NPCC Knights – Page 56 – North Platte Post Archive

NPCC Lady Knights Drop Five Set Thriller

Posted on October 8, 2013

The North Platte Community College Lady Knights (16-8) volleyball team fell Monday night to the Divison I #20 Northeastern Junior College Plainswomen (16-5) in a five set thriller that lasted two hours and thirty minutes. The Lady Knights would drop the first two sets before winning the third and fourth set before finally falling in the fifth set (25-27, 23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 9-15).

The Lady Knights would open up the first set of the night fast as they would jump out to a 10-6 lead over the Plainswomen. The Plainswomen would battle back to take a 16-18 lead. The Lady Knights would then score outscore the Plainswomen to tie the game at 22-22 and force a NJC timeout. After the Plainsmen scored a point, the Lady Knights would score two of their own to earn the first set point forcing another Plainswomen timeout. The teams would exchange points as the game again became tied at 25-25. The Lady Plainswomen were able to earn a side out and then had an ace serve to close out the first set 25-27.

At the start of the second set the Plainswomen would continue to hold the momentum as they jumped out to a three point lead. The Plainswomen would maintain the lead throughout the early stages of the set with their largest lead at 9-13. The Lady Knights would string together a few points of their own to tie the game at 14-14 and then take their first lead of the game at 16-15.

The teams would trade side outs before NJC would tie the game at 18-18 and then take a lead at 18-20 to force a timeout by North Platte. The Lady Knights would tie the set at 22-22 to set up another exciting finish. NJC would get a side out and score another point to earn a set point opportunity and force a timeout by the Lady Knights. Samantha Kennedy would slam home a spike before the Plainswomen would end the set 23-25.

The Plainswomen would start the third set by opening up a 4-9 lead on the Lady Knights and forcing North Platte into a timeout. The Lady Knights would slowly chip away at the lead and would eventually tie the game at 12-12. The Lady Knights and Plainswomen would trade points and leads throughout the middle stages of the set before North Platte was able to race out to a 22-18 advantage.

The Plainswomen would score two straight points and then the Lady Knights would score two straight to earn a set point at 24-22. The Plainswomen would then score three straight to force a North Platte timeout at 24-23. Samantha Kennedy would end the third set for the Lady Knights as she blocked NJC’s spike attempt to win 25-23.

The Lady Knights and Plainswomen would start the fourth set exchanging points before the Lady Knights were able to open up a lead with the largest being 20-15. The Plainswomen would then score three straight points prompting a timeout from North Platte. The Lady Knights and Plainswomen would trade the next four points before the Lady Knights would score the final three points of the set to win 25-22 to force a decisive fifth set.

The Plainswomen would draw first blood in the fifth set as they scored the first three points. The Lady Knights would respond with three straight points before NJC answered with four straight to take a 3-7 lead. The Lady Knights would cut the lead to 7-8 and force the Plainswomen to take a timeout. The Plainswomen would then score the next five points to take a 7-13 lead. The two teams would exchange the final four points of the set to give the Plainswomen the victory 9-15.

Samantha Kennedy led the Lady Knights with 19 kills and Sandrina Hallahan had 14. Shannon Liewer had 25 digs and Joli Hopping had 31 assists to pace the Lady Knights.

“It was a great night (with the Pink Out),” said head coach Sally Thalken. “Our kids played really hard and it was a good volleyball game tonight. In the end we weren’t as aggressive as we needed to be in the fifth set.”

On Wednesday the Lady Knights will honor their five sophomore; Sabrina Hallahan of Brush, Colo., Shannon Liewer of Imperial, Sandrina Hallahan of Brush, Colo., Jacee Kershaw of Culbertson and Laura Beckman of Julesburg, Colo. as they take on Southeast Community College. The game will start at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio 1410. The Lady Knights defeated the Lady Storm in four sets earlier this year.

NPCC Lady Knights and Student Life to host grill-off competition/fundraiser Oct. 9

Posted on October 7, 2013

The North Platte Community College Lady Knights softball team is once again teaming up with NPCC Student Life for a “Smoke” Southeast Community College grill-off competition/fundraiser at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, prior to the NPCC vs. Southeast volleyball game.

The event will take place at the South Campus. Students, faculty and staff will be participating in the grill-off competition. Prizes and bragging rights are at stake for the competitors!

