By Ethan Moore, Sports Editor.
After losing by 21 to Schoolcraft on Jan. 23, and losing three in a row against them as a program, the Delta women were ready to get revenge against the team that eliminated them in the playoffs last year. With a chance to open up the playoffs at home on the line for Delta, the team put together one of their best performances of the season in what’s now their signature win on the season.
“Our defense has been looking better every game, but we have been struggling on the offensive end,” explains Head Coach Kelly Miller. “Today we put together a full 40 minute game.”
The Lady Pioneers never trailed by more than three points in this one. They were down by one after one quarter, but then hit their stride in the 2nd and 3rd to push their lead out to 13 heading to the 4th.
“We came out with a completely different attitude,” says Center Jayde Abenth. “We didn’t let down one time during the game and we had full intensity for 40 minutes.”
Abenth led the way in scoring with 27 points and 15 rebounds. Brooke Schutte had 21 points, thanks to a perfect 14-14 from the free throw line, and seven assists. Overall, they shot a sterling 93 percent from the charity stripe, which helped them pull away at the end of the game.
“In both the 3rd and 4th quarters, Schoolcraft made their runs which is going to happen when you face a hard working team like them,” explains Miller. “But, we weathered the storm and held on to finish the game out strong.”
They handed Schoolcraft their second loss in conference play and third loss overall. Schoolcraft must now win out if they want a spot in the MCCAA conference title game against Kalamazoo Valley.
“We’re excited with this win,” says Miller. “But we have to make sure that we take care of business Wednesday in our last conference game to go into playoffs the way we want to.”
