Knights earn home sweep against Runnin’ Lopes

North Platte, Neb. – The North Platte Community College volleyball team swept Lamar 25-20, 25-13, 27-25 on Saturday afternoon at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

Freshman Khloee Wright led the charge on both ends of the court, delivering an impressive double-double with 13 kills and 12 digs. Nya Lual (12 kills) and Makenna Stephenson (10 kills) rounded out the double-digit attackers for North Platte.

"We focused this week in practice on finishing sets strong, especially after reaching 20 points, and I think that translated in our play today," said head coach Alexa McCall. "I also liked our defensive effort in this game."

The game was tight from the first serve with teams trading points well into the mid-point of the opening set. Trailing 19-18, Jenna Claflin went cross court for the game tying kill, before a 6-1 run allowed the Knights to take the opening set.

North Platte dominated in the second set by jumping out to a 10-2 lead on an attacking error by the Runnin' Lopes. Lamar narrowed the margin to five midway through the set, but the Knights continued to roll to a 25-13 set win.

Lamar looked reenergized to open the third set after jumping out to a 6-1 lead. North Platte seemed unfazed by the early deficit and rebounded to regain a two point lead before reaching the halfway point of the set.

Knights and Runnin' Lopes continued to trade points down the final stretch, with neither side able to pull away. A kill by Lual into the heart of the Lamar defense broke the deadlock in extra points. Lamar cleanly received the serve from Trinity Beutler, but the block of Ella Rotherham and Kiley Kearney earned the Knights the sweep.

North Platte (8-13) continues Region IX play on Tuesday against Western Nebraska. First serve is set for 7 p.m. inside the Cougar Palace in Scottsbluff.