Mankato, MN -
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The Northland College LumberJills gave top conference opponent Bethany Lutheran College a first half scare but the Vikings took control in the second half and prevailed 78-51.
Despite having four usual starters out of the lineup and only 9 players suited up for the game, NC played a solid first quarter and held their ground on defense. The first quarter went back and forth with BLC leading 14-13 after the quarter. NC took its first lead at 17-16 with 8:30 left in the second period. Â The score kept going back and forth when Emily Howe hit a 3 pointer to put NC up 24-22. BLC took control and scored the last 6 points of the quarter including a 3 at the buzzer to go up 28-24.
The Viking starters came out focused and outscored the LumberJills 18-5 in the 3rd quarter. Foul trouble and fatigue started to mount for NC and the size and depth of BLC wore down the LumberJills. Despite a final score of 78-51, NC saw many good things to build off of.
Autumn Ninke played her best game of the season scoring 14 points and battling for 14 rebounds despite being very undersized inside. Lindsay Bressette added 11 points and McKayla Waggoner chipped in 10. The Lumberjills fought hard and stayed encouraging and positive in the face of adversity. With a young and limited lineup, the LumberJills battled very well and showed grit and determination.Â
The LumberJills are in Hancock, MI on Wednesday to play a non conference game against Finlandia University.
Northland College is an NCAA Division III institution located in Ashland, WI. The LumberJacks and LumberJills sponsor 14 varsity sports and compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference and the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association.
