Sidney splits triangular matches

OGALLALA - Sidney’s Lady Raiders split matches in their season debut Thursday, losing to Ogallala, then defeating North Platte in triangular play.

Sidney fought to the finish in its opening set before Ogallala took a 25-22 win, then Ogallala got the upper hand and stayed in control of the second set on the way to a 25-16 win.

Peyton Jung and Maddi Porter led the Lady Raiders in the opening match, Jung boosting the offense with 12 kills, while Porter had 10 kills and two ace blocks.

Sidney Coach Sarah Wilson said the hard-fought match was a “great opening competition for the season.”

“Both teams have strong attackers and scrappy defense, and show promise of being competitive,” Wilson said.

Sidney found itself in a tough match against North Platte, played back-to-back following the Ogallala match. North Platte squeezed past the Lady Raiders 25-22 in the first set, then Sidney won the final two sets, 25-23 and 25-19.

In that contest, Jung and Porter continued to be among the leaders. Jung notched seven points, 10 kills and six ace blocks against North Platte, while Porter served nine points with eight kills and three ace blocks.

Other top performers against North Platte were Annalise Lecher with 14 points, give kills and five ace blocks; Kelsey Knight with 12 points, four kills, one ace block and 26 digs; Mattie Johnson, nine points with four kills and four ace blocks; and Natalie Radcliffe contributed 19 points, six ace serves and 16 assists.

“I was very proud of the effort made by the Lady Raiders tonight,” Wilson said. “They played hard throughout these matches and showed the potenetial that they have to be successful this season. Their teamwork and tenacity paid off as they forced North Platte to a third set and ultimately the win.”

Sidney travels to Mitchell Tuesday for its next match.