MASON CITY, IA – The Bay Norse (1-0) would pull away late to take a 61-47 victory over the Ellsworth Community College Panthers (0-1) in the opening game of the Konigsmark Klassic hosted by North Iowa Area Community College on Friday afternoon.
Bay would start the game hot, starting the game on a 10-2 run. The offense would cool down considerably from there, and allow Ellsworth to claw their way back into the matchup. The Norse would shoot just 26.1% from the field in the first half, including going three of thirteen from behind the three-point arc. To make matters worse, Bay College would leave points off the board from the charity stripe, only converting five of ten from the free throw line.
The poor shooting by Bay allowed the Panthers to eventually take the lead and control much of the second quarter. While not an outstanding shooting performance by any means, nine of 27 from the floor was enough to put Ellsworth in control. They would get two big three point baskets by Tayla Nulty (SO, Ballarat, Australia) to claim a 24-20 lead at the half.
The Norse would come out more aggressive in the second half. Offensively, they would rely on penetration and getting to the lane to create shots. Jordan Kramer (SO, Norway, MI) would hit seven of eleven attempts in the second half, while Jordan Belleville (SO, St. Ignace, MI) would hit five of six three-point attempts to ignite the Norse offense. The full court press employed by Bay College also started to take its toll on the Panthers, as the Norse would create turnovers and more opportunities for themselves. Bay would end up with 32 shot attempts in the second half, while Ellsworth would only end up with 20. The Norse would outscore their opponents 25-10 in the final period, and end up with a 14-point victory.
"Our players stuck with the game plan even when they were trailing at the end of the third quarter," said Norse Head Coach Rob Robinson. "They kept pressing and pushing the tempo and that is why they won. We have a tough one tomorrow, but these kids could have a special year if they keep working the way they are."
Kramer would end her day with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and five steals. Belleville would shoot seven of 11 from the field and five of eight from behind the arc for 19 points as well. Kelsea Ackerman (FR, Munising, MI) would hit three three-pointers for nine points.
Nulty would set the pace scoring-wise for the Panthers, ending with 17 points. Meredith Lincoln (SO, Saratoga, WY) would end with ten points and six rebounds, while Alicia Limones (SO, Belividere, IL) would score nine points and grab ten rebounds.
They Norse will face the North Iowa Area Community College tomorrow. That game will tip off at 4 pm.