Weeks of hard work in practice paid off for the Baker women’s basketball team as it jump-started its season with a victory against Tabor College Tuesday evening in Collins Center.
The ‘Cats beat the Blue Jays 59-51 with the help of tough defense and a fast-paced game run by the Baker guards. Senior Kaitlin Schneden had a solid senior debut as she led the ‘Cats with 14 points, nine of which were from behind the arc, and five assists. Senior Lauren Shufelberger added 11 points off of 4 of 8 shooting. Schneden said she was impressed with the team’s debut.
“I thought we did really well running the court and on defense,” she said. “You could tell it was our first game. We were real nervous, but I thought we played really well, and I think we have a lot to look forward to this season.”
Baker made 22 of its 54 field goal attempts but struggled from the free-throw line shooting 46 percent.
Head coach Susan Decker said it was nice for the team to get a game under its belt to see what needs more improvement.
“For the most part, I was pleased,” Decker said. “I thought the young kids did some nice things, and our returners did some nice things in transition. We just have to keep building on what we did.”
The ‘Cats entered the half with a 28-20 lead, but a more aggressive Tabor team showed up in the second half to give Baker a little trouble. As the Wildcat offense had a few struggles, sophomore Aubree Gustin said rebounding was the key factor in the second half.
“Our goal at half time, because we were down by one in rebounding, was to beat them on rebounding,” Gustin said. “Rebounding-wise we did good, and we had good run-outs. I thought we did really well for our first game.”
Gustin grabbed eight rebounds and recorded a game-high three steals, and sophomore Audrey Bryant led all Wildcats with nine total rebounds.
Decker said the game was an important confidence booster for her team.
“Anytime you can get a win – especially at home – is good, and we emphasize winning at home,” Decker said. “This game against a quality opponent gives us confidence and things we need to take and work on.”
The women will have little time to recover as they jump straight into the Baker Classic Friday and Saturday. The ‘Cats take on Sterling College at 7:30 p.m. Friday followed by another contest at 5:30 p.m. Saturday against Ottawa University.
