WOODWARD — Accurate foul shooting down the stretch helped the Woodward-Granger girls pull out a 44-42 win over visiting Earlham in West Central Conference play Tuesday.
The Hawks (4-7, 2-5) trailed, 11-7, and 21-18 after the first two quarters. What proved to be the winning spurt came in the third quarter, as the hosts were able to use a 16-8 bulge to snatch at 34-29 lead.
For most of the final eight minutes the margin fluctuated between three and five points, but the Cardinals (4-5, 2-5) were able to close to within 43-42 in the waning second before Riley Jamison sank one of two foul shots to create a 44-42 lead. Earlham managed to put a desperation 3-pointer on the rim, but the shot fell aside, giving W-G the victory.
Kelcie Hale sank three 3-pointers en route to a team-high 19 points for the guests. Lizzie Arnburg added 14 points while snatching 11 rebounds and making three steals, with Hale responsible for four steals.
Mary Hansen led W-G with 19 points, with Kendra Husmann adding a season-best 13 points, including a 5-of-6 clip at the foul line. Jamison had seven points and Kayley Dresback three on 3-of-4 at the charity stripe, with Riley Kirton’s two points concluding the W-G offensive output.
W-G visits AC/GC Friday and West Central Valley Tuesday before returning home Jan. 13 when Des Moines Christian visits.
