12/07/07
Consistency and execution were the difference for the Wildcats in their 73-66 win over the Avila University Eagles Saturday in Collins Center.
Head coach Susan Decker said her bench gave the team a needed boost in the victory.
“We have struggled with consistency in previous games,” Decker said. “But in the game against Avila, our execution was much better than it had been, and we started to get more consistent play from some of our young players off the bench, which is definitely nice to see.”
A balanced attack helped the ‘Cats as four players reached double figures in scoring for Baker. Senior Allie Heinen led the way with 20 points, while junior Kaitlin Schneden and freshman Aubree Gustin each had 15 points, and junior Lauren Shufelberger dropped in 10 points of her own.
After missing some time because of an injury, Decker said Shufelberger started to feel more comfortable on the court against Avila.
“Lauren played well (against Avila),” Decker said. “I know it is hard coming back from an injury sometimes, but Lauren is a tough kid and always works hard to help the team.”
On Nov. 29 the ‘Cats opened conference play against preseason No. 4 William Jewell College in Baldwin City.
Sophomore Tayler Stacks said the team knew it had to bring everything it had from start to finish against the Cardinals.
“William Jewell is a great team,” she said. “They put pressure on the ball the entire game, and it seems like they never get tired.”
Baker held its own in the first half against the national powerhouse and only trailed by three going into the break, 29-26.
However, in the second half a different story would unfold. William Jewell’s full court press wore down the Wildcats and the Cardinals dominated the second half outscoring Baker 41-23.
The pressure from the Cardinals caused the ‘Cats to make some poor decisions down the stretch, sophomore Kendra Schaefer said.
“They have great athletes, and their full court press wore us down a little bit,” she said. “We could have done some things differently, but we will just have to learn from our mistakes and continue to get better with each game that comes.”
The final tally would be a 70-49 loss for the ‘Cats.
The Wildcats headed up I-35 for a conference matchup with yet another national powerhouse Thursday. Baker faced MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, but results of the game were unavailable at presstime.
The ‘Cats will continue to battle conference opponents as they are set to take on Central Methodist University Saturday in Fayette, Mo. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
never get tired.”
Baker held its own in the first half against the national powerhouse and only trailed by three going into the break, 29-26.
However, in the second half a different story would unfold. William Jewell’s full court press wore down the Wildcats and the Cardinals dominated the second half outscoring Baker 41-23.
The pressure from the Cardinals caused the ‘Cats to make some poor decisions down the stretch, sophomore Kendra Schaefer said.
“They have great athletes, and their full court press wore us down a little bit,” she said. “We could have done some things differently, but we will just have to learn from our mistakes and continue to get better with each game that comes.”
The final tally would be a 70-49 loss for the ‘Cats.
The Wildcats headed up I-35 for a conference matchup with yet another national powerhouse Thursday. Baker faced MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, but results of the game were unavailable at presstime.
The ‘Cats will continue to battle conference opponents as they are set to take on Central Methodist University Saturday in Fayette, Mo. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
