Columbus – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights (17-13) volleyball team traveled to Columbus on Friday and Saturday to compete in the Jimmy John Invite. The Lady Knights played four games in two days and earned a split in the win-loss column. In the opening game, the Lady Knights took No. 5 Cowley County Community College (19-10) to the brink before falling in five sets 25-17, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 6-15. The Lady Knights bounced right back with a three set victory over Bismarck State College (16-11) in the night cap 25-17, 25-20, 25-17. North Platte returned to action Saturday morning as they notched their second straight victory with a win over Williston State College (19-12) with another straight set victory 25-23, 25-15, 25-14. In the final game of the Invite, the Lady Knights fell to No. 7 Kansas City Kansas Community College (22-7) in four sets 20-25, 24-26, 26-24, 14-25.

Against Cowley, the Lady Knights were led by Samantha Byrn who finished with 12 kills. Samantha Kennedy and Samantha Morgan each finished with eight kills in the match to go along with four blocks for each. Joli Hopping recorded 36 assists on 153 attempts while Erica Goodwin finished with 42 digs. Kennedy (23), Kylie Wroot (22), Aryn Meisinger (12) and Hopping (10) were all in double-figure digs.

In the second game of the day against Bismarck, Samantha Kennedy led the Lady Knights attack with 14 kills. Joli Hopping recorded 33 assists on 76 attempts and Aryn Meisinger led North Platte with 17 digs. Kennedy (15), Erica Goodwin (11) and Hopping (10) also finished in double-digit digs.

On Saturday against Williston, Samantha Kennedy again led the Lady Knights and was the only player in double-digits finishing with 11 kills. Joli Hopping had 35 assists on 79 attempts. Kennedy and Aryn Meisinger led the way with 15 digs in the match.

In the final game of the Invite against Kansas City Kansas Samantha Kennedy recorded 16 kills while Valerie Most had 14. Joli Hopping notched 43 assists on 135 attempts. Erika Goodwin and Kylie Wroot each had 25 digs for the Lady Knights.

The Lady Knights remain on the road for three more games before returning home on Thursday, October 23 to face Eastern Wyoming College in their regular season finale and Sophomore Night.