This story was written by Bay College SID Mike Pankow. Click the thumbnails to see photos and videos from the game, and click the AUDIO buttons to hear post-game comments from Nina Bower and Coach James Fassett, as well as Lauren Zawada's halftime interview
ESCANABA, MI – The #24 Bay College Norse Women's Basketball Team (3-0) rolled to a big victory Wednesday night, taking down the Gogebic Community College Samsons (1-3) by a final score of 112-74.
Bay never trailed in the game and took a double-digit lead just four minutes into the game and never looked back. Bay forced eight turnovers in the opening quarter and shot incredibly well, hitting 16 of 23 shots in the first quarter to put up 37 points in the first ten minutes.
The Norse offense went on a lull in the second quarter and hit just 26.1% of their shots, but their defense stymied the Gogebic attack, not allowing them to take advantage. Gogebic turned it over nine times and shot just 17.6%, allowing the Bay lead to grow to 53-32 at the half way mark.
A 35-point dominating third quarter put any hopes of a Samson comeback out of the question. Bay's relentless pressure on the defensive end and efficient offensive attack allowed the Norse to cruise to the 38-point victory on their home court.
The Norse shot 46.2% for the game and 36.7% from behind the three-point line. They did leave a few points on the free throw line, going 15 of 26 from the charity stripe. The Norse had 24 steals and created 27 Gogebic turnovers. The Samsons shot 34.8% from the field, but only connected on three of their 15 three-point attempts.
Addison Cullen (FR, St. Ignace, MI) led all scorers with 21 points on eight of 16 shooting. She also grabbed eight rebounds. Nina Bower (RS-FR, Bark River, MI) had 19 points and three assists, while Jillian Fraser (FR, St. Ignace, MI) ended her night with 15 points and four steals. Lauren Zawada (SO, Bark River, MI) had 12 points, while Aubree Blackburn (FR, Marquette, MI) had 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Mckenzie Hoffmeyer (SO, Bark River, MI) ended with 11 points and had eight steals.
Macy Linsenbigler (FR, Iron Mountain, MI) had a double-double for the Samsons, picking up 20 points and 12 rebounds. Grace Maule (FR, Carney, MI) had 16 points and five rebounds. Hanna Vaughn (SO, Ironwood, MI) and Destanee Barrera (SO) each had 11 points apiece. Payton Kakkuri (FR, Ishpeming, MI) had ten points.
The Norse will host Oakland Community College (0-3) on Friday evening. First tip for that game will be at 5pm.
