WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Huntington women’s basketball team struggled to get into any sort of offensive rhythm Wednesday afternoon at the Manhattan Orthopaedic Capital Center to suffer a 56-41 loss to Grace College.

The Foresters committed an uncharacteristic 25 turnovers in addition to connecting on only 36.4 percent of their field goals compliments of the Lancers’ swarming zone defense. It was a perfect storm to make for HU’s lowest point total of the season.

After a slow start that saw the visitors stuck in a 15-7 hole after the first ten minutes, Huntington’s woes continued early in the second quarter as their deficit swelled to double figures. But Maggard and crew showed some grit by methodically chipping away at the difference to eventually steal the lead at 21-20 with 3:40 to go in the half.

Unfortunately HU’s offense dried up after that to which the hosts took full advantage for a 29-24 lead heading into intermission. It was a lead they never surrendered.

As it turned out, the Foresters enjoyed the lead on and off for less than three minutes in the first half as the Lancers had their way most of the contest to improve to 8-8 overall, 3-3 in league play.

The loss is Huntington’s second straight in the conference as they drop to 9-7 overall which includes a 3-3 CL record.

Gabi Melby finished with 11 points as the only Forester to reach double digits. Olivia Raby added eight points and five rebounds. Emily Seboe topped HU in rebounds with six.

Peyton Murphy did a little bit of everything for Grace by pouring in a game-best 15 points to go along with 11 rebounds and six steals. Maddie Ryman tossed in 14 while Kaylee Patton chipped in 13.

Huntington returns to Platt Arena on Saturday to host Spring Arbor at 1:00 p.m.