| CEU’s Janeen Nelson (20) and Jana Glover (5) closely guard Northwestern Colorado’s Jamie Huntsman during a game at the BDAC last Saturday. |
CEU women’s basketball took their first conference win for the season Saturday, defeating Colorado Northwestern Community College 60-54.
The Lady Eagles came home from two punishing defeats on the road a week earlier and a 0-5 conference record, losing 48-87 to North Idaho College and 47-82 at College of Southern Idaho.
Facing the only other winless team in the conference, the team took the opportunity to build some much-needed momentum. With close scores right from the tip-off, CEU ended the half with a fragile five-point lead, both teams hitting better than 40 percent in field goals and 75 percent of free throws.
As both teams seemed to be evenly matched in both offense and defense, the Eagles kept their lead through the second half, answering each of CNCC’s baskets. Defense was key as CEU took 12 steals and five blocks compared to four steals and no blocks by the opposition.
The Spartan’s Emily Kensington led the game in scoring with 19 points and two assists, followed by CEU’s Janeen Nelson with 16 points and four assists and Jana Glover with 12 points and four assists.
“I think Nelson had one of her best games here,” commented Dave Paur, head coach of the Eagles. “Glover is consistent around 10 to 13 points.”
CEU’s women are now 4-13 overall, and 1-5 in the conference.
“It’s like a guy that’s been in a car wreck and can’t walk. Just like taking your first steps, we have to learn how to win again,” explained Paur “Last year, we won 23 games. This year through injury and other things, we are struggling.”
Playing on a torn ACL, freshman Krislyn Wallace returned from the injured list leading her team with 10 rebounds and sinking five field goals and two of four free throws. Wallace missed six games due to injury and is scheduled to get surgery on her knee after the season.
“She’s starting to play like she did at the beginning of the year,” commented Paur. “Being out as long as she has been, she did some stuff that really helped us.”
Both Megan Hunsaker and Brook Wilson remain on CEU’s injured list.
“Hopefully as some of these players start coming back, we can put it together,” Paur speculated.
Other key players for the game included CEU’s Whitney Fardig with three blocks and nine rebounds, Veva Whitear with seven steals and four assists and CNCC’s Jamie Huntsman with 10 rebounds and five assists.
Hoping to keep their momentum going at home, CEU faces number-three ranked North Idaho College tomorrow and Saturday at 5:30 p.m.