Wright leads Knights to five set victory over Western Nebraska

Scottsbluff, Neb. – Behind a big night from Khloee Wright, North Platte Community College volleyball earned the five set win (25-22,17-25, 23-25, 25-21, 15-10) over Western Nebraska Community College on Tuesday night.

Wright was a dominant force, recording 21 kills and 16 digs against the Cougars. Makenna Stephenson added 14 kills and 12 digs, while Zoe Maher posted 12 digs.

"I'm really proud of how we finished tonight, I thought we executed in tough times and really kept them out of system with our serve and offense," said head coach Alexa McCall. "It was a team win, and we adjusted well."

The match began with North Platte jumping out to a quick 4-0 lead in the first set, but a run by the Cougars gave the home team an 11-8 advantage. A critical late set block swung momentum back to the Knights, who held on for a 25-22 win.

Set two featured a tight opening stretch before Western Nebraska found its rhythm. A late push gave the Cougars set point, but a clever dump by Kiley Kearney forced a second opportunity. Western Nebraska responded with a clean serve receive and a decisive kill to take the set, 25-17.

North Platte came out strong again in the third set, building a 7-2 lead. However, the Cougars fought back to tie it at 10-10 on a North Platte attacking error. A 7-0 Knights run was quickly answered by Western Nebraska, who tied the set at 21. Capitalizing on two aces, a kill, and a net violation, the Cougars took the set and a 2-1 match lead.

Set four was a back-and-forth battle featuring nine ties by the midway point. Stephenson took it into her own hands with two kills in a 5-0 run that generated a slight edge. Western Nebraska tried to rally late, but North Platte's defense held strong, forcing a decisive fifth set.

In the final frame, the Knights found their rhythm midway through. A kill from Stephenson sparked a pivotal 7-0 run, giving North Platte full control and allowing them to close out the set, securing a hard-fought five set win.

North Platte (9-13) continues Region IX play on Saturday against No. 5 Northeastern Junior College. First serve is set for 3 p.m. inside the Bank of Colorado Event Center in Sterling, Colo.