(courtesy NPCC Athletics)
Scottsbluff, Neb. – North Platte Community College volleyball team opened the Region IX Tournament with a sweep over Central Wyoming for their seventh straight win, 25-16, 25-20, 25-22, on Wednesday afternoon.
Khloee Wright led the way for North Platte with five of the team’s nine aces. Makenna Stephenson recorded 15 kills and 12 digs.
“I thought we stuck to our game plan really well and made adjustments as the game went on,” said head coach Alexa McCall. “We served well and got them out of system which helped our defense.”
The opening set began as a tight battle, but North Platte broke things open with an 8-0 run that included four aces from Wright. The Knights held their opponent to just six more points before sealing the set on a Central Wyoming net violation.
In the second set, North Platte jumped out to a 4-0 lead, though the teams traded points to reach their sixth tie at 11-11. A kill from Stephenson gave the Knights the lead for the final time. Taryn Stearns closed the set with a kill to give North Platte a two set advantage.
The Knights carried their momentum into the third, taking a 9-4 lead after another Stearns kill. Central Wyoming rallied to even the score at 19, but North Platte stayed composed down the stretch. Stephenson delivered the final kill, securing the sweep and advancing the Knights to the second round.
In the win, the Knights (16-14) will continue in the winner’s bracket and play No. 4 Northeastern in the next round. First serve is at 8 p.m. on Thursday.
