Warriors Avenge Earlier Loss To Cyclones & Sweep Triangular

As even as team could be, it took three sets for Neligh-Oakdale to top Clearwater-Orchard on Tuesday. 

The matches were a back-and-forth battle with little runs here and there in each of the three sets, but the Warrior seniors stepped up for the win. 

Neligh-Oakdale (5-5) is riding a three-match win streak and swept the Cyclones (5-6) triangular in Orchard. The Warriors avenged an earlier loss to the Cyclones with the 25-23, 19-25, 25-20 win. 

The Warriors used a balanced attack between seniors Chase Vleck (8 kills), Kinsley Klabenes (7) and Nikki Grosserode (6). Senior Taylor Sehi had two solo blocks, and senior Natilee Payne put up 13 set assists. Defensively, Klabenes and Vleck each had 14 digs while Grosserode added another 12.

Playing without senior Alexis Pokorny, who injured her right ankle, Clearwater-Orchard used a dual threat at the net with senior Kinzly Macke and sophomore JoCee Johnston. Macke had 11 kills and two solo blocks while Johnston added nine kills and four solo blocks.

Grace Rittscher had 13 set assists while Peyton Clifton added 11 more. Kyle Thiele picked up nine digs, and Rittscher had eight.

Earlier in the night, the host Cyclones defeated Osmond 25-23, 25-20 before Neligh-Oakdale downed Osmond 20-25, 25-21, 25-18.