Second half underway...

It's been a while so I thought I would give you a summary of events since the girls returned for this semester. They got back to campus on Mon night, Jan. 9 for several practice sessions before leaving for the AG Credit Union Classic in Minneapolis that weekend. Returning from break is always difficult, but it was made more so this year with the loss of three key players. One would be temporary while two for the season.

While we were anxious to return to the court, it was obvious early that we were rusty and had holes to fill as we lost big to nationally ranked Valley Forge and Trinity College. We played better on the final day of the tournament before dropping the game to host and 10th ranked North Central University. Kate was name to the all-tournament team as she averaged 18 points per game.

On Tuesday of last week we traveled to Dubuque, IA for a region game against Emmaus. Things continued to improve and we took charge early, an led 32-10 at half. We finished well and earned a 55-20 road win to improve to. 3-0 in our region.

On Friday we traveled to Grand Rapids, MI to play at #8 Grace Bible College. Grace features the nation's leading scorer and rebounder, and that proved to be a challenge in many ways. Despite leading 33-31 at half, we were uneasy because of the foul difficulty. However we played incredible the second half before surrendering the game on the boards and at the free throw line. While we were out-rebounded by the Tigers, it was difficult to defend the free throw line where the home team enjoyed a 31-8 advantage en route to their 73-65 win. All in all, it was our most complete game in two seasons. Allie finished 2 assists away from a triple double while only committing 1 turnover. Kate scored 26 points despite being face-guarded and double-teamed all night.

We traveled to Chicago the next morning to face #7 Moody. While Grace poses some size issues, Moody poses a crisis! They boast a three player front line over six feet tall. We were once again hurt on the glass, specifically the offensive boards, an played from behind most of the game. We trailed by 8 at half, and Moody stretched the lead to 15 in the second. Our tired girls would not quit, an went on a run to cut the lead to five with six minutes left. But we had no answer inside, an fell by the same score as the previous night, 73-65. Allie had another great game scoring 21 and protecting the ball, and Becca and Brooke scored well also. Kate struggled shooting against a much taller defender but still finished with 15 points.

While not getting the results we wanted, the girls came away encourage and determined to get better for our stretch run. They see that the margin between us and some upper teams is very close. We were able to enjoy some time in downtown Chicago before moving on.

Even in the losses, we took care of the ball, averaging only 8 turnovers per game. We also shot a staggering 88% from the free throw line (23/26). All good signs.

On Sunday we ministered with the guys' team in singing at First Baptist Church in Mishawaka, IN before making the trip back to campus. So after 2500+ miles in the van and 6 games in 4 states, the ladies begin classes Tuesday and we return to the court Friday night.

Thanks for reading.