The Marian University Ancilla women's basketball team took to the road Wednesday evening, battling Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The Chargers played their first game without leading scorer and rebounder De'Mour Watson, but they still managed to make it a game and battled to the end.
The first quarter saw the Chargers compete at both ends of the floor, however the ball just wouldn't fall on a few open shot attempts. Still, though, at the end of one they trailed just 14-11. The second quarter favored the Red Hawks, as they were aggressive on the boards and made repeated trips to the free throw line. By the break, it was Lake Michigan 32, MUAC 22.
The third quarter saw a spirited effort by the Chargers, as they trimmed the lead to 5 points on a couple of occasions, eventually winning the period, 14-9. Early in the fourth quarter, the Chargers cut the deficit to 41-38, but unfortunately they missed a pair of free throws and a close shot down just 3 points. Lake Michigan extended the lead to 10 points again midway through the final period, hoping to finish off the game. But a quick basket and a big 3-pointer by Freshman Bella Mahan cut it to 50-45. From there it was a lot of back & forth, with both teams missing opportunities to take control, before time finally expired with Lake Michigan leading, 53-47.
The Chargers got a balanced statistical game out of Freshman Nasiya Gause, as she scored 13 points, handed out 5 assists, and pulled down 4 rebounds. Fellow Freshman Brooklynn Cooper and Sophomore Samaria Freeman led the team with 6 rebounds apiece, while Sophomore Derriauna Woodson collected 3 steals.
Lake Michigan got a tremendous effort from 6-2 forward Arial Ford, who scored 26 points, grabbed 18 rebounds, and blocked a pair of shots. Wing Eleah Hedstrom also posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The MUAC women's basketball team is back in action this Saturday when they play host to Kellogg Community College. Tip time is set for 1:00 p.m. ET at Charger Arena. Please come out and support the Chargers!!
