Lincoln-Way Central’s girls varsity volleyball team demonstrated resilience on Friday night, pushing Neuqua Valley to three sets before succumbing 22-25, 25-24, 11-15 in a nonconference match at the Great Lakes Center.
According to the match report, the Knights (0-2) showed significant improvement despite the loss. They battled back from a first-set defeat to even the match with a second-set victory. Senior outside hitter Ella Thompson led the offense with six kills and contributed two key blocks at the net, keeping Central competitive throughout.
Penny Smith also delivered a strong performance for the Knights, finishing with five kills, six digs, two blocks, and an ace that ignited Central’s late push in the second set. Her all-around effort helped energize the team as they forced a decisive third set.
Although Neuqua Valley managed to pull away late in the final frame, Lincoln-Way Central displayed poise and determination that underscored its potential early in the season. Head coach Bernhard praised his team’s effort, noting that “the Knights are building momentum” as they prepare for Saturday’s matchup against Plainfield East.
With Thompson and Smith leading the way, Lincoln-Way Central appears poised to convert competitive matches into victories as the season progresses.
