Knights fall to Golden Eagles and Thunderbirds to open season

McCook, Neb. – North Platte Community College fell in straight sets to Laramie County Community College and Casper College to open the season at the McCook Community College Tournament on Friday.

"We played two tough teams to start the season," said head coach Alexa McCall. "We learned a lot and are ready to make the adjustments tomorrow."

Laramie County 3, North Platte 0

Sophomore Jaelyn Dicke notched her first double-double of the season with 10 kills and 10 digs against the Golden Eagles. EmiLee Walnofer registered 10 digs, while Zoe Maher and Fatima Gomez each notched four kills.

Knights started strong taking the first two points of the opening set. The Golden Eagles marched back with a 4-1 run as teams continued to swap points. Laramie County made the most of their rallies late and took set one, 25-20.

The Golden Eagles took the lead early, but North Platte stormed back to take the 14-13 advantage midway through the second set. Laramie County made a few short runs in the closing stages to hold off the Knights and claim set two.

Laramie County jumped out to a four-point advantage midway through set three. North Platte managed to trim the margin to 22-19, but the Golden Eagles rallied to secure the match.  

Casper 3, North Platte 0

In the second game, the Knights squared off with No. 16 Casper College. Dicke once again led the way with six kills, while Walnofer tallied 16 digs in the match.

The Thunderbirds leapt out to a 13-6 lead in opening set as they generated the momentum early. North Platte cut the margin to four with a 5-2 run, but Casper once again found their rhythm to pull away for the opening set win.

North Platte countered in set two with an early 5-3 lead, before six straight points shifted the momentum in favor of the Thunderbirds. Knights narrowed the margin to one midway through the set, but Casper regained control of the momentum and took a two set advantage.

North Platte looked poised to take their first set of the season with an early 9-6 lead in set three. Casper fired back with an 11-1 run to position themselves out front late in the set. Knights managed to trim the margin to six, but the tough Thunderbirds block helped secure the match.

Knights return to the court on Saturday for the second day of the McCook Community College Tournament. First serve against Highland Community College is set for 10 a.m. North Platte will also square off with Otero Junior College at 2 p.m.