Columbus, Neb. – North Platte Community College earned the sweep over Neosho County Community College, before falling to Highland Community College in four sets to wrap up the Pinnacle Bank Classic on Saturday.
North Platte 3 Neosho 0
Jaelyn Dicke led the way with 17 kills on 28 swings, while Aubrey Grant tallied 34 assists and two aces.
Knights and Panthers exchanged points to open the first frame, until Neosho built a five-point advantage midway through the set. North Platte settled into a rhythm late to erase the deficit and earn the 26-24 set win.
North Platte held all the momentum as an ace by Grant sparked a 4-0 run to open the second set. The margin stretched to six on an attacking error, but Neosho fought back to cut the deficit to 14-10. Four straight points helped North Platte stretch their lead late in the set, as they went on to claim a two-set advantage.
Knights continued their momentum into the third set, as they closed out the Panthers with a 25-21 set win.
Highland 3 North Platte 1
Dicke tallied 12 kills and 18 digs, while EmiLee Walnofer posted 31 digs in the match.
North Platte traded points with the Scotties to open the first set, but five straight points helped the Knights take a 14-9 lead. Highland slowly chipped away at the lead until they mounted enough momentum to even the set. No lead was safe as they continued to battle well into extra points. A block by Nya Lual fought off a Scotties set point and ignited a run that helped North Platte secure the 28-26 set win.
North Platte jumped out to a 7-3 lead before a Highland 5-1 rally evened the set at eight. The Scotties hit their stride with seven straight points, before North Platte answered to cut the margin to three on a kill by Dicke. Highland never relinquished their lead down the stretch to even the match at one set apiece.
The third set featured five lead changes until a 6-0 run helped Highland take a 16-11 lead. Knights cut the margin to three, but another long rally extended the deficit to seven. Scotties kept the momentum for the remainder of set to take a 2-1 set advantage.
Highland carried the momentum into the fourth set by jumping out to a 7-1 lead. Scotties continued to stretch their lead over the remainder of the set to close out the match.
Knights (9-19) return home for a matchup with Hastings College JV on Tuesday. First serve is set for 6 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.
