Nya Lual sends one over the block as North Platte claims set three against Casper College on Friday night. (Skylar Evans, North Platte Community College)
North Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College volleyball dropped a four-set match to Casper College to open the season on Friday night.
Freshman Makenna Stephenson led the Knights with a strong performance, tallying 16 kills and 14 digs. Kiley Kearney contributed 39 assists and 14 digs.
“I saw some good things offensively, but we can’t miss that many serves,” said head coach Alexa McCall. “We will learn from this and come back ready to play tomorrow.”
Casper grabbed a quick two-point advantage in the opening set, but a kill by Ella Rotherham and an ace from Beutler quickly tied the game at 2-2. The set remained tight until the Thunderbirds stretched their lead to six late in the set. North Platte rallied to close the margin to within three, but Casper held on to take the first set.
In the second set, the Thunderbirds marched out to a 5-1 lead. Back-to-back kills by Remmi Stout and Khloee Wright quieted the momentum as the margin was cut back to within two. Stephenson helped North Platte cut the deficit to 18-17, but the Thunderbirds held on to take a two-set advantage.
The Knights responded in the third set, jumping out to a 6-3 lead behind back-to-back kills from Stephenson. The margin remained tight until a kill by Nya Lual secured the first set win of the season.
Looking to force a fifth set, North Platte took an early lead. Casper rebounded while using a 15-3 run to secure the match win.
