NORFOLK– The Northeast Community College women’s volleyball team had four players reach double-digit kills to take seventh place at the NJCAA DII National Tournament, defeating Lincoln Land Community College in four sets on Saturday at the Charleston Civic Center in Charleston, W.V.

Despite dropping the first set, the Hawks went to work, tallying 12 kills and only three errors in the second set and 18 kills to just one error in the third. Overall, the Northeast defense held Lincoln Land to a .120 hitting percentage.

“We got off to another slow start in our final match of the national tournament against Lincoln Land,” head coach Amanda Schultze said. “Once the first set was over, we were successful on our side of the court. We played great defense and served aggressive. Lincoln Land did a nice job adjusting their defense, but once they did, we made the necessary changes on our side and continued to run points.”

Hannah Heppner of Stanton, Neb.) led the Hawks with 11 kills and five blocks. Elley Beaver (of Columbus, Caitlin Orton of Mills and Kalli Brester of Howells all finished with 10 kills, while Brester chipped in 23 digs. Gabriela Barbosa of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Delaney Belt of Shelby notched 21 and 14 kills, respectively, while Savannah Nelson of Wakefield added 42 assists.

“We were able to continue our offensive approach and came out on top,” Schultze added. “The girls played well. I am proud of all they accomplished this year!”

The Hawks conclude their season with an overall record of 21-15 and an 8-1 ICCAC record. Northeast was a perfect 11-0 at home.

Northeast loses five sophomores to graduation, but return seven freshmen for next season.