Lady Cards Win Over Neligh-Oakdale

MARY PEETZ get ready to take the ball to the bucket in action against Rock County. St. Mary's Lady Cards made their first road game last Tuesday at Neligh-Oakdale. St. Mary's came out on top 44-39. The game was evenly matched for the better part of the game. The first quarter ended 8-8. In the second quarter, St. Mary's came out and dominated inside on the boards with second chance opportunities to grab a four point lead at the half, 20-16. St. Mary's continued dominating inside in the third quarter to build the lead to a many as 13, 31-18, but a let down in the last two minutes of the quarter allowed Neligh-Oakdale to climb back into the game down only five, 31-26. The fourth quarter was a standstill 13-13.

St. Mary's was led by Jacquie Stowell with 12 points and six rebounds. Jenna Connot added 11 points and 10 rebounds, seven of which were offensive. Ashley Vandersnick continued her improved play with eight points, 14 rebounds (eight offensive) and six blocks.

The following Friday, the Lady Cards were back home against the Lady Tigers of Rock Country. The game was ugly, at best, with 71 turnovers between the two teams. St. Mary's came out on top with a 56-34 victory. St. Mary's came out with impressive defense, causing 47 Rock County turnovers, 26 of which were steals. Sloane Schneider led the way with 11 steals. Rock County kept themselves close at the half with a little run to pull with in seven after being down by 11 with their two offensive guns on the bench with foul trouble.

St. Mary's came out in the third quarter and opened up the game with smothering defense, shutting down Rock County 10-2 to increase the lead to 39-24. The lead ballooned to as many as 19 before Rock County put on one more run to get the lead back to 11, but turnovers hurt Rock County and St. Mary's was able to convert to get the lead back to 22 which was the final margin.

St. Mary's was led by a very impressive inside game with Jenna Connot and Ashley Vandersnick hitting their first 10 shots of the game. Ashley Vandersnick led the way with 15 points, 10 rebounds, six blocks, four assists and three steals. Jenna Connot also added 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jacquie Stowell added seven points and seven rebounds.