The TCNE Wolfpack capped off their regular season in impressive fashion Thursday night, defeating the Ponca Lady Indians 3-1 in front of a home crowd at Allen High School. The Pack took the match with set scores of 25-18, 17-25, 25-21, and 28-26, finishing the regular season with a strong 20-4 record.
Senior outside hitter Kiya Tornez led the Wolfpack offense with an outstanding 23 kills, powering through Ponca’s defense and providing the spark TCNE needed in several key rallies. Setter Ally Belt kept the offense firing smoothly, distributing 40 assists on the night while also contributing 3 of the team’s 6 ace serves.
Defensively, the Pack showed their trademark grit. Joslyn Mackling anchored the back row with 14 digs and an impressive 36 serve receptions, while Samantha Rastede added 11 digs to help keep rallies alive. At the net, DeLaney Fuchser was a force with 2 blocks, slowing down Ponca’s attack in crucial moments.
After splitting the first two sets, TCNE regrouped and edged out the Lady Indians in a tight third before sealing the match in a thrilling fourth-set battle, 28-26. The Wolfpack’s poise and teamwork shined through in crunch time, closing out their regular season on a high note.
With the victory, the Wolfpack secure a 20-4 record and head into the Lewis & Clark Conference Tournament as the No. 2 seed. TCNE will face Creighton in their opening match at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 20th in Homer, as they look to carry their momentum into postseason play.