Knights fall in straight sets to Trojans

Trinidad, Colo. – North Platte Community College volleyball battled hard but fell in straight sets to Trinidad State on Saturday, 25-19, 25-22, 25-18.

Freshman Makenna Stephenson led the offense with an impressive 15 kills, while sophomore Zoe Maher anchored the defense with 16 digs.

The match began as a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading points early. A four-point run by Trinidad created some breathing room. The Knights responded and pulled back within one following a Trojans attacking error, but Trinidad State maintained their momentum to take set one.

In the second set, a spectacular backward set by Kiley Kearney sparked a 4-0 run for the Knights, giving them an early 8-5 lead. Trojans answered with a 5-0 run of their own to take the lead back midway through the set. The Knights rallied once again to tie the set at 22-22, but Trinidad State stayed composed securing the second set.

The third set saw both teams refusing to back down, remaining deadlocked at 14-14. That's when the Trojans went on an 8-1 run, creating enough separation to take control. With that cushion, they held off the Knights to clinch the set and complete the match sweep.

North Platte (7-12) will return to the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium to take on McCook Community College on Wednesday at 6 p.m.