The College of Eastern Utah Lady Eagles traveled to Idaho to compete in two games Jan. 3 and 5. This road trip was the second in a weeks time for the Eagles adding up to over 3,600 miles traveled in a week.
The Eagles have been on the road so much that the team had only one practice to prepare them for the two day affair in Idaho. This practice however was not very productive for the team.
Only eight players practiced while the remainder of the team nursed illness. Those that did compete were also ill.
The team then jumped on the bus to head North to Idaho. Once the team arrived in Rexburg, it was off to the courts.
The Lady Eagles first opponent was the Ricks College Lady Vikings.
Although physically sick, the Eagles were ready for competition.
The Eagles struggled throughout the game, but their will and determination was strong as ever.
CEU shot only 32 percent from the field and finished the game 104-61, losing to the Vikings.
“I have no explanation for it. They just could not hit any shots,” explained Eagles head coach Dave Paur.
Despite the struggles from the field, Kasey Mills and Julianne Orgill each scored 13 points to lead CEU in scoring.
Jennifer Barney lead the Eagles in rebounds with four, while scoring 8 points.
The loss weakened the Eagles spirits, yet the team prepared for competition against North Idaho College, Jan. 5.
The Eagles entered the game tired, as the numbers reflect. The team shot only 31 percent from the field in the loss against North Idaho; 83-49.
Once again, leading scorer for the Eagles was Orgill who finished with 11 points. Orgill also completed two assists, one rebound, and shot 1-3 from the three-point line.
Following in scoring was Eagles sophomore McKell Warburton who scored 8 points, while pulling down three rebounds, and completing 2-3 three point shots.
Rose Hamilton lead CEU in assists with four. Hamilton also scored seven points and completed four rebounds.
“The team entered Idaho physically sick, and emotionally defeated. We have a good team, but we just need to come back home and start over,” explained Paur.
“We entered Idaho in a snow storm, and was buried by an avalanche that we have to dig our way out of,” Paur concluded.
The Eagles hope to dig themselves out from the avalanche by Jan. 11 when the team hosts Salt Lake Community College at the BDAC at 6p.m.
Although tired and weak, the Eagles hope to be strong and energized and ready for competition by Fri. night.
Lady Eagles struggle on the road
