The No. 16 North Platte Community College Lady Knights basketball team (1-2) traveled to Norfolk to compete in the Hawks Classic. In the opening game of the Classic, the Lady Knights were defeated by the Des Moines Area Community College Lady Bears 54-87.

The Lady Knights got out of the gate slowly as they would go into the locker room trailing 25-49. Turnover would plague the Lady Knights throughout the game as they turned the ball over 29 times in the contest. The Lady Knights also fouled the Lady Bears 21 times putting them on the line for 28 free throws of which they converted 20.

The Lady Knights only scorer in double figures was DaVontaye Merritt who finished with 24 points on 12-21 shooting from the field. The Lady Bears had three players in double-figures led by Carlee Schuhmacher who finished with 28 points and 15 rebounds.

“They were a good team,” said head coach Richard Thurin. “We need to learn how to step our game up to another level.”

North Platte returns to the hardwood tomorrow at noon as they face Iowa Lakes Community College. The Lady Lakers are 1-2 on the season after losing to Brown Mackie College 71-79 and Highland Community College 39-92 while beating Northwest College 76-66.

The Lady Knights travel to Colby, Kan. to face Colby Community College on Nov. 16 before returning home on Nov. 19 to face Northeast Community College at 5 p.m.