NORTHEAST BATTLES HARD WITH NJCAA DI NO. 18 INDIAN HILLS THURSDAY AFTERNOON

OTTUMWA, Iowa – The Northeast Community College volleyball team finished their road trip Thursday afternoon in Ottumwa, Iowa with a matchup against NJCAA DI No. 18 Indian Hills Community College. The Hawks fell in the battle by a final score of 3-1.

Northeast (23-14, 7-3 ICCAC) knew the challenge that would come with facing off with the Warriors but put up a tough fight throughout the day. The highlight for the Hawks in the match came in the third set where Northeast was able to grab a 25-22 victory. Jayden Bestenlehner (Omaha, Neb.) tallied 13 digs while Alex Arenas (Wakefield, Neb.) had 10 of her own as the Hawks will now head home for the final game of the regular season next Wednesday in a contest with Western Iowa Tech Community College.

STAT SHEET:

SET SCORES: 12-25, 22-25, 25-22, 14-25

Kills: Mya Hedstrom (O'Neill, Neb.) 5

Blocks: Kaidence Wilson (North Loup, Neb.) 2, Shaylyn Safranek (Merna, Neb.) 2, Avery Couch (David City, Neb.)

Ace Serves: Katy Jones (Hartington, Neb.) 4

Digs: Jayden Bestenlehner (Omaha, Neb.) 13, Alex Arenas (Wakefield, Neb.) 10

Assists: Shaylyn Safranek (Merna, Neb.) 20

HEAR FROM THE HAWKS COACH:

Head Volleyball Coach Amanda Schultze on the value of playing a ranked team has heading into the playoffs and where she wants her team at heading into Wednesday's regular-season finale:

"I hope this competition shows them the level they need to play at the next couple of weeks," Schultze said. "I hope their mindset is on working hard and showing up for their teammates."

UP NEXT:

The Hawks will end the regular season with a conference match against Western Iowa Tech Community College at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Cox Activities Center in Norfolk.

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