Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
North Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College volleyball fell in four sets (30-32, 25-18, 24-26, 23-25) to rival McCook on Tuesday night at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.
Khloee Wright led the Knights with 17 kills and 10 digs. Freshman Marisa Carinci added 23 digs, while Kiley Kearney tallied 46 assists in the loss.
"I think in the first two sets we did a good job of getting them out of system," said head coach Alexa McCall. "We really limited ourselves with our serve."
McCook grabbed the early advantage in the opening set, but North Platte rallied behind an Alex Harris kill that sparked a 6-1 run and gave the Knights a 14-13 lead. The teams battled through a tight finish, with the final tie coming at 30-30 before McCook scored the final points to take the opening set.
North Platte carried the momentum into the second set, building a six-point lead midway through. The Knights maintained control the rest of the way, evening the match at 1-1.
The third set featured another back-and-forth battle, with seven ties before North Platte used a six-point run to build a three-point advantage. McCook battled back late, with the final tie coming at 24-24, before the Indians scored the next points to take a 2-1 lead.
McCook took control early in the fourth set with a six-point run. North Platte briefly reclaimed the lead, but McCook responded and closed out the set to secure the match.
"We’re a great team, but we can’t settle for just being close," said McCall. "Our region is too good for that."
North Platte (7-9) will return to the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium to take on Southeast Community College on Friday at 6 p.m.