NORFOLK, Neb. — A lone goal in the first half lifted Dakota County Technical College past the Marshalltown Community College men’s soccer team with a 1-0 victory in the opening round of the Region XI Tournament on Saturday.

The Blue Knights (10-6-0) got the game’s only tally in the 24th minute on a shot from Kafema Sanoe, sending DCTC into Sunday’s second round against host Northeast CC. The third-ranked Hawks (14-3-1) claimed a 2-0 victory.

Sanoe’s 15th goal of the season came on one of only three shots on goal for the Blue Knights. MCC goalkeeper Tim Straubmueller made two saves in net, while DCTC’s Danny Burgos registered six saves for the clean sheet. The Tigers (5-10-1) outshot the Blue Knights 20-7.

Tigers fall to Ellsworth in finale

The Marshalltown Community College volleyball team won the first set but couldn’t repeat the feat, falling 3-1 to Ellsworth in Thursday’s season finale inside the Student Activity Center.

The visiting Panthers (16-14, 5-6) secured their spot in the Region XI Tournament with a 25-27, 25-20, 25-15, 27-25 victory over MCC.

Morghan Harvey led the Tigers with 15 kills. Violet Hougland added 11 kills, Imigyn Stratton had eight and Addy Stull six. Stull finished with 27 assists and Olivia Maddux added dix.

Sophomore libero Callie Swanson piled up 33 digs to lead the MCC defense. Harvey added 21 digs, Stratton 15 and Stull 13. Hougland had three blocks to lead MCC (2-12, 1-11) in its final match.