NIC Volleyball posts big win against Big Bend

NIC volleyball’s first home game of the season didn’t disappoint as the team delivered an emphatic three set sweep over Big Bend Wednesday night.

Journey Tupea gets a full extension to spike a ball during her impressive performance against Big Bend

The Cards’ young team boasts only four returning players this season and leaned on newcomers to lead the way offensively. Journey Tupea put up 11 kills and 16 digs, Taylor Foster had 10 kills and Hokulea Vargas gathered 32 assists in the effort.

Anchoring the back row for the Cards 25-13, 25-21, 25-21 win were familiar faces Chloe Knudson with 16 digs and Kynzey Mitzel with 10 digs.

Chloe Knudson taps a ball over would-be Big Bend blockers

“We definitely had our first game nerves,” Mitzel said. “We’ve only had two tournaments, so coming into actual conference play felt different. We have a lot of work to do, but it was definitely a great start.”

The Cards (9-2) play four road games before returning home to play Walla Walla (7-9) Friday Sept. 20 at 6 p.m.