The North Platte Community College Lady Knights (9-2) volleyball team fell in the opening game of the Pizza Hut Invitation Friday afternoon to the Trinidad State Junior College Lady Trojans (6-9) in four sets (27-29, 25-20, 20-25, 22-25).

The Lady Knights started off slow and could never recover as they dropped a hard fought opening set 27-29. As they have done all year after losing the first set, the Lady Knights responded and won the second set 25-20. The Lady Trojans answered back as they went on to win the third set 20-25. The Lady Trojans were then able to end the Lady Knights four game winning streak as they won the fourth set 22-25.

The Lady Knights were led by Samantha Byrn with 12 kills and Sabrina Hallahan with 11 kills. Shannon Liewer paced the Lady Knights with 24 digs while Joli Hopping had 18 assists and Laura Beckman had 16.

“We came out flat and never really played with much energy,” said head coach Sally Thalken. We had a hard time getting anything going and never could sustain any runs. It was a very disappointing loss. We need to regroup for a good Barton (Community College) team.”

The No. 11 Lady Knights continue play in the Pizza Hut Invitational tonight at 9 p.m. against Barton County Community College (2-6). Tomorrowthe Lady Knights face undefeated Otero Junior College (10-0) at 2 p.m. and Seward County Community College (6-4) at 4 p.m. A recap of the rest of the Pizza Hut Invitation will be released at the conclusion of all games tomorrow.

The Lady Knights return home for a three game home stand as they face Eastern Wyoming College (5-9) September 17, Central Community College (13-3) September 19 and Hastings College JV September 24.