Volleyball Head Coach Alexa McCall. "I thought we served really well and thought we executed on offense by staying aggressive. I think it was a balanced attack from our whole team. Hopefully, this also prepares us for our game on Thursday. Since it was also Sophomore Night, I would like to thank our sophomores for their dedication to the game and our program. I have watched them all grow in their two years here and am thankful that they chose to be a Knight." 

The Knights improve to 13-19 overall. 

NPCC Volleyball will wrap up regional and conference play with the final game of the regular season Thursday. The Knights will travel to Columbus for a showdown with Central Community College beginning at 6 p.m.