The BBQ meal, complete with chips and condiments, will be $1 for MPCC students and children under 12, and $5 for adults. The Lady Knights will also be selling NPCC Knights t-shirts, hats and visors. All proceeds will go to the NPCC Lady Knights softball team.

The Lady Knights and NPCC Student Life invite the public to come out to taste-test the results before watching the volleyball game and cheering the Lady Knights on to another win. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Janelle Higgins at (515) 419-5801or by email at [email protected].

NPCC Lady Knights Overcome Slow Start to Defeat Northeast

Posted on October 4, 2013

The North Platte Community College Lady Knights (16-7) volleyball team overcame a slow start on Thursdaynight to defeat he Northeast Community College Lady Hawks (11-11) in a four set battles (28-30, 25-22, 25-20, 25-21). All four games were very competitive, however the Lady Knights were able to finish the second, third and fourth sets strong to claim victory.

The first set was the Lady Hawks get out to a fast start as they jumped out to a 0-3 lead before the Lady Knights could score their first point. The Lady Knights would cut the lead to 3-4. The match would then go back and forth with neither team gaining more than a two point advantage as both teams traded side outs.

The Lady Hawks would take a 16-18 lead before the Lady Knights would go on a 6-0 run gain a 22-18 advantage and forced a timeout. The Lady Knights would earn three set points as they took a 24-21 lead. However the Lady Hawks would not go quietly and battled back to tie the game at 24. The teams would trade side outs until the Lady Hawks would take the first set 28-30.

The third set was back and forth early as neither team could gain an advantage until the Lady Knights took the lead 9-6. The Lady Knights would stretch the lead to six at 17-11. Once again the Lady Hawks would not go quietly and would tie the game at 19. The Lady Knights then had two blocks to earn points and were able to force a timeout from Northeast after leading 23-21. The Lady Knights would even the game at one game apiece after taking the second set 25-22.

The Lady Knights and Lady Hawks would battle back and forth at the start of the third set as neither team could gain more than a one point advantage until the Knights scored three points in a row to take a 13-10 lead. The slim margin would be enough as the Lady Knights finished off the third set with a 25-20 victory.

The Lady Hawks would start the fourth set strong as they jumped out to an early 1-5 lead. The Lady Hawks would maintain their early lead as they led the Lady Knights 5-11 before North Platte would start to chip away until they were able to tie the game at 17. The Lady Knights would continue to ride the momentum as they opened up a two point lead at 20-18. The Lady Knights would extend the lead to close out the set and the game 25-21.

“We didn’t start out very well,” said sophomore Sabrina Hallahan. “I thought we fought back and overcame some adversity, especially in that fourth set to come back to win.”

The Lady Knights were paced by Samantha Kennedy who finished with 12 kills and six blocks, Sandrina Hallahan who finished with 10 kills and six blocks and Sabrina Hallahan who finished with nine kills and 19 digs. Joli Hopping led the way with 24 assists and Laura Beckman had 18. Shannon Liewer led the Lady Knights with 30 digs.

“Northeast has a salty team,” said head coach Sally Thalken. “It shows character from our girls to come back from the 11-17 deficit (in the fourth set). I don’t like putting ourselves in that position, but I was glad we were able to come back.”

The Lady Knights remain at home next week in their final two home games of the season as they host Northeastern Junior College on Monday at and Southeast Community College on Wednesday October 9. On Monday the Lady Knights are welcoming students and families from Osgood School and Lake School with free admission. The Lady Knights have worked with student from these schools as part of their outreach program. Also on Monday, it will be a “Pink Out” in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. First serve is slated for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio 1410.

On Wednesday the Lady Knights will honor their five sophomore; Sabrina Hallahan of Brush, Colo., Shannon Liewer of Imperial, Sandrina Hallahan of Brush, Colo., Jacee Kershaw of Culbertson and Laura Beckman of Julesburg, Colo. The game will start at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio 1410.

NPCC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Start Practice

Posted on October 2, 2013

The North Platte Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams started practice Tuesday to kick off the 2013-14 season.

The North Platte Community College Knights men’s basketball team starts their defense of the Region IX Tournament title and opening round win at the NJCAA National Tournament. The Knights return their leading scorer and rebounder in Ethan Montalvo (15.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg) who was an All-Region IX Second-Team selection a year ago along with starter Tim Simmons (10.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and top reserve Jake Maslo (4.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg). The Knights also welcome back Tre’Vaun Hymer who redshirted at North Platte during the spring semester after playing at New Mexico Junior College in the fall, Jimma Lew who appeared in 19 games a year ago and Marcus Linson who redshirted last season for the Knights.

