The North Platte Community College Lady Knights (18-13) volleyball team fell Thursday night at #16 Central Community College Lady Raiders (23-10) in straight sets (16-25, 20-25, 21-25).

The Lady Knights started out slow as they lost the first set to the Lady Raiders 16-25. In the second set North Platte would again come up short as they dropped the set 20-25. The third set saw the Lady Raiders shut the door on the Lady Knights comeback as they won the set and game 21-25.

Samantha Kennedy would pace the Lady Knights as she recorded 14 kills on the night. Shannon Liewer led North Platte with 21 digs while Joli Hopping led with 19 assists and two ace serves.

“We had another slow start,” said head coach Sally Thalken. “We struggled tonight to gain any momentum. We had a nice lead in the third set but couldn’t sustain the lead. We are looking forward to another opportunity to play tomorrow.”

The Lady Knights remain on the road for a game against the Northeast Community College Lady Hawks in Norfolk tomorrow at 6 p.m. before returning to campus. The Lady Knights finish out their regular season next Wednesday as they travel to McCook to face the McCook Community College Lady Indians (1-31). The game with McCook will be broadcast live on ESPN 1410. The Lady Knights then head to the Region IX Division II Tournament in Beatrice  on October 31 to compete to extend their season.