North Platte – The North Platte Community College softball team (2-11) dropped a pair of games Monday afternoon to the Western Nebraska Community College (25-7) in North Platte. The Knights were defeated in five innings 6-17 and in six innings 9-1 in the second game of the double header.

In the first game of the day Shannon Lieber took the loss on the mound, giving up four earned runs on 10 hits, one walk and one hit by pitch. Katharine Savolt came on in relief and gave up two earned runs on four hits, two walks and one strikeout.

Siarra Velasquez led the Knights at the plate as she went 2-2 with a walk and three stolen bases. Brooke Wakefield went 2-3 with three RBIs and one stolen base while Britlee Anderson went 2-3 with one RBI. Soliel Atenza went 1-2 with a sacrifice and Lieber went 1-3 with two RBIs.

In the second game of the day, Rylee Murphy was the losing pitcher as she gave up four hits, four earned runs and three walks to go along with one strikeout. Wakefield led the Knights at the plate going 2-3. Sydney Standage went 1-2 and Velasquez went 1-3. Anderson went 0-2 but had one sacrifice and one RBI.

“First innings are huge and we had a ugly first inning in today’s first game,” said head coach Janelle Higgins. “We battled back but the damage had already been done. Western Nebraska is a disciplined team both offensively and defensively and capitalized on our errors. We are growing day by day, we take a few strides forward each day and that’s what counts.”

The Knights then return to the road for two double-headers against Iowa Western Community College on March 22 and Southeast Community College on March 23 before returning home to face Williston State College on March 24 and 25.

Alamosa, CO – The North Platte Community College softball team (2-9) finished out their spring break road trip on Friday as they faced off with the Adams State University JV for a double-header. The Knights fell 8-9 in the first game and 4-13 in the second game. The Knights were scheduled to finish their road trip on Saturday against Trinidad State Junior College but the games were postponed due to weather. Also, due to weather the Knights will have their first home games on Monday, March 17 against Western Nebraska Community College that were originally scheduled for Tuesday, March 18.

In game one against Adams State JV Shannon Lieber took the loss on the mound. Lieber only gave up one earned run and had three strikeouts while giving up five hits and one walk. Lieber also led the offense with a homerun, a triple, a single and two RBIs. Brooke Wakefield was 1-3 with two RBIs, two stolen bases and one walk while scoring two runs.Britlee Anderson was 2-4 with a single and a double.

In the second game, Rylee Murphy took the loss giving up five earned runs and seven hits. Lieber drew three walks in the game, while Anderson was 1-3 with an RBI. Wakefield had two hits on three plate appearances to go along with two RBIs and two stolen bases. Soliel Atenza was 1-1 with an RBI and two sacrifice flies. Siarra Velasquez was 1-2 while scoring two runs and stealing two bases.

“Our pitchers are keeping us in games and giving us a chance,” said head coach Janelle Higgins “our defense is playing scared and making way too many fundamental errors.”

“We came back to cold weather and our bats came back. We are making strides forward and are getting better. As the season goes on we will continue to improve.”

The Knights double-header with Trinidad State that was scheduled for March 15 is rescheduled for April 3 in North Platte. The two teams will face off twice on April 3 and then twice again on April 4 in an already scheduled double-header.

The Knights play their first games at home on Monday, March 17 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. against Western Nebraska Community College. The Knights then return to the road four two double-headers before returning home to face Williston State College on March 24.

Las Vegas, NV – The North Platte Community College softball team (2-7) continued their road trip over spring break in Las Vegas, Nev. against the College of Southern Nevada on Tuesday 0-13 and 0-8.

“Their pitchers were very strong with a solid fielding squad behind her and our defense struggled,” said head coach Janelle Higgins. “Our bats have not warmed up on the trip. Our pitchers are throwing very well but our defense is not backing them up. I am very proud of our pitchers for stepping up and not giving in.”

In the first game Siarra Velazquez, Shannon Lieber and Brooke Wakefield each had a hit for the Knights. Velasquez also drew a walk while Sydney Standage and Jazmin Chang were hit by a pitch. The Knights gave up 10 unearned runs, had six errors in the game and left four runners stranded. Lieber took the loss on the mound for the Knights.

“As a whole we cannot give up that many unearned runs especially when our offense is not producing,” said Higgins. “Even if we had more offense it would still be hard to win games when giving up that many free runs.”

In game number two, Soliel Atenza, Lexi Bryant and Rylee Murphy each had a hit for the Knights. Wakefield, Lieber and Murphy all drew walks. The Knights gave up six unearned runs and left four runners stranded.

“College of Southern Nevada has a very talented and sophomore based team,” said Higgins. “Even with the losses we are jellying as a team. Going into the week we knew it was going to be tough and we are still very early in the season as we still have 30 games to play over the next five weeks. We are young and still learning to play together. This is a tough trip and we are still fighting in games and team morale is very high after two tough days at the ball field which is a positive for all.”

