Columbus – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights (20-18) ended their season in the Region IX Division II Tournament Championship at the hands of the No. 2 Central Community College Lady Raiders (32-6). The Lady Knights opened up the Region IX Division II Tournament with a victory over Southeast Community College in three sets on Friday 25-17, 25-20, 25-17. North Platte then took on Central to complete the round-robin portion of the tournament. The Lady Raiders defeated the Lady Knights in straight sets 22-25, 13-25, 18-25. The two teams then faced off again Saturday morning with the Lady Knights needing to defeat the Lady Raiders twice to win the Region IX Division II Championship. Central picked up right where they left off and defeated North Platte in three sets 22-25, 11-25, 12-25.

The Lady Knights had several players honored at the completion of the Tournament. Samantha Kennedy, Joli Hopping and Erika Goodwin were named to the All-Region IX Division II Tournament Team. Kennedy, Hopping and Samantha Byrn were also named the the All-Region IX Division II Team. The North Platte Lady Knights also won the Sheila R. Worley Sportsmanship Award.

Against Southeast Community College, the Lady Knights were paced by Samantha Kennedy who finished with 15 kills and three blocks. Samantha Byrn chipped in seven kills and three blocks. Joli Hopping recorded 29 assists and 12 digs while Erika Goodwin led the way with 16 digs. Abigail Kurtzer also recorded 10 digs.

In the first meeting with Central Community College, Valerie Most led the way with nine kills and Samantha Kennedy chipped in seven kills, four blocks and 10 digs. Joli Hopping notched 23 assists and Erika Goodwin had 21 digs.

In the final game of the season, Valerie Most again led the way with 10 kills while Kennedy recorded five kills and 13 digs.. Joli Hopping had 22 assists and Erika Goodwin had 18 digs.

The Knights finished the year with a 20-18 recorded and in the Region IX Division II Championship for the second straight year. “The kids played hard,” said head coach Sally Thalken. “Central has a way of keeping teams out of their system. It was very difficult to do much offensively. We got beat by a very good team that should do well in post-season play. They played liked they are the No. 2 team in the nation in Division II.”