KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The No. 13 KCKCC women's basketball team welcomed a high-profile opponent from the East coast in No. 3 CCBC-Essex Saturday afternoon, where the Blue Devils suffered a 71-56 loss to the Knights. It was the first loss of the season for the Blue Devils as they are now 7-1 overall.

CCBC-Essex came out firing two consecutive three-point field goals in the first quarter. Lacy Whitcomb nailed a three-pointer after to put the Blue Devils on the board before two free throws from T'Yonne Duncan. The Knights would eventually lead 19-12 after the first period of play. Jennifer Guilbeaux quickly hit a long-range shot in the second quarter to cut the deficit to four points, but KCKCC would go scoreless over the next five minutes. KCKCC only managed nine points in the period and trailed 30-21 at halftime.

KCKCC cut the deficit to six points to start the third quarter after Trinity McDow hit a three-point shot from the left side of the court, and Duncan made a layup. But the Knights lived and died from three-point range as they connected two straight. The Blue Devils added two free throws from Victoria Jones and the team was within striking distance again after three periods, 45-39. CCBC Essex connected on shots early in the final quarter and the Blue Devils could never get the deficit below six points. The Knights managed to stave off the Blue Devils and walk out with the 71-56 win.

Whitcomb led the team with 11 points and Duncan had 10 points. Jones almost notched a double-double as she had eight points and nine rebounds. 

KCKCC will have one more game before the Thanksgiving holiday as they play at North Central Missouri College Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.