NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – Sam Hester (Saratoga Springs, Utah) poured in a career-high 21 points in leading Laramie County Community College to a 71-61 win over North Platte Community College on Saturday at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium in North Platte, Nebraska.

The Golden Eagles improved to 1-1 on the season. North Platte drops to 2-1.

Hester converted 2-of-5 three-pointers en route to her 21-point effort and was one of four Golden Eagles to score in double figures. The freshman pulled down four rebounds and had two steals. Abby Garreaud (Magna, Utah) scored 14 points, going 12-for-14 from the free throw line. Ja'Kia Wells (Mesquite, Texas) netted 12 points and Karly Mathern (Windsor, Colorado) had 10 points.

Laramie County led by two after a high-scoring first quarter. LCCC led 37-32 at the break. North Platte outscored LCCC 16-15 in the third quarter but a strong fourth quarter had LCCC pull away late.

Coach Ortmeier's squad shot 34% percent for the game, 31.3% (5-for-16) from the three-point line and forced North Platte into 17 turnovers. Wells led LCCC on the boards with nine.

North Platte was led by Ashley Hassett with 11 points and four steals.

LCCC is back in action on Tuesday as they host Otero Junior College at 5 p.m. in the RAC.