Lady Bulldogs Experience a Few Glitches in Game With Roncalli

The Lady Bulldogs hosted the Aberdeen Lady Cavaliers (12-2) on Thursday, February 1. Roncalli returned their top-five players from last year to their roster this season, and they proved to be a pesky opponent despite their diminutive size. They created a glitch in Milbank’s rhythm and strategy like gremlins in green jerseys. Things did not go smoothly for Milbank in the first two quarters, but they trailed by only eight points at the half at 29-21. Roncalli continued to wreak havoc in the second half and pulled ahead by 22 points as the moment of doom approached in the fourth. The Lady Bulldogs plowed on and clawed their way back to a 16-point gap to finally settle things at 57-41.

Claire Snaza unleashed 14 points and four rebounds. Belle Pauli played a strong supporting role with nine points and three rebounds. Isabella Anderson made seven points and three rebounds. Tyra Berry scored six points and added a rebound. Siera Wenzl recorded three points and a steal. Averie Schuneman made two points and pulled down a rebound. Josie Riveland also controlled a rebound.

Aberdeen’s Rylee Voeller scored 14 points and got five rebounds. Camryn Bain proved dangerous from beyond the arc. She hit three treys and ended with 11 points total. Ava Hanson scored 12; Ava Huber, 10; and Gabby Thomas, seven. Hanson and Huber each grabbed five rebounds.

Overall, Milbank hit 42 percent of their shots from the floor and Roncall downed 51 percent. The Lady Cavaliers connected on 39 percent from far out and Milbank finished at 20 percent. From the Stripe, both teams turned 60 percent of their free throws into points. Roncalli landed six of 10 and Milbank 12 of 20.

Milbank–9—12—11—9—41
Roncalli–16—13–17—11—57

What’s next? Milbank was defeated by Dakota Valley on Saturday, February 2. Results coming up soon here on The Valley Express. On Tuesday, February 6, the Lady Bulldogs go on the road to Sisseton. Sisseton, ranked No. 1 in Class A, is also licking their wounds after their loss to Sioux Falls Christian on Saturday. SFC was ranked at No. 4 in the media polls last week.