EPPJ Is Only Antelope County Team Still In NVC Tourney

Elgin Public/Pope John is the only Antelope County team still alive in the Niobrara Valley Conference Tournament.

The No. 10 Lady Falcons knocked off No. 7 North Central in three straight sets, 25-15, 25-20, 25-21 in the first round of NVC Tournament action. 

"We had a good night attacking and found some holes in the North Central defense.  The first time we played them this year, we had a lot of unforced errors," EV Coach Emily Vaughn. "Last night we played with much more confidence and this really helped to keep the momentum on our side of the court." 

In EV's second match against St. Mary's, the Cardinals won in straight sets, 7-25, 11-25 and 13-25.  

"St. Mary's had a very quick offense that the Lady Falcons struggled to keep up with, but never gave up and continued to play better each set!" Vaughn said.

The No. 6 Lady Cyclones swept No. 11 Niobrara/Verdigre, 26-24, 25-17 and 25-18, before falling to the host team in the first NVC tourney game at Elgin.

The win advanced Clearwater-Orchard to the quarterfinals to face No. 3 Elgin Public/Pope John. The four-set match went to EPPJ, 25-20, 24-26, 25-19 and 25-16. The Lady Wolfpack earned a spot in the semi-finals on Tuesday to play No. 2 St. Mary's in Bartlett. The game is set to begin at 7:30 p.m.

No. 5 CWC defeated Neligh-Oakdale (#12) in three sets, 25-13, 25-16 and 25-21, before knocking off No. 4 Ewing 25-20, 25-23 and 25-14. CWC will play top-seeded Stuart in the semi-finals at Barlett Tuesday night. The game is set for 6:15 p.m.

The NVC consolation game (for 3rd place) will be played at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31 in the O'Neill High School. The championship game will follow at 7:30 p.m.

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