The North Platte Lady Bulldogs capped off a phenomenal 2015 campaign by finishing second to the Crusaders of Omaha-Marian in the State Tournament. It was a back-and-forth match, but in the end, the team that made more runs, ended up getting the victory. Marian stole the first set from the Dawgs 26-24. North Platte seemed in the driver’s seat after a huge 8-1 run, but a well timed Marian timeout killed the Dawgs’ momentum, and sent the prep school on a run of their own. From then, the Crusaders controlled the set, imposing their will at the net, thus stopping every run that NP had.

Marian took the momentum from the first set, used it to their advantage in the second set, bullying the Dawgs up front. The way that North Platte has grown accustomed to playing this year, is the same way that wound up beating them in the State title game. It was like looking in the mirror for the Dawgs. The high-flying, hard hitting Dawgs, were outhit and out-jumped in the game on Saturday. Marian came away with the win in set 2, 25-16.

In set 3 it was more of the same for the team from Omaha. Kills piled up for the Crusaders, and the Dawgs just did not seem to have the same energy as they did coming into the game. It was a struggle for the NP team, but they did not give up. They battled in the 3rd, trying everything possible to stymie the Crusaders. It just was not enough as Marian went on to win the third set 25-20, and a third-straight State championship.

Regardless of how the season ended for the Lady Dawgs, it was a season to remember. Finishing 37-4, it was the best season the Volleyball program has had in 35 years. It was not the trophy the team necessarily wanted, but is one that will be just as gladly received, as it provides a boost in morale for all the NP sports teams, as there is hope that the other Dawgs can make state runs of their own.