Phoenix, AZ – The North Platte Community College softball team (2-5) opened up their eight game road trip that coincides with North Platte Community College’s spring break today in Phoenix, Ariz. dropping two games to the South Mountain Community College Lady Cougars 0-8 and 1-13.

Shannon Lieber took the loss on the mound in the opening game for the Knights. Siarra Velasquez had the lone hit in the first game for the Knights and also drew a walk. Soliel Atenza had a sacrifice and Sydney Standage was hit by a pitch. The Knights had five errors in the game, giving up only two earned runs.

In the second game of the day, Rylee Murphy took the loss on the mound. Velasquez, Atenza, Standage and Jazmin Change all had one hit and Lieber drew a walk. The Knights had five errors in the game, giving up six earned runs.

“We couldn’t get the bats going today and errors killed us,” said head coach Janelle Higgins. “We came out very timid and made errors right away digging ourselves in a hole both games and couldn’t get out of it.”

“South Mountain is a very fast and disciplined team at the plate. There pitchers were very strong and kept us very off balanced and was hard for us to adjust. They already have played over 20 games to our five,” said Higgins. I am proud of the team for never giving up in either game but we just couldn’t get anything going in our favor. ”

The Knights return to action tomorrow as they face the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada tomorrow in a double-header at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Knights remain on the road the rest of the week for two more double-headers before returning home for their first home game against Western Nebraska Community College on March 18 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.