NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - Earlier today, the NPCC Women’s Basketball Team seized the opportunity to punch their ticket to the NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championships. Competing in the District Championships for the second time in the last three seasons, NPCC came out firing against Rochester Community and Technical College. The Lady Knights secured a 17-15 lead after a hard fought first quarter.

Jocylin Sellers, the Freshman from North Platte, scooped in a reverse layup off the assist from Kayla Pope, to begin the scoring in the second quarter. Amber Wolever and Jennessy Aragon-Dennis added a pair of three-pointers to help NPCC take a 33-29 lead into halftime.

The Yellow Jackets surged in the second half, enjoying a 53-50 lead in the fourth quarter. But the final ninety seconds belonged to the Knights, NPCC went on a 9-0 run to earn a 68-63 victory, securing their spot at Nationals.

“I could not be prouder of our team and their fight today, we had a great effort defensively and showed a lot of toughness against a very good Rochester team,” said Head Coach Jeff Thurman.

It will be the fourth appearance at Nationals in program history for the NPCC Women’s Basketball Team. The NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championships will be held at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, North Carolina.

NPCC Softball wins home opener

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - After twenty six games on the road, the North Platte Community College Softball Team returned to their home field for a double header against Central. First pitch was shortly after 2:00 PM at the Dowhower Softball Complex in North Platte. After the Lady Raiders launched a grand slam in the fifth inning, NPCC was staring at a large deficit entering the sixth frame.

“We haven’t been able to string together hits lately, but in that sixth inning, we found that fire and started stacking hits which really helped us a lot,” said Ashlyn Wheeling.

If the Knights bats were slumping, you wouldn’t know it from their performance today. NPCC tallied seven runs in the sixth inning, storming back to capture the lead from Central. With her teammates cheering her on, Nevaeh Ramirez pitched a complete game, shutting the door on any prospects of a late game comeback from the Raiders.

“It was really nice, especially with such a positive atmosphere from my teammates, their support is great,” said Ramirez of her performance on the mound.

Although it has been a turbulent season at times for the Lady Knights, the team’s chemistry has improved with each game. A win like today’s, stands to be a turning point for the NPCC Softball program.

“They’re all Freshman so we’re still learning, but they knew they needed a win and for them to come back in the sixth like they did is huge,” said Head Coach Janelle Higgins.

The Knights return to action for another home stand against Southeast on April 17 at 2:00 PM.