WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Forester women’s basketball team showed a lot of fight but could never overcome an early deficit to suffer a 79-69 road loss to #RV Spring Arbor Saturday afternoon at the McDonald Athletic Center.

HU didn’t know what hit them to start the contest as the Cougars raced out to an 8-0 lead within the first two minutes. By the midway point of the first quarter, the hosts had built a 16-3 advantage. It was a wake-up call for the guests and their response was on point as they closed out the quarter on a 10-0 run with Bailey Kelham and Olivia Raby teaming up to score all but two of the ten points.

The next ten minutes was another emotional rollercoaster with the Cougars ballooning their advantage to as many as 14 before the Foresters responded just before halftime to cut the lead in half at 40-33. It was a pattern throughout the second frame too as SAU would distance themselves only to have HU climb back in it. The problem was Maggard’s crew could never get closer than two possessions.

The never-say-die Foresters had a golden opportunity with three minutes remaining. Down by five at 66-61, HU sniped a pass to give themselves an opportunity to trim it to a single possession. The guests got a good look in the paint, but the shot rolled off the rim.

Time turned into the enemy not long after forcing HU to foul in attempt to get back in it. Spring Arbor camped out at the line the rest of the day to eventually extend the lead to ten by the final horn.

Bailey Kelham hit four threes on her way to pouring in 19 points. Olivia Raby added 16 to go along with five rebounds. In addition to knocking down three trifectas, Emily Seboe had two putbacks for 13 points. Gabi Melby chipped in eight points and also posted six rebounds, six assists and four steals.

The Cougars (21-5, 12-4) were paced by Alize Tripp’s 23 points. Alana Nelson tossed in 15 points and grabbed a game-high seven rebounds. Alex Long and Abby Fleetwood finished with 13 and 12 points  respectively.

With this loss, HU drops to 13-13 which includes a 7-9 CL record. The Foresters return to Platt Arena on Wednesday to host Taylor at 5:30 p.m.