Knights fall to Lancers to close opening weekend

North Platte, Neb.– The North Platte Community College women's basketball team wrapped up their opening weekend of the regular season on Saturday, falling to Eastern Wyoming College 89–52.

Aliyah Herron led the Knights with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Dezirae Gonzales added 13 points.

Eastern Wyoming opened the game on a 7–2 run before a jumper from Ligia Thortvedt briefly gave North Platte the lead. However, the Lancers responded with a 13–0 surge to build a double-digit advantage and closed the first quarter with a 22–10 lead.

North Platte found its rhythm in the second quarter. A basket from Kyenna Jackson sparked an 8–2 run, helping the Knights chip away at the deficit. Behind a strong defensive effort, North Platte outscored the Lancers by nine in the period to cut the margin to just three heading into halftime.

The Lancers came out firing after the break, opening the third quarter on a 15–0 run. The Knights battled back to within eleven, but Eastern Wyoming maintained control, leading 62–45 after three quarters.

North Platte struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the fourth, going scoreless until Gonzales drove to the basket for a layup with 3:48 remaining. The late push wasn't enough, as Eastern Wyoming outscored the Knights in the final frame to secure the win.

Knights (0-2) return to action on Friday against Casper College in the McCook Classic. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m. inside the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.