WOODWARD — Ranked eighth in Class 1A and boasting a 16-0 record, visiting Grand View Christian had little reason to fear entering Thursday’s non-conference tilt with 1-13 Woodward-Granger.
The Thunder have outscored their opponents by an average of 23.3 points per game this season, and adding to their confidence was the memory of a 63-25 win over the Hawks at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines Jan. 18.
That, the old saw goes, is why they play the game.
The Hawk girls, trailing 13-9 after one period and 30-18 at the half, refused to go quietly into the night. W-G used a 10-7 edge in the third frame to pull to within 37-28, more than close enough to give their guests pause.
However, the Thunder did not enter the game unbeaten for no reason and showed their mettle down the stretch to escape with a 47-37 victory — only the third time this season a team has finished with 10 points of handing the team a loss.
Mary Hansen had 16 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a steal for the hosts, who pulled down a season-best 44 rebounds, erasing an area that has been a weak point for the team this year.
Kayley Dresback had six points and four rebounds and Riley Jamison five points and three assists while Magi Mallon accounted for four points, 10 boards and a steal. Alyssa Bice had four points, four caroms and a theft and Kendra Husmann two points, with Miranda Aunspach making four assists and Riley Kirton two.
Statistical information for Grand View Christian was unavailable.
W-G will host Earlham tonight before visiting Guthrie Center Tuesday. They will then entertain Panorama Feb. 12 in a make-up of the game postponed from Feb. 2.
