North Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College dominated a volleyball match against Hastings College JV Tuesday evening – sweeping the Broncos in three sets.
Back-to-back aces by Jaelyn Dicke in the first set propelled the Knights to a 3-0 lead. The score grew to 15-8 after Fatima Gomez rolled a Bronco with a high-powered kill. Another kill by Vanessa Wood and an ace by Tallianna Martin brought the score to 22-14. A final ace by Elsie Ottun closed out the frame, 25-17.
The Knights used a block to score the first point of the second set and never let the lead change hands from then on. North Platte went on a run at the 13-8 mark, forcing a time out by Hastings. The Broncos attempted a comeback after the break, gaining three points on NPCC. A kill by Wood turned the game back in favor of North Platte and gave the Knights a renewed confidence as they cruised on to a 25-15 victory.
It was the Broncos who took the lead initially in the third set, but they didn’t hold it for long. The Knights tied the game 3-3 then forged ahead on a five-point run. Hastings snagged a point of their own before North Platte went on another five-point run, growing the deficit to 14-4. The Broncos crept back to within five points and stalled the game at match point twice but ultimately fell to the Knights 25-18.
Wood hit double digits with her 11 kills of the night. Shamia Grandison had eight and Sam Riggles recorded six.
Ottun contributed 14 assists, and Aubrey Grant added nine more. EmiLee Walnofer tallied 14 digs.
North Platte improves to 9-14 on the season.
“I was pleased with how we played tonight, and it allowed everyone to see the floor,” said NPCC Volleyball Head Coach Alexa McCall. “We have a big week, and this was a great way to start it off.”
The Knights will travel to Beatrice Thursday for a match against Southeast Community College. First serve is at 6 p.m.
