The North Platte Community College Lady Knights volleyball team opened up their season with a resounding 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-14) victory over the Williston State College Tetons. The Knights returned to the floor immediately to face the Sheridan College Lady Generals where the Lady Knights knocked off the Lady Generals 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-14, 27-25)

The first set of the year saw the Lady Knights emerge victorious 25-23 over the Tetons. The Lady Knights then cruised to a 25-17 victory in the second set before winning the third set in dominating fashion 25-14. The Lady Knights were led in kills by Sabrina Hallahan and Samantha Kennedy who both recorded nine. Kylie Wroot also chipped in eight kills. Joli Hopping contributed 19 assists while Laura Beckman had 12. Shannon Liewer led the Lady Knights in digs with 31.

The difference in the game was the Lady Knights controlled the net and did a good job receiving serves according to head coach Sally Thalken. “I was very happy with the way we played,” said coach Thalken. “We started out a little tentative but did a lot of good things. We have a lot of improving to still do but game experience is invaluable for our kids.”

The Lady Knights opened up their second game of the young season with another hard fought opening set win 25-22 over the Lady Generals. The set was knotted at 22 apiece before three freshman made plays to seal the win. Kylie Wroot got things started with a big kill before Samantha Byrn had an ace serve to give the Lady Knights game point. Samantha Kennedy delivered the winning kill to give the Lady Knights the opening set win.

The second set saw the Lady Generals take a highly contested battle 23-25 from the Lady Knights. The Lady Knights responded by dominating the third set on the way to a 25-14 victory. The fourth set was a hard fought battle as the game went back and forth before the Lady Knights were able to pull out the 27-25 set and game victory.

“I was really proud of our kids,” said coach Thalken. “They really stuck in there and played some scrappy ball. I thought we really played aggressive.”

The Lady Knights were paced by Sandrina Hallahan with nine kills and six blocks. Samantha Kennedy had eight blocks. Laura Beckman had 48 assists and Joli Hopping had 42. Shannon Liewer led the Lady Knights with 23 digs.

“I thought we controlled the game with our passing and ball control,” said Shannon Liewer. “We really worked hard on our serve receive. I thought we were able to keep our momentum up and we really connected as a team.”

The Subway Invite resumes on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. with games also at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Lady Knights will face the Eastern Wyoming College Lady Lancers at 11 a.m. The Lady Lancers were 0-2 on day one falling to Northeastern Junior College and Williston State College. The Lady Knights then turn around and face the Colby Community College Lady Trojans at 1 p.m. The Lady Trojans went 1-1 on day one defeating Sheridan College before falling to Northeastern Junior College.

Both games for the Lady Knights can be heard on ESPN Radio 1410 with Robert Lovell and Scott Carlson on the call.