KEARNEY – Kearney Volleyball had the fight at the end, but too many close calls and missed opportunities gave Lincoln East the sweep victory at Kearney High School on Tuesday night. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
The first set was controlled by East from the start, building a 10-3 advantage prior to a Kearney timeout. The Spartans ballooned their lead to 19-8 before Kearney brought it back within ten trailing 20-10, until ultimately giving way in the 25-10 loss. East led 1-0.
Set Two was a much better fight as East held the early lead through the opening points. However, Kearney used a late run to take a 10-8 lead then move ahead to a 14-11 advantage. Lincoln East would go on a three point rally, tying the contest, then trading leads before taking a 21-18 lead into a Kearney timeout. East would control the final moments, winning Set Two 25-20.
Up two sets to none, Lincoln East aimed for a sweep but Kearney would not lay down lightly. East controlled the early stretch, but the Bearcats were able to stay within reach trailing by as few as three throughout the set. East took a 22-18 lead aiming to close, but Kearney began to resurface tying the contest at 23 all. Kearney would take the set point lead up 25-24.
A service error then tied the game, as East would take the next two points and win the contest 27-25 in Set Three.
Kearney Volleyball v. Lincoln East // Corbey Dorsey Photography
Kearney falls to 6-12 on the year and heads to the Lincoln Northeast tournament this weekend.
Lincoln East is now 18-8 on the season.
Kearney’s Addie Helmbrecht ended with ten kills and two blocks, Sophie Vanderbeek contributed eight kills and two blocks, while Paige Mailahn had seven kills and two blocks.
A full photo gallery is available at KGFW and Central Nebraska Today.