The Knights welcome 12 freshmen to the program. Cameron Williams of Omaha, Luke Pittle of Deception Bay, Australia, Kenyon Gist of Chicago, Xavier Hall of Woodbury, Minnesota, James Kirksey of Strasburg, Virginia, Aireon Porter of Omaha, Brandon Pressley of Stephens City, Virginia, Abraham Branch of Baltimore, Maryland, Akau Deng of Sunshine, Australia, Marco Pascolo of Udine, Italy, Riley Rice of Mullen and Dazeshawn Crim of Detroit, Michigan are all freshman for the Knights.

The Knights are led by head coach Kevin O’Connor who is entering his 29^th season at the helm. Coach O’Connor has compiled 567 wins at North Platte, including a school-record 30 wins a year ago. He is assisted by Nathan Wieseler who is entering his second season.

The Knights play their first home game on November 12 at 7 p.m. against York College JV after traveling to McCook for the McCook Community College Classic and to Garden City for the Garden City Classic to start their season.

“The guys have been ready for this day since they stepped on campus,” said coach O’Connor. “We are ready to get things going.”

The North Platte Community College Lady Knights women’s basketball team starts their defense of their Region IX Division II Tournament title and District F championship. The Lady Knights return their second leading scorer and rebounder in DeVontaye Merritt (12.9 ppg, 8.1 rpg) who was an All-Region IX Division II selection a year ago. Courtney Widick (9.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Jordan Dickerson (7.7 ppg, 3.4 apg) and Samantha Hyatt (2.2 ppg) also return as sophomore for the Lady Knights.

The Lady Knights add nine new freshmen. The new freshman include Aliyah Brown of Omaha, Elisha Coleman of Omaha, Briana Dickerson of Westminster, Colorado, Kirra Hall-Carter of Maribyrnong, Australia, Stephanie Casteel of Gillette, Wyoming, NaShawn Williams of Omaha, Kristian Roth of Beaver Crossing, Alleyah Evans of McKinney, Texas and April Stull of Sweeny, Texas.

The Lady Knights are led by head coach Richard Thurin who is entering his 13^th season at North Platte. Coach Thurin has won 164 games in his career at North Platte. Nolan Collins is the assistant for the Lady Knights and enters his second year.

The Lady Knights open up the regular season on November 1 at home as part of the Hampton Inn Classic. The Lady Knights will also play an exhibition game at home on October 26 at 7 p.m. against NPCC Alumni.

“I am very excited to get started,” said coach Thurin. “I think we have more overall depth, speed and height than we did a year ago.”

NPCC Men’s Basketball Team to Hold Haunted Hoops Basketball Program October 27

Posted on September 30, 2013

The North Platte Community College men’s team will host the 2013 version of its annual Haunted Hoops Basketball Program. The clinic is held on the last Sunday of October and this year falls on October 27. The clinic will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in McDonald-Belton Gymnasium. The clinic is for 1^st through 6^th grade boys AND girls.

Participants will receive a Knights Haunted Hoops T-Shirt. The Haunted Hoops T-Shirt can be worn for FREE admission to all home games. The camp entry fee is $40. Campers will be taught by the defending Region IX Champions and nationally ranked Knights Men’s Basketball team. Participants will be instructed in basketball skills such as shooting, ball handling and passing along with the importance of academics and setting goals.

The Knights leading scorer sophomore Ethan Montalvo and fellow sophomores Tim Simmons, Jake Maslo, Tre’Vaun Hymer, Marcus Linson and Jimma Lew will help lead the camp along with 12 new freshmen to the program. Head coach Kevin O’Connor and assistant coach Nathan Wieseler will direct the camp.

