FORT SCOTT – The Neosho County Community College Panther volleyball team went 2-2 over the weekend at the Greyhound Invitational in Fort Scott. The two losses were to top 15 ranked teams, but the Panthers were in the thick of both games. "They were good games," Coach Asya Herron said. "We went through a little bit of growing pains as we get comfortable on the court next to our teammates." 
    One key piece that was missing for the Panthers was leading scorer Rianne Richard, who was out all weekend with an injury. "She brings a lot of intensity and defense," Herron said. "Just adjusting to that caused us to struggle a little." The Panthers earned one win each day. 
    On Friday, NCCC defeated Independence Community College, 3-0 (25-16, 25-16 and 25-17). Sophomore Mandi Taylor led the Panther with nine kills, while sophomore Riley McGinn added six. "It's nice to start out with a 3-0 win, but we need to learn how to keep our tempo," Herron said. "Even when we are winning, we tend to take the other team's tempo." Later that evening, Neosho County fell to Fort Scott Community College, 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 26-24 and 25-22). Leading by seven at point in the match, the Panthers saw the lead slip away late. "We give up just a few too many points in a row," Herron said. "Anytime you give up two or three points in a serve-receive rotation against good schools, you aren't going to win." McGinn led the team with 12 kills, while Kylie Foster added seven.
    The next day, the Panthers opened with Brookhaven (Texas) College, the NJCAA Division III national runner-up last year. Neosho County knocked off the Texas school, 3-1 (23-25, 25-22, 25-18 and 25-13) before falling to No. 6-ranked Coffeyville, 3-2 (25-17, 23-25, 19-25, 25-19 and 15-12).

The Panthers (3-3) will begin Kansas Jayhawk Community College league play today at 6:30 pm against Allen County Community College (1-0).