Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
Sterling, Colo. – Knights open the week by falling in straight sets (25-10, 25-11, 25-18) to No. 3 Northeastern Junior College on Tuesday.
North Platte was led by sophomore Jaelyn Dicke who tallied six kills, while Nya Lual added four kills and two blocks in the match. EmiLee Walnofer led the Knights on the defensive end with 10 digs, while Aubrey Grant totaled ten assists against the Plainswomen.
Knights hung close to the Plainswomen in the opening moments of the first set, before a 7-1 run helped Northeastern build the momentum needed to take set one, 25-10. Northeastern was off to a strong start in the second set, before a successful challenge by Alexa McCall temporarily halted the rally. Plainswomen would resume their dominating offense late in the set using another long rally to take a two-set advantage.
North Platte traded points with the Plainswomen to begin the third set. Northeastern once again found their rhythm for another long rally, which forced the Knights to call a timeout. Despite trading points for the remainder of the set, Northeastern would close out the match with a 25-18 set win.
North Platte (2-7) will travel to Trinidad, Colo. for a two-day tournament beginning on Friday. Knights open play against Otero Junior College at 1 p.m.