Sidney splits in triangular

Sidney came up short in play against Chadron in triangular play Tuesday, playing the Lady Cardinals tough through two sets before Chadron took the wind out of Sidney's sails.

The Lady Raiders opened the match with a 25-23 win, then Chadron took a the second set 25-22.

Momentum swung Chadron's way in the third and deciding set, with Chadron jumping out to a 11-4 early lead. Sidney didn't get into its game in the set, succumbing 25-13.

"We came out swinging hard," said Sidney Coach Sarah Wilson. "We believe we have the talent to match up with them, but we had too many unforced errors."

The Lady Raiders regrouped for their second match, meeting Bridgeport with "a goal to play sharp and clean up our passes," said Wilson.

Bridgeport stayed within striking distance of the Lady Raiders in the first set, losing 25-22, then Sidney gained a little more ground in a 25-19 win to take the match.

Payton Jung led Sidney's attack during the evening, with 16 kills, while teammate Natalie Radcliffe provided 21 assists.

Sidney attention turns to district powerhouse Alliance tonight on the road.

"They're probably the strongest team in the district," Wilson said. "They're always competitive and we hope we can have a good game against them. We hope we can get a good jump on them."