Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
Torrington, Wyo. – The North Platte women’s basketball team fell to Eastern Wyoming on Saturday afternoon, 72-53.
Reece Yahn led the Knights with 11 points, knocking down all three of her attempts from beyond the arc, while Joie Rodriguez anchored the effort on the glass with five rebounds.
"If we do not defend and fight, these will be the outcomes of our games moving forward," said head coach Jeff Thurman. “We played with no passion and heart today on the defensive end.”
Eastern Wyoming set the tone early, holding the Knights to just three points while scoring 14 of their own to open the game. A jumper from Alexa Stevens helped North Platte find some rhythm as the Knights went on to score eight of the next 18 points but trailed 24-13 headed into the second.
The Lancers put together a 7-0 run heading into the first media timeout of the second quarter. North Platte responded with a quick basket, but Eastern Wyoming countered with another 8-0 surge. The Knights closed the half on a positive note, outscoring the Lancers over the final minutes, but still entered the break facing a 17-point deficit.
North Platte chipped away in the third, trimming the margin to 11 with 1:30 remaining in the third quarter. The Lancers responded with four quick points to close the frame with a double-digit lead.
North Platte attempted to rally in the fourth, but the early gap proved too much to overcome. Eastern Wyoming maintained control down the stretch to secure the win, pulling away to finish with a 19–point victory.
“Back to the drawing board, we have to figure out what type of team we want to be," Thurman said.
Knights (2-8) return to action at home on Tuesday against Hastings College JV. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.