02/08/08

After a difficult night shooting against MidAmerica Nazarene University, the Baker women's basketball team found its stroke and buried the Eagles of Central Methodist University, 75-47.Season at a glance<a href="/womenbasketball">Season at a glance</a> Season at a glance

As a team, the ‘Cats shot 51 percent from the field, connecting on six of 19 from behind the arc and hitting 15 of 25 attempts from the charity stripe Saturday. Baker’s defense was just as good, if not better, than its shooting. The ‘Cats held Central Methodist to just 24 percent from the floor.

Freshman Aubree Gustin led the way for Baker with 15 points and 10 rebounds in just 22 minutes of action. Sophomore Kendra Schaefer and junior Kaitlin Schneden each dished out four dimes for the ‘Cats.

Head coach Susan Decker said it was a game her team needed to win.

“You don’t like calling games must-win,” she said. “But I think for our team to have a shot at the top four in our conference, we had to beat Central Methodist.”

The dominating performance allowed Decker to go very deep into her bench. Ten different Wildcats scored in the game, and 13 players saw time on the floor.

Sophomore Tayler Stacks said it was a good opportunity for the starters to get some rest and the bench get some time.

“We came out and played very well, dominating from the start,” Stacks said. “The big lead allowed coach to rest our starters and give our bench some minutes. It was a fun game for our team.”

However, on Jan. 31, the Wildcats left the Collins Center with a less-than-satisfied feeling after losing to MidAmerica Nazarene University, 68-57.

Despite Pioneer guard JoNel Henning’s five first-half three pointers, Baker only trailed by five going into the half because the ‘Cats’ offense managed to drop in 40 first-half points.

Schaefer said Henning went on an unbelievable roll.

“Sometimes those things just happen,” Schaefer said. “She just couldn’t miss, and they kept finding her every time down the floor. She is a very good player.”

The Pioneers clamped down on the Wildcats in the second half, giving up just 17 points as Baker shot just 21 percent from the field.

Stacks said the sub-par second half was a combination of things for the ‘Cats.

“They were playing great defense, and we just weren’t shooting the ball well,” she said. “It’s hard for things to go your way when those two things are happening.”

The Wildcats traveled Thursday to Lamoni, Iowa, to take on the Yellowjackets of Graceland University. Results of the game were unavailable at presstime.

The Wildcats will return to action at 2 p.m. Saturday when they face Lindenwood University in Collins Center.