Norfolk – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights basketball team (8-9, 1-1 DII Region IX Division II) traveled to Norfolk Friday evening and fell to the Northeast Community College Lady Hawks (18-2) by a score of 81-49 after falling behind 43-20 at intermission.

The Lady Knights got off to a slow start against the Lady Hawks and it showed on the scoreboard as Northeast was able to score early and often en route to a 23 points halftime advantage. In the second the Lady Knights were able find more of an offensive rhythm but were unable to win the half as they fell to the Lady Hawks.

Jordan Dickerson led the way for the Lady Knights as she tallied 15 points. DaVontaye Merritt had another double-double as she finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Merritt us averaging 15 points and 12 rebounds in the five games since Christmas break.

Emily Gamble and Alison Klostergaard led the Lady Hawks with 17 points apiece and Klostergaard had a double-double with 10 rebounds. Three other players scored in double-figures for Northeast.

Both teams turned the ball over as North Platte had 25 turnovers and Northeast had 22.

“Tonight was a tough game against a very good team,” said assistant coach Nolan Collins. “We played well in spurts but we have too many lapses. Merritt came up big again tonight ad has been huge for us since coming back from break.”

North Platte remains on the road tomorrow to face the Midland University JV at 2 p.m. in Fremont. The Lady Knights and Lady Warriors faced off in the opening game of the year for the Lady Knights who emerged victorious 74-45.

The Lady Knights return home after five straight home games starting on Tuesday Jan. 28 as they host the York College JV at 7:30 p.m. The Lady Knights then turn around and host the McCook Community College Lady Indians the next day on Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m. and the Central Community College Lady Raiders on Feb. 1 at 1 p.m.