The North Platte Community College Lady Knights Basketball team were defeated 81-56 by the Des Moines Area Community College Lady Bears on the first day of the Hawks Classic on Friday.

Lady Knight assistant coach Nolan Collins said, “This was not the result we were hoping for.  I think a lot of girls had their eyes opened to what speed college basketball is.  Hopefully we can learn from experience and get better.”

The Lady Bears outscored the Lady Knights in all but the last quarter.  They held a 42-23 lead at halftime.  The Lady Bears increased their lead in the third quarter 27-14 to give a lead of 32, 69-37.  The Lady Knights outscored the Lady Bears in the final quarter 19-12 to make the final deficit a little closer.

The Lady Knights were led in scoring by freshman Suhmer Mitchell with 25 points to lead all scorers. Sophomore Sarah Mahr was the only other Lady Knight to score in double figures with 10 points.

Mitchell and Maddie Seamann led the Lady Knights in rebounding with five rebounds each.

The Lady Bears out-rebounded the Lady Knights 57-35, including 37 defensive rebounds, which cut down the Lady Knights ability to take the second shot after a miss.

The Lady Bears had three players in double figures led by Emily Knittel with 19 points.  Cassie Goepfert and London Vais each scored 13 points.  Goepfert also added 10 rebounds to give her a double-double in the game.

The Lady Knights will face Iowa Lakes Community College at noon on Saturday to finish their games in the classic.

The Lady Knights are now 1-2, while the Lady Bears remain undefeated at 2-0.