BATTLE CREEK, MI – The Bay Norse Women's Basketball Team (2-0) wound up pulling out a victory against the Kellogg Community College Bruins (0-1) in a back-and-forth matchup on Saturday afternoon. Bay College ended up with a 62-59 victory.
Bay would have to overcome some self-inflicted wounds in this matchup as they would turn the ball over 15 times in the first half. The Norse would shoot 44% in that period, but only hit on one of six three-point attempts. The road team did create some pressure of their own, as they would force 13 turnovers in the first half and hold their hosts to 32% shooting from the field, but Kellogg attacked the rim, getting to the free-throw line 17 times, converting nine of those attempts. Through all of that, the Norse would find themselves tied with Kellogg at the half, the score knotted at 26.
Both teams made adjustments in the second half, improving their ball security and reducing turnovers. Bay would stay consistent from the floor, shooting 42.9%, but added the long ball, as they would knock down four of nine from behind the three-point arc in the second half. Their defense would come through when it mattered most, holding the Bruins to just four of 15 shooting in the fourth quarter. Bay would finally get themselves to the charity strip in the fourth quarter, though they would only convert on seven of 14 attempts. In all it ended up being just enough to hold on for the three-point victory.
"I am proud of how our players ground out a win," said Head Coach Rob Robinson. "Our constant pressure for forty minutes is what wore them down. When we were down eight in the fourth quarter, we could have packed it in and moved on, but our players grinded out a win, and as a coach, I couldn't be more proud."
Haley Trudell (SO, Rock, MI) hit on four of six attempts from three-point and ended with 16 points. Kaitlyn Hardwick (SO, Gladstone, MI) ended with eight points and five rebounds, while Trish McGuire (FR, Gwinn, MI) contributed nine points.
Audrey DeWaters (FR, Richland, MI) led all scorers with 19 points and eight rebounds. Jessalynn Genier (SO, Battle Creek, MI) added ten points and eight rebounds for the Bruins.
The Norse will be on the road next Saturday, November 9. They will take on Western Tech in La Crosse, WI at 2 PM.