Hawks handle Lakers for fifth-straight victory

NORFOLK, Neb. – After securing the first two sets, the Northeast Community College women's volleyball team (6-3, 2-0 ICCAC) fended off the Iowa Lakes Community College Lakers for a four-set victory (25-21, 25-20, 22-25 and 25-14) on Wednesday night at the Cox Activities Center in Norfolk.

After cruising through the first two sets, the Hawks battled in the third, but seven hitting errors proved to be the difference. However, a strong defensive effort in the fourth set, put the game out of reach for Iowa Lakes.

Hannah Heppner (Stanton, Neb.) led the Hawks attack with 17 kills. Kalli Brester (Howells, Neb.) had another strong performance, tallying a double-double with 14 kills and 14 digs. Caitlin Orton (Mills, Neb.) added 11 kills in the win.

"Tonight we played down to our opponent's level," Head Coach Amanda Schultze said. "We made a lot of serving errors which really held us from getting a large lead. Late in the fourth set we finally got going and finished strong. It was a good conference win for us."

Delaney Belt (Shelby, Neb.) recorded 18 digs and four assists, while Savannah Nelson (Wakefield, Neb.) notched a season-high 43 assists, two blocks and an ace-serve.

The Hawks hit the road to battle North Platte Community College in non-conference action at 6 p.m. Thursday in North Platte, Neb.

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.