Registration can be completed by filling out a brochure that can be found online at the North Platte Community College website www.npccknights.comor at the Sports Shoppe in North Platte. Registration must be postmarked by October 15 or a $5 late entry fee will be assessed. Contact Nathan Wieseler at 308-520-4838 or [email protected] for more information. Checks and registration can be sent to:

Attention Men’s Basketball

601 West State Farm Road

North Platte, NE 69101

No. 16 NPCC Lady Knights Go 1-1 on Saturday at Johnson County Invite

Posted on September 30, 2013

The No. 16 North Platte Community College Lady Knights (15-7) split their games on Saturday as they defeated the Iowa Lakes Community College Lady Lakers in a hard fought five set battle (25-19, 23-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-12) and fell to the Coffeyville Community College Lady Ravens (19-25, 28-26, 23-25, 15-25) to finish out the Johnson County Invite with a 1-3 record.

The Lady Knights first game of the day turned into a battle with Iowa Lakes Community College. The Lady Knights drew first blood as they handled the Lady Lakers in a 25-19 first set victory. The Lady Lakers would then win the second set 23-25 to even the match. The Lady Knights responded by winning the third set 25-23. The Lady Knights could not end the match as the Lady Lakers won the fourth set 22-25. The Lady Knights would get their first win of the Johnson County Invite as they knocked off the Lady Lakers in the fifth and final set 15-12.

Sabrina Hallahan led the Lady Knights with 12 kills in the match. Taylor King and Samantha Kennedy were also in double figures with 10. Kennedy led the Lady Knights with four blocks. Joli Hopping paced the Lady Knights with 27 assists and Shannon Liewer did in digs with 25.

The second game of the day was another hard fought battle for the Lady Knights. Coffeyville took a 1-0 set lead as they won the first set 19-25. The Lady Knights would fight back and win the second set 28-26. The Lady Ravens would end the match with victories in the third and fourth set by the score of 23-25 and 15-25.

The Lady Knights were led by Samantha Byrn with 11 kills. Sabrina Hallahan, Sandrina Hallahan, Samantha Kennedy and Kylie Wroot all had nine kills in the match. Shannon Liewer had 17 digs for the match while Joli Hopping had 23 assists and Laura Beckman had 16.

The Lady Knights return home next week on Thursday October 3 for a match against Northeast Community College at 7 p.m. It is the first of a three game home stand and the last three home games of the year for the Lady Knights.

No. 16 NPCC Lady Knights Fall Twice at Johnson County Invite to No. 3 and No. 5

Posted on September 27, 2013September 27, 2013

The No. 16 North Platte Community College Lady Knights (14-6) fell on Friday to the Division II nationally ranked No. 3 and No. 5 teams in the nation. The Lady Knights opened up the Johnson County Invite by facing the hosts #3 Johnson County Community College Lady Cavaliers (15-5) and falling in straight sets (16-25, 18-25, 19-25). The competition remained excellent for the Lady Knights as they next faced the #5 Kirkwood Community College Lady Eagles (19-4). The Lady Knights would again fall in straight sets (18-25, 17-25, 16-25).

The Lady Knights started out slow in the first set as the Lady Cavaliers raced out to a 16-25 first set victory. The second set saw the Lady Cavaliers again defeat the Lady Knights by a score of 18-25. The third set was again won by the Lady Cavaliers 19-25 to win the match and to end the Lady Knights four game win streak.

The Lady Knights were led by Sandrina Hallahan who finished with 11 kills for the match followed by Samantha Kennedy and Samantha Byrn with seven kills apiece. Joli Hopping paced the Lady Knights with 19 assists while Sabrina Hallahan and Shannon Liewer each had eight digs for the Lady Knights.

The second match of the day again saw the Lady Knights start out slow as they fell 18-25 in the first set to the Lady Eagles. The Lady Knights could not generate any traction in the second set as they lost 17-25. The Lady Eagles were able to finish out the match with a third set victory 16-25.

Sandrina Hallahan, Samantha Kennedy and Kylie Wroot each had five kills in the second match of the day to lead the Lady Knights. Joli Hopping led the Lady Knights with 13 assists while Laura Beckman had 10. Shannon Liewer led the Lady Knights defense with 23 digs.

“We played some really good competition today,” said head coach Sally Thalken. “We are prepared to rebound tomorrow.”

The Lady Knights continue action in the Johnson County Invite tomorrow morning against Iowa Lakes Community College at 9 a.m. and then face Coffeyville Community College at 11 a.m. to finish out the invite. .

