WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

A rough start against #RV Spring Arbor doomed the Forester women’s basketball team Saturday afternoon at Platt Arena in an 84-65 final that favored the guests. Over the last decade, HU has dominated the series 16-4 against SAU.

The opening ten minutes was cause for concern for Coach Maggard as her crew spilled the ball ten times and managed just three field goals to find themselves down 19-10. The struggle continued in the second quarter to make for a 40-23 deficit by halftime.

Huntington settled in after break to play within a few points of the Cougars the rest of the way but unfortunately the hole they’d dug for themselves was too much to overcome. Bailey Kelham sparked her team in the final twenty minutes by scoring 18 of her team-leading 27 points which included knocking down four from downtown after intermission.

For the rookie sharpshooter, it’s the sixth time this season she’s scored at least 20 points. Her scoring blitz also included going 8-for-9 from the line. Additionally, she ripped down five boards to share team-best rebounding honors with Annaka Nelson.

Gabi Melby was the only other Forester to finish in double figures by dropping in 14. She was two assists shy of a double double having handed out eight dimes.

SAU made bank in the lane, scoring 46 of their points in the paint which nearly doubled HU’s 24 points in the paint. Neither team was very careful with the ball as evidenced by Huntington scoring 22 points off of 19 Cougar mishaps while Spring Arbor racked up 26 points on HU’s 24 turnovers.

Alize Tripp went off for 30 points to top all scorers. It’s the second time this season she’s poured in at least 30. Alana Nelson added 11 points and 12 boards for the double double. Both average over 19 points a game to currently rank second and third respectively in the league in scoring.

Abby Fleetwood chipped in 15 points while Alex Long tossed in ten for the guests.

With today’s loss, HU drops to 9-8 on the year which includes a 3-4 league record. It’s Huntington’s third straight CL loss. Maggard and crew hope to change all that on Wednesday at Taylor. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.