NPCC Knights Volleyball qualifies for nationals

The North Platte Community College Knights Volleyball Team is headed to nationals for the first time since 2010.

The Knights defeated North Dakota State College of Science in two out of three games in Wahpeton, N.D. over the weekend effectively punching their ticket to the National Junior College Athletic Association Volleyball National Championship.

"We played good volleyball against a good team, and it feels good to make it to the national tournament," said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall.

The Knights won the first game of the Northwest Plains Championship 3-2 Friday then lost the second game Saturday morning with sets of 21-25, 18-25 and 20-25.

Peyton Negley, of North Platte, led the first game with 12 kills. Taylor Hansen, of Yuma, Colo., had 10 kills. Erica Hopping, of Sutherland, put up 33 assists, and Ruby Valle, of Weldona, Colo., went for 18 digs.

The Knights then bounced back with a 3-1 win in the final round to seal the deal. The sets were: 25-22, 25-23, 20-25 and 25-21.

Negley had 20 kills and 27 digs that time around. Hansen contributed 12 kills, and five blocks, and Alysen Daniels, of Mullen, posted 11 kills.

"I am so proud of this team," McCall said. "They came out after that first game and played like a different team. It was a team effort, and they made it happen. We set goals at the beginning of the year, and they continue to impress me."

The national tournament will be April 13-15 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.