No. 16 NPCC Lady Knights Take Down Southeast

Posted on September 26, 2013September 26, 2013

The No. 16 North Platte Community College Lady Knights (14-4) took to the road Thursday afternoon and knocked off the Southeast Community College Lady Storm (8-10) to extend their winning streak to four in four sets (25-27, 25-18, 25-19, 25-23). The win gives the Lady Knights a perfect 3-0 record in the Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference and also a perfect 2-0 record in Region IX Division II play.

The Lady Knights dropped the opening set of the afternoon to the Lady Storm in a hard fought 25-27 battle. The Lady Knights would respond with a strong second set to defeat Southeast as Joli Hopping served the winning point for the victory.

The third set saw the Lady Knights jump out to an early lead and hold off the Lady Storm as Hopping again served the winning point and Sabrina Hallahan spiked the ball for the final point of the third set. The Lady Storm would not stop battling and pushed the Lady Knights in the fourth set before the Lady Knights would emerge victorious 25-23.

The Lady Knights travel to Overland Park, Kan. for the Johnson County Invite. The Lady Knights open up play at 3 p.m. against No. 4 Johnson County Community College on Friday September 27. The Lady Knights play again on Friday against No. 7 Kirkwood Community College at 5 p.m. The Lady Knights return to action on Saturday against Iowa Lakes Community College at 9 a.m. and then face Coffeyville Community College at 11 a.m. to finish out the tournament.

NPCC Lady Knights Win Tuesday against Hastings JV

Posted on September 25, 2013

The North Platte Community College Lady Knights (13-4) won Tuesday night as they defeated Hastings College JV in four sets (25-17, 25-21, 19-25 25-19). The Lady Knights won the first two sets then dropped the third set before winning the fourth set to end the match.

The Lady Knights raced out to a first set victory as they defeated the Hastings College JV Lady Broncos 25-17. The second set was more of the same as the Lady Knights defeated the Lady Broncos 25-21. The third set saw the Lady Broncos reverse their fortunes as they knocked off the Lady Knights 19-25. The Lady Knights then ended the match by winning the fourth set 25-19.

The Lady Knights were led by Kylie Wroot who put down 12 kills and had four blocks. Joli Hopping led the Lady Knights with 17 assists and Laura Beckman wasn’t far behind with 16 assists. Shannon Liewer led the Knights with 19 digs while Hopping and Jacee Kershaw were also in double figures with 10 digs apiece.

“We played well in the first two sets,” said head coach Sally Thalken. “We lost focus and intensity in the third and it was hard to regain momentum. We worked hard to finish the match out strong.”

On Thursday, the Lady Knights travel for an important game against the Southeast Community College Lady Storm in for both the NCCAC crown and also for seeding purposes in the Region IX Division II Tournament. The game will be broadcast live by ESPN Radio 1410 and can be listened to by clicking here.

The Lady Knights travel to Overland Park, Kan. for the Johnson County Invite. The Lady Knights open up play at 3 p.m. against #4 Johnson County Community College on Friday September 27. The Lady Knights play again on Friday against #7 Kirkwood Community College at 5 p.m. The Lady Knights return to action on Saturday against Iowa Lakes Community College at 9 a.m. and then face Coffeyville Community College at 11 a.m. to finish out the tournament.

NPCC Lady Knights Host Hastings JV, Travel to Southeast & Johnson County Invite

Posted on September 23, 2013

The North Platte Community College Lady Knights (12-4) volleyball remains at home for another contest on Tuesday September 24 against the Hastings College Lady Broncos JV team and then travel to Beatrice to face fellow Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference (NCCAC) member and Region IX Division II foe the Southeast Community College (7-6) Lady Storm. The Lady Knights then travel to Overland Park, Kan. Friday and Saturday for the Johnson County Invite.

The Lady Knights return to action Tuesday for the first time sense knocking off the No. 6 Central Community College Lady Raiders in five sets last Thursday night. The Lady Knights host the Lady Broncos at 7:00 p.m. at McDonald-Belton Gymnasium. After this game, the Lady Knights will have three home games remaining this season.

On Thursday, the Lady Knights travel for an important game against the Southeast Community College Lady Storm for both the NCCAC crown and also for seeding purposes in the Region IX Division II Tournament. The game will be broadcast live by ESPN Radio 1410 and can be listened to by clicking here.

The Lady Knights currently lead the NCCAC conference race with a perfect 2-0 record by virtue of wins over McCook Community College and Central Community College. The Knights also currently lead Region IX Division II over other members Central Community College, Southeast Community College and Dawson Community College.