LADY BADGERS DROP HEARBREAKING DEFEAT TO #2 RANKED LADY BRUINS
by Jon Gillespie

Lady Badgers Lose 68-67

SALT LAKE CITY - The Snow College Lady Badgers dug themselves an early hole but eventually worked themselves back into the game and setup a potential game-winner. However, Sophomore Abbie Beutler's baseline jumper fell short at the buzzer and #2 ranked Lady Bruins escaped with a hard-fought 68-67 victory.

With 8.9 seconds remaining and the game all-square at 67 Freshman Allie Blake went to the line for the Lady Bruins. Blake missed the first ensuring the Lady Badgers would have a shot to win the game. Blake made the second and the Lady Badgers called a quick timeout. Coach Cindy Lindsay dialed up a play to get the All-Conference point guard (Beutler) a look at the rim. Beutler used a high ball-screen and drove the ball to the left baseline for a 10-foot jumpshot at the buzzer, but the shot came up just short.

"Abbie was tough all game," said Coach Lindsay. "She had made a similar shot earlier in the game and I have confidence in her in those situations."

The Lady Badgers got down early in the first half as Kelsie Sparkman (21 points) and Freshman Haley Holmstead (16 points) contunially got to the rim for layups. Down 41-29 the Lady Badgers fought back going on a mini five-point run to cut the lead to seven (41-34) at the half.

The Lady Badgers turned up the defensive pressure in the second half and with two minutes remaining and down 60-59 had an opportunity to take their first lead of the game. However, Freshman Meisa Diop's layup attempt came up short. The Lady Badgers didn't quit and continued to battle until the last shot for the win.

"I am really proud of our kids," said Coach Cindy Lindsay. "We battled one of the best teams in the country on their home floor. We get to see them three more times this season."

Sophormore Linsey Hodgkiss paced the Lady Badgers with 14 points and Tara Gehring nailed two big 3-point shots in the second half to keep the Lady Badgers close.

The Lady Badgers, who have now lost three games at the buzzer, now stand at 4-5 in SWSC play and 13-6 overall. They hit the road for a two-game stretch against the College of Southern Idaho on Thursday and North Idaho on Saturday.