EARLHAM — Something had to give Tuesday during the West Central Conference girls cage match between Woodward-Granger and host Earlham, as with the Hawks or Cardinals would collect their first win of the season.
A 16-5 first-quarter burst assured that it would be W-G who erased the goose egg from the left hand column, as the Hawks seized a 27-14 halftime lead en route to a 50-34 victory. The win moves W-G to 1-6 overall and 1-6 in WCC action while Earlham fell to 0-9, 0-7.
W-G head coach Gary Dresback said he was pleased with the effort of his team, noting a hustling defensive effort in their three-quarter court press in which quick hands and dashes into the passing lanes led to numerous steals that resulted either in baskets or trips to the free throw line.
“We attacked their zone pretty well most of the night,” Dresback said. “We got to the foul line 37 times and made 20-of-37 attempts. While I would like to see that percentage a bit higher, of course, I am extremely pleased with the number of attempts. It shows that we did not just settle for jump shots but attacked the basket aggressively.”
While Earlham made several short runs, W-G was able to keep the hosts at bay and spent most of the second half leading with a margin in the high teens, with the final margin standing a 16, an increase of three points over their halftime edge.
Mary Hansen had 12 points, three rebounds and three assists for W-G, with Riley Jamison adding 10 points, three assists and two steals while Kaitlyn Peters added 10 points, seven boards and three thefts.
Miranda Aunspach had five points, two steals and two assists, with Kendra Husmann providing four points, four steals and two assists before leaving the game in the first half with an ankle injury.
Alyssa Bice aided the cause with four points, two caroms and two steals, with Kayley Dresback adding four points and three rebounds and Emily Kuehl making a free throw while contributing two rebounds and two assists.
W-G returns to action Friday when they host Guthrie Center, with West Central Valley to visit Woodward Tuesday.
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