ESCANABA, MI – The Bay College Norse Women's Basketball Team (4-5) went cold at the wrong time, as the Milwaukee Area Technical College Stormers (6-3) took advantage and pulled away late. The Norse lost a back-and-forth battle by a final score of 73-67.
It was a fast-paced affair from the start as the Norse employed a full court press. The pressure dd it's job as Bay forced eight turnovers in the opening period, allowing the home team to lead 20-13. MATC took advantage as the Norse were hit by the turnover bug as well, allowing the Stormers to cut the lead to four at the end of the first period.
The Norse were led in the first half by Kennedy Sproule (FR, Winnipeg, MB) who hit three three-pointers in the first half and had 15 points at the break. Jada Freudinger (FR, Norway, MI) also provided an early spark, pouring in 12 points before halftime. Bay held a lead of five points multiple times throughout the second quarter but couldn't stretch it any further. The Stormers had repeated answers, often times with very good looks off of quick transition. Attempting to trade baskets proved to be an inefficient way to hold a lead, as MATC finally took a lead late in the second period. The Stormers would lead 42-41 at intermission.
The third quarter continued the narrative as the two teams traded the lead. Sproule knocked down a pair from behind the three-point arc for Bay, while Sophia Valero (SO, Milwaukee, WI) came alive for the Stormers. She was four of five from the floor in the third and put up ten points, willing her team to a tie score going into the final period.
The fourth quarter spelled disaster for Bay. There seemed to be a lid on the basket as they went ice cold from the field. The Stormers took advantage and built a 13-point lead with just over three minutes to play. Bay finally hit on a basket in the closing seconds of the game, which ended up being the last points of the contest. The low production ended up being the difference in what was an exciting, back-and-forth affair otherwise. The Norse fell on their home floor by six points.
Sproule ended up with six three's in the game and 24 points. She also grabbed seven rebounds. Freudinger finished with 19 points and five rebounds, and was vital on the defensive end for Bay. Ashlee Burchette (FR, Minneapolis, MN) was six of six from the free throw line and ended up with 15 points, three steals, and three assists.
Valero led the Stormers with 18 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two assists off the bench. Adrianna Sapp (SO, Roseburg, OR) tallied a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Brooklyn Davis (SO, Kansas City, MO) picked up 12 points and eight rebounds, while Sania Thomas (SO, Houston, TX) ended with 11 points and nine rebounds.
The Norse will travel to Illinois next weekend. They will play Morton College on Friday, a game that is scheduled for a 6 pm tip off. They then go to Oakton Community College for a 2 pm contest on Saturday.