Lady Bulldog Cagers Suffer Setback to West Central

The Lady Bulldogs ended a tough week of competition with a 69-34 loss to the West Central Trojans. The game was part of double header basketball action at the Milbank Armory on Saturday, January 20.

“This has been a very difficult stretch in our schedule,” stated Brian Pauli, head coach for the Lady Bulldogs. “We will find out what type of character we have to try to battle through it. We have to find ways to be able to score the basketball.”

Milbank struggled offensively and trailed 14-7 at the end of the first quarter and 33-14 at the midway mark. The Bulldogs came out in the second half and outscored the Trojans 14-10 in the third period, but remained behind at 43-28 heading into the final stanza. West Central pumped in 26 points in the final period to take the 69-34 victory.

Taylor Thue led the Lady Bulldogs with nine points, six rebounds, and one assist. Gabbi Cummins and Molly Rick added eight points apiece. Cummins grabbed six rebounds, one steal, one blocked shot, and one assist. Rick snared six boards. Jaecy Engebretson contributed six points, two rebounds, and two assists. Also adding to the totals for Milbank, were Sophia Seffrood, three points, four rebounds and one blocked shot; Lindsey Mertens, one steal and one assist; LaChasity Finley, one rebound; and Jaden Hoeke, one rebound.

Milbank Area hit 13-of-39 from the field for 33 percent shooting. The Lady Bulldogs chalked up 33 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocked shots. They committed 23 turnovers.

West Central made 48 percent of their shots from the field – 28 of 58 attempts. The Trojans secured the win with 29 rebounds, 15 steals, and three assists. They turned over the ball just six times.

Pictured, Jaecy Engebretson.