The Knights remain on the road the rest of the week for two more double-headers before returning home for their first home game against Western Nebraska Community College on March 18 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The Knights next face Adams State University JV on Friday March 14 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Phoenix, AZ – The North Platte Community College softball team (2-5) opened up their eight game road trip that coincides with North Platte Community College’s spring break today in Phoenix, Ariz. dropping two games to the South Mountain Community College Lady Cougars 0-8 and 1-13.

Shannon Lieber took the loss on the mound in the opening game for the Knights. Siarra Velasquez had the lone hit in the first game for the Knights and also drew a walk. Soliel Atenza had a sacrifice and Sydney Standage was hit by a pitch. The Knights had five errors in the game, giving up only two earned runs.

In the second game of the day, Rylee Murphy took the loss on the mound. Velasquez, Atenza, Standage and Jazmin Change all had one hit and Lieber drew a walk. The Knights had five errors in the game, giving up six earned runs.

“We couldn’t get the bats going today and errors killed us,” said head coach Janelle Higgins. “We came out very timid and made errors right away digging ourselves in a hole both games and couldn’t get out of it.”

“South Mountain is a very fast and disciplined team at the plate. There pitchers were very strong and kept us very off balanced and was hard for us to adjust. They already have played over 20 games to our five,” said Higgins. I am proud of the team for never giving up in either game but we just couldn’t get anything going in our favor. ”

The Knights return to action tomorrow as they face the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada tomorrow in a double-header at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Knights remain on the road the rest of the week for two more double-headers before returning home for their first home game against Western Nebraska Community College on March 18 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Rosemount, MN – The North Platte Community College softball team (2-3) traveled to Rosemount, Minn. on Sunday to compete in the Irish Dome Winter Classic on Monday. The Knights played back-to-back-to-back games, losing to Marshalltown Community College 6-7, Iowa Lakes Community College 5-7 and Iowa Central Community College 2-8. All games were five innings and placed on a time limit.

In the first game against Marshalltown, Shannon Lieber was the starting pitcher. She pitched 4.9 innings, giving up only two hits and five runs. Katharine Savolt took the loss as she gave up two hits and two runs. Brooke Wakefield led the Knights at the plate with two hits, while Sydney Standage scored two runs for the Knights.

Against Iowa Lakes, Rylee Murphy was the starting pitcher and pitched the entire game. Murphy gave up six hits and seven runs. Britlee Anderson had three hits for the Knights, while Wakefield had two with three RBIs and Soliel Atenza had two hits and one RBI.

In the final game of the day for the Lady Knights, Murphy pitched the first two innings and Lieber pitched the final three. Murphy gave up five hits and two runs, while Lieber gave up seven hits and six runs. Anderson, Wakefield, Savolt and Lexi Bryant each had a hit for the Knights.

“We didn’t get the outcome we wanted,” said head coach Janelle Higgins. “It is hard when you are on a time limit and once time is up the game is over. It was a good learning experience for us, it showed our team we have to be focused from the start and not get relaxed once we score because we won’t always have seven innings to make a comeback.”

The tournament in Garden City scheduled for this weekend has been cancelled due to the weather. The Lady Knights first home games scheduled for Thursday, March 6 and Friday, March 7 with Williston State College have been postponed with a date yet to be set. The Knights return to action on March 10 when they travel to Phoenix, Ariz. to take on South Mountain Community College.

Colby, KS – The North Platte Community College softball team (2-0) traveled to Colby, Kan. Saturday and came away with a sweep of the Colby Community College Trojans (0-2) by winning the first game 11-9 and the second 19-13.

In the first game Katharine Savolt was 2-5 with one run and a homerun. Britlee Anderson was 2-4 with a run and Alexis Bryant was 2-3 with one run and a sacrifice. Soliel Atenza was 1-3 with a run and a walk. The winning pitcher was Shannon Lieber who earned the win in eight innings.

In the second game Siarra Velasquez was 3-5 with two runs. Atenza was 3-4 with a run, a walk and a stolen base. Lieber was 3-5 with three runs and a homerun. Bryant was 4-5 and Savolt was 3-5 with a homerun.

Lieber earned her second win of the season in as many tries and Savolt earned the save.

“It was a great team effort today,” said head coach Janelle Higgins. “Both games we battled back from being behind at some point in the game. The team never gave up! In game one we came back in extra innings to win. We showed a lot of heart, fight and determination today. Our sophomores really stepped up and our freshman did too. We had some errors throughout both games but that is expected with first games and the girls never gave up and battled hard all day!”

