Ligia Thortvedt converts a steal into a layup against Gillette College on Wednesday afternoon. (Skylar Evans, North Platte Community College)
North Platte, Neb. – The North Platte women’s basketball team fell to Gillette College, 68-43, on Wednesday afternoon, closing out the first half of the season.
Dezirae Gonzales led the Knights with 18 points on 6-of-15 shooting from the field, while Abigail Haas pulled down six rebounds to accompany her seven points.
“We couldn’t connect on our shots today,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “We will need to improve this heading into Region 9 South play.”
The opening quarter was a low-scoring affair as both teams battled defensively. Ligia Thortvedt opened the scoring for North Platte, but a scoring drought followed, leaving the Knights trailing 11-6 after the first ten minutes.
Gillette opened the second quarter with a 12-0 run before a basket by Gonzales stopped the momentum. The Knights settled into their offensive rhythm but were unable to fully close the gap, as Gillette carried a 13-point lead into halftime.
The teams traded baskets in the third quarter, but Gillette pulled away early in the fourth. A 14-2 run sparked a 21-point final quarter to seal the win.
“We will need to regroup and refocus as we head into next semester,” Thurman said.
North Platte (3–11) returns to action following winter break on Jan. 10 against McCook Community College. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.
