Lady Bulldogs Pressured by the Cyclones

Milbank Area suffered a 64-46 loss to Clark-Willow Lake January 12, on the road. The Lady Bulldogs’ season record fell to 4-3.

“It’s hard to win when you aren’t sharp, focused, and ready to play,” stated Brian Pauli, head coach for Milbank Area. “Clark-Willow Lake simply outplayed us and deserved to win. We have to learn from this and move on this week.”

Milbank Area trailed 11-6 after one quarter of play. The Lady Bulldogs gained ground in the second quarter by outscoring the Cyclones by two points, but remained behind 27-24 at the midway mark. Clark-Willow Lake pumped in 22 points in the third period to lead 49-34 heading into the fourth quarter. The Cyclones took advantage of their tailwind and held on to defeat the Lady Bulldogs 64-46.

Gabbi Cummins led the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points, two rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Taylor Thue followed with 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Jaecy Engebretson tallied eight points and four rebounds. LaChasity Finley returned to the lineup and contributed three points, two boards, and one steal.

Also adding to the totals for Milbank were Kylie Kasuske, three points; Molly Rick, two points, one rebound, and two steals; Sophia Seffrood, two points, five rebounds, two steals, and one blocked shot; Shea Hooth, two points, four rebounds, and one assist; Makayla Johnson, two points and one rebound; Ashley Wollschlager, two rebounds; and Katie Wollschlager, one board.

Milbank hit 39 percent of its shots – 17 of 44 attempts. The Lady Bulldogs fielded 28 rebounds and pulled off 10 steals, five assists, and one blocked shot. They committed 18 turnovers.

Clark-Willow Lake completed 23-of-57 from the field for 40 percent shooting. The Cyclones chalked up 37 rebounds, 14 steals, and one assist. They turned over the ball 17 times.

Milbank Area looks forward to a busy week. The Lady Bulldogs host Castlewood Tuesday, January 16, and West Central Saturday, January 20. They also travel to Hamlin Thursday, January 18.

Photo – senior Shea Hooth (file photo)