“Shannon (Lieber) threw really well,” said Higgins. “She took control of the plate today. Our hitting kept us alive, which showed all our hard work hitting and at CrossFit this winter paid off. We were able to play (roughly) six hours and still have gas in the tank.”

After getting their season underway, the Knights have two weeks of practice before returning to the diamond when they travel to Garden City, Kan. to play in the Garden City Tournament. The Knights will face Garden City Community College, Otero Junior College, Pratt Community College and Lamar Community College.

North Platte – The North Platte Community College softball team kicks off their season this Saturday, February 15 as they travel to Colby, Kan. to square off with the Colby Community College Trojans for a double header at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

“The team has been working hard inside and a few times that we have been able to get outside to practice,” said head coach Janelle Higgins. “We are excited to get games started.”

The Knights return five sophomores from last year’s team that went 4-39. The sophomores include Soliel Atenza of Lomita, Calif., Alexis Bryant of Wellington, Colo., Rylee Murphyof Ashland, Katharine Savolt of Yuma, Colo. and Siarra Velasquez of Carter Lake, Iowa.

The Knights also welcome nine new freshman to the mix as the season gets underway. The freshman include Britlee Anderson of North Spanish Fork, Utah, Shaylynne Campo of Fremont, Jazmin Chang of Lahaina, Hawaii, Shannon Lieber of Lone Tree, Colo., Brittney Odum of Aurora, Colo., Christina Rodie of Wheat Ridge, Colo., Sara Runia of Aurora, Colo., Sydney Standage of North Platte and Brooke Wakefield of Lone Tree, Colo.

“We have a solid foundation being laid by our sophomores and a very talented and energetic freshman class, everyone is eager to show what they can bring to the team as a whole,” said Higgins. “The team is meshing very well on and off the field which makes practices fun to watch as everyone is pushing each other to better as a whole.”

After getting their season underway, the Knights have two weeks of practice before returning to the diamond when they travel to Garden City, Kan. to play in the Garden City Tournament. The Knights will face Garden City Community College, Otero Junior College, Pratt Community College and Lamar Community College.

North Platte – The North Platte Community College Softball team signed five players to Letter of Intents on Friday night on campus. The five players were Jessi Alexander of Denver, Colo., Maddie Bosco of Canon City, Colo., Brittney Curtis of Omaha, Caroline Motis of Geneva and Sara Villalobos of Skiatook, Okla.

“I am very excited to have these girls sign,” said head coach Janelle Higgins. “They are a very versatile group and they all have a good attitude and work ethic.”

Jessi Alexander of Denver, Colo. attends Grandview High School. She will play in the outfield and middle infield for the Knights.

“I chose North Platte because my competitive coach, Debbi Kortbawi knows Coach Higgins and it was close to home,” Alexander said.

“Jessi will bring depth to our outfield and middle,” Higgins said.

Maddie Bosco of Canon City, Colo. attends Canon City High School. She will play in the infield for the Knights.

“I chose North Platte because it gave me the opportunity to play softball and the school has the program I want for my career,” Bosco said.

“Maddie will provide infield depth and she can play anywhere in the infield but the mound,” Higgins said.

Brittney Curtis of Omaha attends Burke High School. She will play second or third base for the Knights.

“I chose North Platte because I wanted to continue to play softball and I liked the school and team,” Curtis said.

“Brittney will bring quickness and power to our team,” Higgins said.

Caroline Moats of Geneva attends Fillmore Central High School. She will play in the outfield, short stop or catcher for the Knights.

“I chose North Platte because I liked the visit and want to continue to play softball,” Moats said.

“Caroline will bring depth to the whole infield, she can play anywhere,” Higgins said. “She is a mass utility player and is very athletic.”

Sara Villalobos of Skiatook, Okla. attends Skiatook High School. She will play catcher and the outfield for the Knights.

“I chose North Platte because I wanted to not stay in Oklahoma and I enjoyed my visit and felt right at home with the girls,” Villalobos said.

“Sara will be behind the plate and will bring quickness and power to our lineup,” Higgins said.

North Platte – The North Platte Community College Softball team will hold their annual Winter Clinic on Saturday, February 1 2014.

The clinic will be held at the North Platte Community College North Campus hitting facility. The clinic will run from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. with all ages welcome to attend. The size of the clinic is limited to the first 32 athletes that sign up. The cost of the clinic is $40. Registration is due by January, 25 2014.

The focus of the clinic will be on fielding, hitting, base running and throwing along with one-on-one work with softball athletes and coaching staff.

The entry fee also includes lunch with NPCC Knights softball team and coaches, a tour of campus and admission to the women and men’s basketball games at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

For more information contact head coach Janelle Higgins at her office (308-535-3722), on her cell (515-419-5801) or by email ([email protected]).

The brochure for camp can be found on the Knights website at www.npccknights.com and by clicking here.