The No. 16 North Platte Community College Lady Knights basketball team (1-0) started out their season strong as they defeated the Midland University JV 74-44.

The Lady Knights jumped on top of Midland early as they raced out to a 43-10 halftime lead and never looked back on their way to victory.

The Lady Knights were led by DaVontaye Merritt who finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds. April Stull was in double figures with 12 along with Jordan Dickerson with 11 and Elisha Coleman 10. Shea Brennan and Emily Pfannensteil led Midland with 9 points apiece.

The Lady Knights return to the floor tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. against Fort Carson. The Hampton Inn Classic continues at 1 p.m. with Midland University JV facing Eastern Wyoming College.

The Lady Knights return to action next weekend as they travel to Norfolk for the Hawks Classic where they will face Des Moines Area Community College and Iowa Lakes Community College on November 8 and 9. The Lady Knights next home game is November 19 at 5 p.m. as they host Northeast Community College.