Knights split on day two of Region IX Challenge

Cheyenne, Wyo. – North Platte Community College volleyball wrapped up the second day of the Region IX Challenge with a sweep over Northwest College (25-21, 25-18, 25-23), before falling in four sets to Gillette College (16-25, 19-25, 25-16, 24-26).

"I think we continue to grow and get better," said head coach Alexa McCall. "We have to work to make adjustments a bit faster, but I think we have gotten more consistent." 

North Platte 3 Northwest College 0

Khloee Wright dominated at the net with 15 kills and added five digs, while sophomore libero Zoe Maher held down the back row with 13 digs.

The first set saw multiple momentum shifts, with North Platte putting together four mini-runs. Northwest College battled back each time, but a kill from Makenna Stephenson followed by consecutive Trapper errors helped the Knights close out the set.

In the second set, both teams were neck-and-neck until a 3-0 surge pushed North Platte ahead 15-12. A kill from Wright ignited a 6-0 run, giving North Platte enough cushion to take a two-set lead.

The Knights came out strong in the third, riding another early 3-0 run sparked by Wright. The Trappers rallied late to even the score 22-22, but North Platte sealed the sweep on back-to-back points by Kiley Kearney and Wright.

Gillette College 3 North Platte 1
Stephenson and Wright each notched 13 kills in the second match, while Makenzie Piper added a spark from the service line with three aces.

The Knights came out strong in the second match, getting the first three points in the first set. Gillette responded quickly and took control, eventually building a 10-point lead to secure the first set.

A back-and-forth battle raged into the midpoint of set two, when Gillette went on a four-point run to help them take a two-set lead.

North Platte showed resilience in set three, with a dominant 10-1 run after a smart tip from Nya Lual put the Knights ahead 10-3. The Pronghorns would not be able to recover, as North Platte stole the third set.

A tough battle in the fourth would leave the set tied 24-24. In the end the Pronghorns rallied to score the final two points to close out the match.

North Platte (3-7) will return Saturday for the final day of the Region IX Challenge in Torrington Wyo. The Knights take on the Golden Eagles of Laramie County Community College at 3 p.m.