'Riders sweep Trojans this time to finish subdistrict title

Southwest freshman setter Aspen Billeter sends up one of her 30 assits as teammates (from left) Allison VanPelt, Atleigh Nelms and Anastasia Gallegos move into position during Tuesday’s D1-10 subdistrict final vs. Cambridge in Bartley.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

BARTLEY, Neb. — The Southwest Roughriders saved some drama Tuesday night for district finals and hopefully a third straight state volleyball tourney.

In other words, no comebacks from 2-0 down were needed to beat rival Cambridge like last week’s RPAC tournament semifinal.

The Roughriders instead smoothly reached 32-0 with their 25-16, 25-19, 25-20 subdistrict finals win over those rival Trojans.

“This could be our last game at home, so we were determined to get a win,” coach Kim Barnett said to KICX Radio as Southwest will play Saturday’s D-1 district final at North Platte rather than hosting. “Plus it was Cambridge and we know it’s always going to be a great game. We had some illness going around last week, so I think having a little bit of rest helped.”

Kyra Nelms’ 14 kills broke up a lot of defensive congestion while Atleigh Nelms sent nine healing shots past determined Trojans.

Anikka Nelms and Payton Truksa teamed for another 11 kills (six, five respectively) off mainly freshman setter Aspen Billeter’s 30 assists.

The Trojans (20-10 record) have still qualified to not only play a D-1 district final, but host Ansley-Litchfield Saturday afternoon starting at 4 p.m.

Senior Erin Johnson drilled 11 kills on Tuesday with sophomore Brooklyn Holtze belting six.

Brooklyn’s 13 digs led five double-digit diggers including Elisabeth Kubik’s 12.

Junior Mallory Springer’s 22 assists included her career milestone 1,500.

Yet the Trojans will need more on Saturday.

“Definitely not our best effort,” coach Lauren Carpenter concluded about Tuesday’s fourth loss to SW this season.