The absence of a leader and the inexperience of youth led to an up-and-down week for the Baker University women’s basketball team.
The Wildcats beat Central Methodist University in dominating fashion Saturday in Baldwin City and suffered a frustrating loss to Graceland University Tuesday in Lamoni, Iowa.
In Baker’s first game since losing senior leader Molly Ediger to a knee injury, the ‘Cats disposed of the Eagles, 78-49, to get their first conference win of the season.
Head coach Susan Decker said she was a little surprised.
“I thought if we played well we could beat them,” Decker said, “but we played a lot better than I anticipated.”
The Wildcats forced the Eagles into 31 turnovers in the game, and at times, defense was Baker’s best offense on Saturday, freshman guard Tayler Stacks said.
“We played good, solid defense,” Stacks said. “We created a lot of our offense from our defense.”
Senior Amanda Yates led the way offensively for the ‘Cats, scoring 20 points on eight of 13 from the floor and adding six rebounds.
Following the emotional high of a big win, the ‘Cats traveled to Iowa to take on the Yellowjackets of Graceland. Baker battled throughout the first half to keep the game close.
Graceland jumped out to a 10-point lead at the start of the second half, and Baker found itself fighting to stay in the game without the presence of junior Allie Heinen for a stretch, Decker said.
“Allie Heinen got in foul trouble, and I had to sit her for 10 minutes, in the second half, which really hurt our ability to rebound and play defense,” Decker said.
Sophomore guard Lauren Shufelberger guided a second- half rally when it seemed she couldn’t miss, Decker said.
“I told my assistant coach Erin Robinson when Lauren looked to take a shot, I had no doubt it was going in,”Decker said.
Shufelberger’s 24-point outburst was a bit shocking., Decker said.
“Lauren has the potential to do that,” Decker said. “It was definitely a pleasant surprise.”
Down the stretch the ‘Cats had poor possessions, which cost them the game, Stacks said.
“We turned the ball over at critical times,” Stacks said.
