The Marian University Ancilla women's basketball team took to the floor Saturday for "Sophomore Day", honoring the second-year ladies from the Charger squad after the contest. While the gameplan against Lake Michigan seemed to work from the tip, turnovers caught up to MUAC down the stretch, and the Chargers weren't able to make enough plays offensively.
Marian Ancilla jumped out to a 12-8 lead after the first quarter, and a 28-19 lead at the midpoint. They were consistently forcing the Red Hawks into tough shots, and they were even outworking them on the boards. Toward the end of the second quarter, Lake Michigan picked up a pair of technical fouls, and MUAC Freshman Nasiya Gause was able to help them to the near double-digit lead by burying three of the four free throw attempts.
Unfortunately, the Chargers began the second half slowly, and didn't find the scoreboard until Gause once again made two free throws with 7:12 remaining in the third period. While the Red Hawks won the quarter, 17-13, MUAC still led with 10 minutes to go, 41-36.
The fourth quarter wasn't as kind to the Chargers, as they managed just 8 points in the stanza. As the Red Hawks inched closer and closer, Marian Ancilla missed a couple of open shots, plus the aforementioned turnover bug caught up to them. The Chargers had a couple of chances down 51-49, but they just weren't able to get a good shot away.
Gause continued her strong February play, scoring 24 points on 9-17 shooting, plus she was 6-7 from the charity stripe. She added 7 assists as well. Freshman Bella Mahan had her shooting stroke throughout, knocking in 4-8 attempts from long range. Mahan also pulled down 5 rebounds. Freshman Brooklynn Cooper also did a nice job rebounding, leading the team with 6, 3 of which were at the offensive end. She also dished out 3 assists.
The athletic department would also like to thank Sophomores Nicole Swain, Derriauna Woodson, Samaria Freeman, Audrey Schmidt, and Na'Tori Readus for their efforts and service to the program and the university during their time here. We wish them nothing but the best moving forward, and we are excited to see what they will accomplish in the future!!
Lake Michigan got 20 points, 8 rebounds, and a pair of blocked shots from Arial Ford. Fellow Red Hawks Eleah Hedstrom (10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) and Madison Flowers (10 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists) also scored in double figures and had nice all-around games.
The Chargers return to the court one final time tomorrow, Tuesday, when they head to Kellogg Community College. Tip time is set for 5:30 p.m. ET in Battle Creek, Michigan. Please come out and support the Chargers one last time!!
