Hawks fall to Indian Hills before topping Central in five sets

COLUMBUS, Neb. – The Northeast Community College volleyball team fell to NJCAA DI power Indian Hills Community College in four sets on Friday, before defeating No. 17 Central Community College in a five-set thriller in Columbus, Neb.

Set scores against Indian Hills were: 19-25, 17-25, 25-21 and 25-17. Set scores against Central were: 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 27-25 and 15-9.

The Hawks (7-6, 2-0 ICCAC) battled in four sets against Indian Hills, who was previously ranked No. 12 in the latest NJCAA DI poll. But, Indian Hills had a powerful offensive attack that the Hawks were unable to overcome.

Hannah Heppner (Stanton, Neb.) led Northeast with seven kills. Josie Sanger (Crofton, Neb.) added 21 digs, while Jamie Bonifas (Blue Hill, Neb.) had 28 assists.

In the win over Central, hometown star Elley Beaver (Columbus, Neb.) notched 17 kills and 15 digs in the five-set victory. Carly Hirsch (Norfolk, Neb.) added 13 kills, while Heppner had 12, respectively.

Sanger added 30 digs and Bonifas had a double-double with 55 assists and 16 digs.

Northeast returns to ICCAC play at 7 p.m. Wednesday against Ellsworth Community College at the Cox Activities Center in Norfolk.

For all news related to Northeast Community College athletics, visit northeasthawks.com for complete coverage. Fans can also follow the Hawks on Twitter @NortheastHawks for game-day coverage.